Skills
Impact strategy development, mission-driven outreach and engagement, community partnership building, strategic planning, advocacy, impact measurement and reporting, storytelling and communications, on-the-ground project implementation, marine conservation, oyster restoration, nature-based solutions, grantmaking processes, stakeholder engagement, cross-sector collaboration, relationship management, values-aligned sales and partnerships in the outdoor retail space, environmental and conservation expertise, translating mission into actionable initiatives, events and volunteering, stewardship, nonprofits, environmental and conservation non profits, fisheries, land trust, conservation easements, corporate social responsibility
About
Rachel Hawes is an impact strategist and community engagement professional with over a decade of experience helping mission-driven organizations translate purpose into practice. Her work spans local and international contexts, with a strong foundation in environmental conservation, community partnership building, and values-aligned business strategy. She founded Drift Consulting to support businesses and brands in designing, implementing, and communicating meaningful impact initiatives that are both authentic and actionable.
Rachel’s background includes mission-driven outreach and engagement, strategic planning, advocacy campaigns, impact reporting and storytelling, grantmaking processes, and on-the-ground project implementation. She has also worked within the outdoor retail space, bridging sales, partnerships, and impact to help brands align business goals with social and environmental responsibility.
She holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from the University of Georgia and began her career as a research assistant on a marine-focused PhD project in Western Australia. Upon returning to Charleston, she earned a Master of Environmental Studies from the College of Charleston and went on to work with multiple conservation and environmental organizations, building deep-rooted community connections and long-term brand and business partnerships. Across her career, Rachel brings a collaborative, practical approach to impact that is grounded in real-world experience and driven by meaningful change.
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