Rachel has been nominated to be a hidden hero because she was able to take all of University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) prospective student events they had planned for 2020 and reevaluate them to make the events more accommodating for families and students during the pandemic. Imagine trying to plan a college orientation for thousands of students right now with Covid-19. Now imagine having to rework every single event for thousands of students to fit CDC guidelines, but also allow families to feel comfortable while visiting. Because of Rachel Siebers our campus has been able to allow prospective students and their families to still be able to come and see the campus along with our beautiful community, both virtually and in person. On top of all that she has been flexible with making sure UWSP's events aren’t just safe but still just as vibrant and energetic as ever. She deserves this award because if it was anyone else, they would have just lost their heads, she was able to still be as creative and excited for UWSP's prospective students through all of it.

Rachel was born and raised in Germantown, Wisconsin. She has lived in portage county for 10 years including the time in college.

Her passion stems from her time and experiences as an undergrad at UWSP. As a student,  she had phenomenal leaders who encouraged her to "write my own story and not let barriers hold me back." Working at a university has allowed her to provide the same experience for UWSP students that she received. Rachel says that she would like to be a resource for students and community members alike, encouraging us all to create our path for success.

Rachel would like to thank her parents for encouraging her to try new things and take risks. They taught her to look at risks as something not frightening but rather as exciting opportunities. She says "I took the risk of going to college further from home, the risk of getting involved and having multiple leadership roles, and the risk of going to graduate school out of state." Her biggest risk was turning down job offers after obtaining her master's in the pursuit to return to UWSP.

Her biggest obstacle has been her fears and insecurities. "I am often my toughest critic, competitive in hopes of significant achievements, and often setting ambitious goals professionally." It was a defining moment when she wasn't hired as an Assistant Hall Director during her undergrad and it forced her to shift directions and allowed her to discover executive positions in Student Government Association (SGA). Rachel believes in the logic that everything happens for a reason. 

Rachel's Favorites:

Song: I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys

Food: SUSHI

Quote: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Book: Any of the Harry Potter Series

What makes you happy?

Creativity – from home renovations, coloring books, cooking, gardening, to designing and planning events. Pinterest is one of my favorite tools I love being inspired to do something creative and unique.

How does living in Portage County influence you? 

Portage county has become my home! The community is so creative and allows me to use their tools to influence my own creative decisions. I painted a piano last summer that was displayed downtown Stevens Point, we highlight the phenomenal local businesses on our campus visits through the university, and I attend concert series or take walks in our amazing parks to continue to be energized.   

Where are you headed? 

I have hopes and dreams to continue to inspire those who surround me – it's not a distinct destination but rather a journey. Maybe that is redoing furniture I find on the curb, baking pies, or starting a business.

Who's your hero? 

My mom, although she is no longer with us, she had similar aspirations to be authentically herself. She believed in the beauty of everything around us and left her mark so strongly on this world.

What can people from the community learn from you? 

To write your own story, be authentic, and bring creativity into your life – let’s go on a hike together, cry, laugh, brainstorm new ideas together. Life is about experiences and the people you share them with. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be the best version of yourself. 

Relationships are at the center of everything you do and they are the most personally and professionally valuable. UWSP is a family surrounded by a extended community that wants to see students success. Lean into it – lean into your experiences and don’t be afraid to try something new (and it’s okay to fail at it too).

What is your most deeply held belief? 

That it’s okay to cry – it sounds sappy but it goes along with the authenticity concept. Society expects us to be tough and to tell people we are fine or okay when we really aren’t.

Do you prefer to donate time or money to those in need?

Quality time – I like to get to know people, hear their stories, and as much as I may be a part of their journey they are a part of mine. Time is the most precious gift.