Rachel Forsyth

Rachel
Forsyth

Assistant Professor of Social Work
Social Work
Email:
Office: Swenson 3112

About

Rachel spent the first two decades of her career in nonprofits and foundations working in the areas of research, youth mental health and diversionary programs; grassroots anti-poverty and anti-racism work; nonprofit administration and governance. Her most recent field work was in philanthropy, where she co-shaped a position dedicated to amplifying community voice in decision-making and where she continues to oversee a supportive scholarship program for rural students with higher needs. In her spare time, Rachel volunteers with numerous local campaigns and nonprofit organizations and can often be found with her spouse, two kiddos and rescue pup anywhere near a soccer field or a trampoline.

Rachel has worked as a therapeutic mentor, truancy specialist, financial coach & educator, housing counselor, and research consultant; and held director-level positions in program oversight, compliance, communications, fund development, human resources, operations, non-traditional scholarship programming and community engagement. Her field experience includes individual casework, group facilitation, interdisciplinary teams, policy advocacy, research, nonprofit leadership and grantmaking.

Rachel is passionate about service-based leadership, systems change, restorative justice, and reparations. She enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, playing soccer and broomball, snowboarding, and spending time anywhere quiet, near water.

Rachel is a first-generation college graduate and proud to be a University of Wisconsin-Superior alum.

Education

  • 2009 – Master’s of Science in Social Work, University of Minnesota-Duluth
  • 2007 – Bachelor’s of Science in Legal Studies & Criminal Justice, University of Wisconsin-Superior
  • Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), State of Minnesota Board of Social Work
  • Certified Community Action Professional Emeritus (CCAP), National Community Action Network
  • Certified in Human Resource Management (CHRM), University of Wisconsin-Superior Center for Continuing Education