Our President
Rachel Mello has been elected as the new President of Women Inspiring Leadership and Democracy, bringing a wealth of experience in public education and a proven commitment to empowering women in leadership. A seventh-generation Texan born in Bell County, Rachel's dedication to her community is deeply rooted.
With a career spanning 18 years in education, Rachel has been a steadfast advocate for public schools, particularly focusing on supporting students in at-risk subpopulations. Her work as a special education teacher and public school educator in both Baton Rouge and the Dallas Metroplex has given her firsthand insight into the challenges faced by underserved communities and the transformative power of quality education.
Rachel's passion for public service extends beyond the classroom. Rachel is an active member of her religious community and a regular volunteer with nonprofit organizations. As the Democratic candidate for Texas State Senate District 8 in the November 2024 election, she championed policies promoting access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for all. While the election results showed a win for the incumbent, Rachel’s strong showing reflects her ability to connect with voters and mobilize support for progressive causes.
As President of WILD, Rachel is uniquely positioned to advance the organization's mission of empowering, supporting, and mobilizing women to lead in public office. She joins a long and proud history of Texas women who have successfully championed progressive causes, from fighting for educational reforms to advocating for bodily autonomy, often in the face of overwhelming opposition. Her background as an educator aligns perfectly with WILD's commitment to leadership development, while her recent electoral campaign provides invaluable experience in grassroots organizing and voter engagement, particularly in challenging districts. Rachel believes that "real democracy thrives when women from all backgrounds have the tools, support, and platform to lead boldly in their communities," a vision she is now poised to bring to fruition at WILD. Her leadership promises to build a future where women's voices are instrumental in shaping policy, power, and progress at every level of government in Texas.
