Ambassador Spotlight: Rachelle Joseph on Building Community at BU
The BU Women’s Guild (BUWG) is proud to highlight the voices of our Ambassadors—leaders who help build connection, foster belonging, and welcome new members into our community. This semester, we’re spotlighting Rachelle Joseph, Assistant Vice President, Post-Award, Sponsored Programs at Boston University.
Rachelle became a BU Women’s Guild member in 2019 and has since embraced the role of Ambassador as a way to uplift others and strengthen connections across campus. For her, being an Ambassador means serving as a connector—someone who creates space for women to share their stories, feel supported, and thrive at BU.
“Supporting and uplifting others has always been at the heart of my approach,” Rachelle shares. “Becoming an Ambassador was a way to actively contribute to a network that celebrates women’s voices and leadership.”
Through her work and involvement with the Guild, including serving as a committee member on the Women of Color Circle committee, Rachelle embodies the BUWG mission of community, mentorship, and empowerment.
Q&A
When did you become a member of the BUWG, and what were the circumstances (new to BU? Other?)
I became a member of the BU Women’s Guild in 2019, shortly after stepping into my role as Director of Research Administration, Department of Medicine. I was looking for a space where I could connect with women across BU, beyond my own department, a place to share experiences, offer support, and build relationships that reach beyond our everyday work. The Guild aligned naturally with my values of community, mentorship, and empowerment.
What motivated you to become a BU Women’s Guild Ambassador, and what does this role mean to you?
Supporting and uplifting others has always been at the heart of my approach. Becoming an Ambassador was a way to actively contribute to a network that celebrates women’s voices and leadership. To me, this role means being a connector—bringing people together and helping others feel seen and valued. It’s also about modeling authenticity and encouraging others to show up fully as themselves.
Can you share an experience where you were inspired by a fellow Guild member—or where you feel you inspired someone else?
One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had with the Guild was during my transition from the Medical Campus to the Charles River Campus. I was excited about the new opportunity, but also concerned about feeling isolated in a new environment. Thankfully, I already knew several amazing women through the BUWG, and their support made all the difference. Two of my colleagues from the Membership Committee invited me to lunch shortly after the move. That simple gesture—breaking bread and sharing stories—made me feel instantly welcomed and at home. Their kindness reminded me of the power of community and how small acts of inclusion can have a lasting impact. It’s a moment I carry with me and try to pay forward whenever I meet someone new to BU.
How has being part of the Guild shaped your sense of community and belonging at BU?
Being part of the Guild has helped me feel more connected to the broader BU community in a meaningful way. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of our roles, but the Guild creates space for genuine connection, shared purpose, and mutual support. I’ve met incredible women from across the university—people I might not have interacted with otherwise—and those relationships have enriched both my professional and personal experience at BU. It’s reminded me that we’re not just colleagues—we’re part of something bigger.
List some benefits of being an ambassador and a member of the BUWG.
- Building meaningful relationships with women across BU
- Creating opportunities for mentorship and collaboration
- Connecting new members with people they may not have otherwise met, helping them feel welcomed and supported
- Helping others invest in their personal and professional development through shared resources, events, and conversations
- Experiencing a sense of belonging and purpose beyond your day-to-day role
- Gaining access to a vibrant network of changemakers and thought leaders
Looking ahead, what opportunities or initiatives are you most excited to support as an ambassador?
I’m especially looking forward to the upcoming Health Series hosted by the Women of Color Circle. It’s a meaningful initiative that highlights the importance of self-care—not just for women of color, but for allies as well. As an ambassador, I’m excited to help elevate these conversations and create space for healing, reflection, and empowerment. Prioritizing wellness is crucial to sustaining our growth, relationships, and impact.
Learn more about the BUWG Ambassador Program.
Author: Maureen McCarthy, BUWG Communications Chair and Director of Communications in the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences at Boston University.