Turning Ideas Into Impact Using Scientific Approach
I always envisioned having a career that helped people and served my community.
My earliest experiences in leadership were in service-based organizations and programs that helped to train civic leaders and public servants. I believe in the concept of community and that members of a community must support each other.
I graduated high school wanting to choose a career to serve others. I ended up majoring in soil science and global development because I thought I wanted to do research to help people across the world grow food and protect the environment.
In graduate school, I realized that I liked talking to people about science more than I liked actually conducting scientific research myself. I found that talking about science to policymakers could have a major impact on how they make decisions and I had an opportunity to found a nonprofit focused on this work.
After founding and directing a nonprofit for two years, I realized that at my core, I was truly passionate about taking important work and ideas and making them happen. Consulting was a way that I would work with nonprofits across the country to support their ideas and help them to make an impact.
As a nonprofit consultant, with a PhD in soil science, I bring a systems-minded approach to help free up time and focus on the most important work. I also love facilitating harmonious progress in board meetings by bridging gaps in varying opinions. After working with me, organizations move forward with strategic direction and time to pursue what matters most to the people that they serve.
It is an honor to help organizations take their ideas and make positive change in the world. Service-based or mission-focused organizations are often run by volunteers or over-worked employees. Many don’t realize that consultants can be an affordable way to help meet the needs of their organizations.
My Bio
Dr. Rachel K. Owen is a distinguished consultant, educator, and policy expert specializing in sustainable agriculture and science policy. As the Principal Consultant and Owner of RKO Consulting, she leverages her extensive experience to advise on federal agriculture policy, facilitate strategic planning for nonprofits, and develop policy engagement strategies.
With a Ph.D. in Natural Resources focusing on Soil Biogeochemistry and Ecology from the University of Missouri, Dr. Owen brings a wealth of knowledge to the intersection of science, policy, and agriculture. Her expertise is further demonstrated through her role as the former Associate Director of Government & External Relations for the Agronomy, Crop, and Soil Science Societies of America, where she led government affairs and managed a $1 million annual budget.
Dr. Owen's commitment to bridging the gap between science and policy is exemplified by her co-founding of MOST Policy Initiative, Inc., where she served as Executive Director. In this role, she pioneered the development of 'Science Notes,' now a nationwide model for providing nonpartisan scientific information to policymakers.
As an educator, Dr. Owen has taught courses on Science Policy and Public Engagement at the University of Missouri and led the university's Soil Judging Team. Her teaching experience, combined with her practical policy work, positions her uniquely to guide students and professionals through the complex landscape of sustainability and agriculture.
Dr. Owen's impact extends beyond academia and policy circles. She has published on topics ranging from innovative agricultural technologies to climate action at the local level, showcasing her commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. Her expertise is frequently sought after, as evidenced by her numerous invited presentations at national conferences and symposiums.
Through her consultancy, teaching, and policy work, Dr. Rachel K. Owen continues to drive innovation and foster understanding at the crucial intersection of science, policy, and sustainable agriculture.