Rachel Korycan – Senior Manager, Global Talent & Human Resources
From Akron, Ohio. Currently living in Frederick, MD (but my heart is in DC, always!)
I started at BSA as a temp in December 2014, and next year marks 10 years as a full-time employee.
As a naïve 18-year-old, I thought I could make peace in the Middle East, so I earned my B.A. in International Relations, Peace, and Conflict Resolution at American University in Washington, D.C. I quickly realized that peace in that region was a Sisyphean task, so I focused my post-undergrad work in the Jewish community. In my nearly 10 years of working for organizations like Hillel International and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, I held roles in event planning, fundraising, and Human Resources.
What attracted you to work at BSA?
Unlike most folks, I walked into my first day at BSA knowing very little about the organization. I immediately noticed how passionate the staff was about their work, and I absorbed it all, quickly learning about the various teams at BSA and their operations, needs, and goals. That fast-paced, “jump in, learn, and apply it” way of thinking was unique to me, and it made me want to stay and be part of BSA for the long haul.
What’s the most unique part about working at BSA?
Getting to work with some of the most well-respected professionals in their fields, who are also the kindest and most caring people. Living in the DC area for over 20 years, I don’t often hear about that combination, especially in the fast-paced world of government affairs and technology.
What’s one piece of career advice you are still trying to master?
Invest in yourself! As an HR professional, I am accustomed to taking care of others (and that’s just my natural inclination as a person). It is difficult for me to prioritize time for professional development, but it is so important!
Tell us one fun fact about you (that might surprise your colleagues).
I have a recipe published in a cookbook! My dear friend is an incredible cook and baker, and her first cookbook, Modern Jewish Baker, includes a cookie recipe that my mom and I shared with her, which she then invented amazing variations of.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
I would sit down with my paternal grandparents and ask them more questions about their lives. While they lived into their nineties, I was still in my early twenties when they passed, and didn’t have the life experience I have now to know what questions to ask. They were both Holocaust survivors who overcame incredible odds, and I want to learn more about how they remained so resilient in the face of such tragedy.
Favorite spot for a coffee meeting?
I don’t get to meet up with BSA folks too often up here in Frederick, but whenever my husband and I have a meeting for his functional rehab and sports chiropractic business, we go to Gravel & Grind. They serve delicious ube lattes, and my coffee-hating husband gets to ogle at their bicycles. It’s a marital win-win.
How do you unwind after work?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I began taking weekend trips to places within a 3-hour driving radius of our home. We’ve continued this habit, frequently driving to Baltimore, Richmond, Charlottesville, Norfolk, and Philadelphia (my favorite!) for the weekend, and spending our time getting to know each place.