Rachel Gellman is the Web Design Organizer for On Earth Peace. She is a recent graduate of Ithaca College, where she studied Emerging Media and Environmental Studies. In her free time, she loves to hike, dance, and travel. 

Why did you apply to On Earth Peace? What drew you to the organization?

I applied to OEP because I was looking for a way to hone my technical skills while working for an organization that does true good. When I began to do my research into OEP, I was impressed by their philosophy of active nonviolence and the work they were doing to bring about peace in the world. I've always been a pacifist, and OEP has given me space to develop these beliefs and think about ways to put Kingian Nonviolence into action.

What are your favorite projects that you’ve worked on?

My most exciting project has been the redesign of the On Earth Peace website. I've gotten to understand how OEP's brand identity has changed over time, pinpoint the things that frustrate users about the existing website, and work out a strategy to fix them. In the next few weeks, we're hoping to launch a newly redesigned version of the website. Check back for some exciting changes!

How has OEP affected your future aspirations?

OEP has affirmed my belief that with tech and communications, your work can only ever be as good as your organization. As I move forward in my career, On Earth Peace will be my benchmark for what an impactful, community-oriented organization looks like. I've also been highly influenced in my beliefs about nonviolence and the place of activism in social change. It's been incredibly empowering to learn the techniques of nonviolent organizing and be surrounded by people putting them into action. 

What would you like people to know about OEP and yourself?

On Earth Peace is an organization that touches lives both through their work and their internships. I've had the opportunity to work with incredible people while refining my skills in web design and development. I can't imagine what my career trajectory might have been without my overwhelmingly positive experience with OEP. This is an organization of passionate, kind, dedicated people, and I really believe that OEP's next fifty years has the potential to be even better than the last.