Rachel Van Etten

Rachel Van Etten is the Director of Operations at the Center for Justice and Human Dignity and a PhD student in Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati. She has two decades of experience working in nonprofits focused on criminal legal reform and social services, with a strong emphasis on operations, program development, and organizational growth.

Previously, Rachel served in senior leadership roles at the Aleph Institute, including as CEO. She played a key role in expanding the organization’s West Coast division—helping grow the team, budget, and programs in collaboration with others. As part of CJHD’s founding team, she supported the organization’s early development, governance, and vision.

Rachel holds an MBA from Pepperdine University, an MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, and a BA in Communications and Media from City University of New York.

Rachel Van Etten