Hi, I’m Rachel Renata.

A motivational and inspirational speaker, empowerment coach, licensed professional counselor, therapist, educator, and award-winning philanthropist whose life’s work is rooted in service, advocacy, and transformation.

At just 25 years old, Rachel founded Project Compassion, NFP, a nonprofit organization that has since served more than 200,000 homeless, disadvantaged, and low-income men, women, and children. Through food distribution, shelter support, hygiene resources, seasonal supplies, life-skills workshops, and vocational training, Project Compassion has been a lifeline for thousands of families and individuals.

In 2011, Rachel opened the Compassionate Resource Center in Belleville, Illinois, further expanding access to critical services. Her leadership led to the City of Belleville declaring October 29th as “Compassion Day”, a formal proclamation honoring the impact of her work.

During the 2020 pandemic, Rachel led Meal Time, an initiative that provided hot meals to 15,000 families and partnered with 15 organizations and churches to feed over 30,000 individuals during a time of crisis.

Rachel is also the creator of Empower Me, the first Self-Esteem and Self-Worth program in St. Clair County, Illinois. This initiative partners with school districts to inspire youth and girls by building confidence, character, inner beauty, and a foundation for lifelong growth. Additionally, Rachel is also the host of the Girlz On Purpose Tour, empowering young women to lead with confidence and intention.

Her work and leadership have received extensive local and national recognition.

Awards and Recognition

Rachel Renata has been honored with numerous awards, including:

  • L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth

  • Barack Obama Silver Presidential Award for Community Service

  • Daily Point of Light Award

  • BASIC Citizen of Character Award

  • Lindenwood University Outstanding Alum Award

  • Top Ladies of Distinction “Extraordinary Women” Award

  • Delta Economic Development Corporation “Heroes Among Us” Award

  • TOCO “Making a Difference” Award

She has also been featured nationally, including appearances on The Tyra Banks Show, where she received the Secret Deodorant Strong Enough for a Woman Award, and was honored with the Powerful Difference Award by ABC Radio and Pine Sol.

Professional Credentials

Rachel Renata brings both compassion and clinical expertise to her work.

  • Ph.D. Candidate in Forensic Psychology

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

  • Master of Arts in Professional Counseling

  • Master of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology

  • Certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer

  • Certified Trauma Awareness Trainer

  • Certified Master Trainer in Life Skills and Self Esteem

  • Sociology and Psychology Adjunct Professor

Rachel Renata’s Approach

The Brave Heart Approach

Rachel Renata’s approach to motivational and inspirational speaking is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and compassion in action. She believes that every individual already possesses courage within them; the work is learning how to access the courage, strengthen the courage, and intentionally live with courage.

Her approach blends lived experience, psychological insight, and purpose-driven leadership to create talks that are both deeply inspiring and practically transformative. Rachel does not simply motivate in the moment; she equips audiences with a mindset and framework they can carry forward long after the event ends.

Rachel Renata’s approach inspires individuals to live with courage, lead with compassion, and transform adversity into purpose by embracing the truth that every beating heart is a brave heart.

Audiences who hear Rachel speak can expect:
  • Emotional connection through powerful storytelling
  • Practical tools for resilience and self empowerment
  • A renewed sense of purpose and direction
  • Inspiration that leads to action, not just motivation
  • A safe, affirming space that honors vulnerability and strength

Core Pillars of Her Approach

1. Lived Experience and Authentic Storytelling
Rachel speaks from real life experience, not theory alone. Her journey through service, leadership, adversity, and healing allows audiences to see themselves in her story. This authenticity builds trust, emotional connection, and lasting impact.

2. Courage as a Daily Practice
Rachel reframes courage as something accessible and practical. A “brave heart” is not about perfection or fearlessness; it is about choosing growth, compassion, and purpose in everyday decisions.

3. Empowerment Through Self Worth
At the center of Rachel’s work is the belief that transformation begins with self worth. Her talks focus on helping individuals recognize their value, reclaim their voice, and move forward with confidence and clarity.

4. Compassion in Action
Rachel’s approach emphasizes that true empowerment extends beyond the self. She challenges audiences to turn inspiration into action, encouraging service, leadership, and community impact as expressions of a brave heart.

5. Mind, Heart, and Purpose Alignment
Drawing from her background as a licensed professional counselor and educator, Rachel integrates emotional awareness, mindset shifts, and purpose alignment. This creates a holistic approach that addresses both internal healing and external growth.