Rachelle Long is a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and proud advocate for the underserved and under-represented in our community. 

 

Rachelle is the founder and Executive Director of Taste of the Junction, that was formed in 2013. A nonprofit that shares, preserves, and celebrates the ever-changing, culturally rich history of Valley Junction. 

 

Rachelle’s deep commitment to the community is also evident through her service on the City of West Des Moines Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, her membership on the Valley Junction Residential Association, and her Restorative Facilitator role with Urban Dreams.

 

A passionate advocate for women in the criminal justice system, Rachelle co-created re-entry and mentoring programs for women and men leaving incarceration. Rachelle also taught life skills and parenting classes at Iowa Correctional Institution for Women.

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Prior to her full-time focus on community service, Rachelle spent 30+ years in the communications industry where she served in several leadership roles within the Employee Diversity Resource Groups focused on equity, inclusion, civil and human rights. Rachelle was the previous National President for the Alliance of Black Telecommunications Professionals (ABTP) and the second Vice President of CenturyLink Women (Iowa Chapter). 

 

As a lifetime member of the Communications Worker of America (CWA) Local 7102, Rachelle held various leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. She currently serves as Secretary of the CWA National Minority Caucus Executive Board.

 

Rachelle is a proud graduate of Valley High School (1978), an alumnus of  William Penn College earned a Bachelors degree in Business Leadership. 

 

Rachelle is a Valley Junction native, mother to five adult children and grandma to nine grandchildren. She’s also an accomplished baker and owns Chellie’s Sugar Shack Bakery.