Nice to Meet You!
Did you know that the In and Out-of-School Time field has some of the greatest working professionals that ‘Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change’ year-round? TEAMBOOST proudly features BOOST Partners, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members in the GTKY (Getting to Know You) collaborative blog series! It’s our last week of the blog series, so let’s Get To Know BOOST Ambassador, Rachel Bryant (She/Her).
Thank you, Rachel, for your meaningful contributions to the BOOST community! We appreciate you!
Get to Know BOOST Ambassador Rachel Bryant (She/Her)
Rachel is the Youth Evolvement Program Manager for Brightpoint in Fort Wayne, IN.
What is one thing that motivates you? Share your inspiration.
Making a difference motivates me, whether that is personally or professionally. My family and these youth are what drives me each day. I know I need to be healthy physically and mentally for my family in order to be the best version of myself. And the same holds true for the work I do.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!
I have two American Bullies. Zena is our oldest dog – she is 7 – and Zulu is one of her puppies. He will be 3 this month. They both love attention and Zulu is a true bully who will push his momma out of the way to make sure he gets his touches. They are both very loving and playful. Zena has gotten much more reserved in her older years so she is pretty chill. Zulu still behaves as a puppy should. He likes to eat my plants and everything that is not a dog toy. They are both very smart and protective. When guests come, they greet them with jumps and licks.
What go-to song would you sing at Karaoke night? 
“It Takes Two” – Rob Base
Share any unique hobbies or talents.
I am not sure it is unique but I bake and recently started my own baking business called Suga Raee. But I also love to read and can normally read a book in a day.
Favorite animal noise?
I have never thought about this….but I guess a sheep baaaaaa, because it sounds like a laugh.
What is your most treasured book to read?
I am currently reading “Lost Girls of WillowBrook” by Ellen Marie Wiseman. My favorite book is “Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison.
Share an inspirational quote that resonates with you.
It is actually a Bible scripture: “Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created” Esther 4:14
If you could be any person for a day, who would you be and why?
I am going to say my husband Zeke because being able to see myself and things from his perspective could make our marriage even stronger. 
What advice would you give your teenage self?
You are good enough, and what people think about you is irrelevant.
If you really knew me you would know that…
I have a big heart and am an empath. I enjoy making others happy through my sweets. I love my family with everything in me. I also love shoes and purses. I do this work because I know how it feels to need that additional connection as a young person.
Today for breakfast I had…
A banana.
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Rachel, for sharing your leadership with us. You are a wonderful partner and a shining light for youth!