Name: Rachael Smith
Company/Organization: The News & Advance
Job Title: Business Reporter
How long have you been in Lynchburg? Born & Raised!
Tell us about your professional role: I have worked at The News & Advance for almost six and a half years - pretty much straight out of college! Even though I am a Lynchburg native, it wasn't until I began my career at the local newspaper that I really started to appreciate and love my community. There are such amazing people here doing equally amazing things! The newsroom is always an exciting place to be, mostly because I get to work alongside really smart, funny, and talented reporters. The best part of my job is that I'm not stuck behind a desk all day. I love that my job allows me to get out and meet new people and learn more about my city!
What do you enjoy in your spare time? Outside of work, you can find me at the local YMCA taking one of their awesome fitness classes, exploring downtown, or enjoying a wine and charcuterie night with girlfriends. I am a member of a local church and enjoy volunteering at its food pantry on the weekends and I'm also a Big Sister with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Virginia so I love getting to spend time with my little sis. I also meet with a group of women for a book club each month. As much as I love to be on the go, it is invaluable to be able to sit on my couch, watch a Netflix show while snuggling my cat, Georgia.
Who or what inspires you? Strong, independent women. Those who worked hard, have been through deep, dark valleys, and come through stronger on the other side. They inspire me to be bold, brave and never give up on myself. Also, lots of music.
What's a fun fact about you? I was in the marching band at E.C. Glass High School. I still don't know why people say "band nerd" like it's a bad thing...
Why did you join YPCV? You can never have too many friends! "Friendship is born at the moment when one man says to another "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." - C.S. Lewis.