In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 cohort) interviews Rachel Desch ('23 cohort) who imagines a world where trusted institutions and leaders are able to mitigate violent conflict and inspire innovative policymaking. Rachel is a second-year master’s student in international policy. Before coming to Stanford, she spent nearly a decade working in the federal government. In this episode, Rachel describes how her upbringing on a military base and wide-ranging academic background have fueled her commitment to building trust in government, adopting holistic approaches to conflict resolution, and potentially running for public office. She highlights the “start-up culture” pockets within government where mission-driven work thrives, and shares other personal interests.

Highlights from the episode:

(02:21) Reflecting on spring quarter

(05:54) Growing up in a military community in Fayetteville, North Carolina

(11:38) Going from high school to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to Stanford

(19:59) Working on foreign policy analysis and making the decision to go back to graduate school

(24:45) Reason behind working in the government after graduating from UNC

(29:06) Building people's trust in institutions and leaders, mitigating violent conflict, and inspiring innovative policymaking

(36:44) Reflecting on people's perceptions of government and government work

(41:24) Advice for people interested in applying to Knight-Hennessy Scholars

(43:10) Improbable facts