We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Corbett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.

Rachel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, I had no clue what my work life would be like. I knew that I wanted to provide helping services to my community but I had no clue what that helping service would be. After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked in retail for a little over a year before exploring a suggestion from a colleague to pursue an advising role at a local career college in Columbia, SC. A year into working with students and helping them resolve basic issues and get on track for program completion, I decided that I would pursue a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. My students were dealing with various challenges that existed well beyond the classroom. I wanted to equip myself to address some of the challenges they were facing. Working full time and completing a masters program was no easy feat. It took me twice as long to complete the program. With initial plans to receive professional licensure and ultimately open a private counseling practice, I instead decided that I would use my new wisdom, training, and life experiences to educate others about mental health and wellness. Meanwhile, in the backdrop of all of my plans I was also dealing with personal traumas. In 2018, less than a year after completing the masters program, I developed a workshop, Self-awareness Matters, to teach others about the importance of self awareness. This workshop has been facilitated multiple times over the last seven years. Unsure how it would be received, I ensured the workshop included engaging activities where participants would be encouraged to interact and share amongst themselves. It has been a beautiful experience to see the evolution of my work and creativity. Spring 2020, at the height of the COVID 19 pandemic, I had plans to host another workshop, called a Conversation Party. This workshop is exclusively for black women to dialogue about mental health, relationships, overall health and so much more. My plans were canceled as businesses across the country shut down to reduce the spread of COVID -19. With no choice but to pivot, I moved the Conversation Party online. It created a beautiful safe space for black women to share their fears, their triumphs and so much more. Instead of one workshop, I facilitated four virtual Conversation Parties between March and July 2020. I knew I had something special on my hands. This is how and why Girl, let’s talk, was born. I hosted an official brand launch in October 2022. Despite my uncertainty about how these creations would be embraced, I over-stand internally that this is a calling and that I am destined to stand as a wellness advocate.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Working with students, specifically college age and beyond, advisors and administrators have the unique experience of seeing students during a transition and or transformation. In 2012, when I took my first role in advising and enrollment services, I realized how important it was to provide sound information and support for those who were pursuing higher education. This role made me consistently reflect on my own experiences as a college student. In doing so, I realized that the support and communication I provided for my students was not the norm. I always wanted to know more about the student beyond their academic endeavors. I took a comprehensive approach as their advisor. This allowed me to gain their trust and also reminded them that they indeed were not alone during these challenging transitions. A little over a year into my first advising role, I decided to pursue a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I had never explored this career path but it proved to meet me exactly where I needed it to. It was so natural for me. Listening, summarizing and helping others create or find solutions became extremely gratifying to me. I saw myself in these students and knew that I would be of service to those who appreciated and needed the support I was providing. In my current role as Assistant Director of Academic Programs in the department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences at the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, I am still giving back and creating a safe space for these students. With a bachelors in Sociology and a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, taking this role in March 2020 has expanded my network and provided me with new skills. I do a lot of career and personal coaching with my students. This helps them shift their perspectives and see opportunities where it may not be so apparent. I’ve facilitated the Self-Awareness Matters workshop with these students and I also direct a peer mentoring program for the department. My growing transparency and authenticity have led me to so many different opportunities. I know that my life experiences and candor about my own personal growth and development is inspiring and will continue to empower those I come in contact with.

I’m extremely proud of my persistence. I’m proud of the work I’m doing as a higher educational professional and I’m proud of the foundation that I am laying for Girl, let’s talk to continuously impact lives. The workshops that I have developed have proven to provide a profound experience for those who have had an opportunity to participate.

I’m proud that I will be conducting an oral presentation for the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health annual meeting in March. This presentation will highlight the importance of fostering belonging on campus through programs and initiatives like the peer mentoring program that I currently direct.

I’ve formed lifelong connections with colleagues and students and truly hope that I continue to make an impact in all of the spaces I find myself in.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back I would choose the same profession but I would also pursue more opportunities to connect with professionals that had similar backgrounds and interests. I would have sought a mentor earlier on to help me truly acknowledge what my strengths and streamline decisions for my career.

I knew early on that I wanted to be of service. In service to help people live happier more aware lives.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe pure intentions, transparency, and persistence is key for success in this field. I also believe that being a lifelong learner is essential. There will always be something that I don’t know. Connecting with others with no judgement will also help me to be successful. We all have a backstory. My goal is to help empower those who may not be proud of theirs while I continue to move through life as my authentic self.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @glltalk
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-corbett-6a727593
• Other: Schedule a consultation with Girl, let’s talk. We would love to host a workshop for you and your family, friends, work colleagues etc. Send an email to [email protected] if you have questions.