RACHEL BRECHT

Rachel Brecht is a Principal, Organizational Effectiveness at Aspirant, a management and technology consultancy headquartered here in Pittsburgh. Rachel has been a consultant for over half her career, leveraging her experience and expertise to drive leadership alignment and organizational effectiveness that enables her clients to mobilize their strategies and ultimately achieve results. 

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Rachel learned at an early age the importance of independence, hard work, and helping others. “My dad was an iron worker when the industry bottomed out in the ’80s, and we had some pretty tough years,” said Rachel. “I remember going with him to a food distribution center to get cheese and butter from the government. We made it through as a family, but that unsettling time will always stick with me as a constant reminder of how quickly the tables can turn.” 

Rachel grew up with her sister Adriane Aul who was also an active member in the Pittsburgh economic and philanthropic community. In 2007 Rachel lost her sister, Adriane, to brain cancer. These life events and experiences continue to motivate Rachel to volunteer and serve the community and she knows that her sister is there in spirit, cheering her on. 

She became involved with United Way in 2014 and has been a WLC member for the past eight years. “I remember attending my first info session, at a friend’s house, where they discussed how United Way is unique in the fact that you get to see how the funds are being used to enrich the lives of men, women, and children right here in our community. It’s so incredibly humbling and rewarding to be a part of that kind of movement,” said Rachel. 

United Way has helped Rachel learn about different life circumstances having volunteered at a women’s empowerment workshop. “I quickly learned that people in dire situations often fall into them because of a single life event that’s out of their control. This may include a car breaking down, hours being cut at work, or an unplanned healthcare bill. Sometimes it only takes one unplanned situation for someone’s life to fall apart around them – especially if they are living paycheck to paycheck.”

Rachel supports WLC and encourages other women to join so they can also witness the power of this organization. “If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact and meet the most amazing women leaders in our region, look no further than WLC,” said Rachel. Rachel currently serves on the board of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, St. Clair Hospital Foundation, and the Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance. 

To learn more about United Way Women’s Leadership Council, contact Lynne Popash at lynne.popash@unitedwayswpa.org in Allegheny County or Terri Dominick at Terri.Dominick@unitedwayswpa.org in Westmoreland County or Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher at sherrie.dunlapgallagher@unitedwayswpa.org in Butler County.