Rachel Peric is a mother and passionate contributor to a world of less othering and more belonging. She currently serves as Deputy Director of Welcoming America, an NGO that builds communities where everyone – including immigrants and refugees - can thrive. Her past work includes leading a coalition advocating for adult English literacy and building community investment and impact with a regional United Way. Rachel is also a board member of Art & Remembrance, which uses art to recognize individual courage and resilience by sharing the work of the strongest woman in Rachel’s life – her grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, former refugee, and artist. As a newish mom, she maintains an extensive collection of abandoned knitting and creative writing projects that she hopes to return to someday. In the meantime, she's enjoying spending time with family and exploring nature with her daughter.