Rachel Gilmer

Rachel Gilmer is a highly experienced leader and advocate in community-based public safety and social justice initiatives. Currently serving as the Director at the Healing and Justice Center since January 2023, Rachel co-founded a collaborative focusing on alternative public safety programs, including mobile crisis response and trauma recovery. Previously, as Co-Executive Director at DREAM DEFENDERS, Rachel engaged multiple stakeholders in strategic planning to enhance operations across Florida. Additional roles include Associate Director at The African American Policy Forum, where Rachel launched national initiatives addressing challenges for women and girls of color, and Director of Leadership at the Portland African American Leadership Forum, developing culturally-specific leadership programs. With a background in equity and inclusion at the Oregon Health Authority, along with experience in mentorship and educational programming, Rachel holds a BS in American Culture and Africana Studies from Vassar College.