While at AFSC, Raquel carried out the organization’s first 360-degree Diversity, Equity and Inclusion audit in its over 100 year history, which resulted in dozens of recommendations for organizational improvement in areas related to diversity, equity, inclusion and workplace culture. She also advocated for reparations to Black and indigenous communities, advanced language and disability justice, crafted policies fostering greater inclusion and workplace safety, and supported staff organizing rights and deeper engagement with the organization’s labor unions (serving also on the negotiation team, where her leadership on matters of equity, inclusion and workplace culture helped to ensure successful contracts with the unions). She started a series called “Breathing Room,” which provided Black staff with space to meet confidentially with Black spiritual leaders and mental health professionals. Funded by her office, the series helped to support staff following events like the 2022 Buffalo shooting, and in navigating workplace dynamics. Raquel also prompted other successful initiatives, like stimulus support for all employees (with the exception of senior management) to help offset the challenges of the pandemic, free mental health counseling to staff and their families worldwide (in dozens of languages), and more.
Raquel was awarded “Woman of the Year” by the Philadelphia chapter of the National Organization for Women and “Rad Girl of the Year” by Rad Girls, Inc. Philadelphia Magazine named her the city’s “Liaison for the Marginalized” in its “New Look of Power” issue.
Raquel has advised national political campaigns on policy to advance racial justice, economic empowerment, gender justice and LGBTQ+ inclusion, and has crafted impactful policy resulting in meaningful systemic change. She has also advised nonprofits, health centers, labor unions and other employers, helping them to foster safer, more equitable and inclusive working environments. Her career began in the reproductive justice space and in supporting people living with HIV.
Raquel has served on the board of several organizations, including the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
Raquel completed programs in fostering inclusion and diversity at Yale School of Management and in human resources management at Villanova University.
