We are thrilled to share some exciting news – the Be Clear team is growing once again! We’ve recently hired two impressive Communications Associates and we are happy to share a bit about our newest team members with you.
Rachel Needham is a communications specialist with a background in local journalism. Most recently, she served as a Report for America fellow at the Rappahannock News in Washington, Virginia, where her reporting focused on rural politics, public health, environmental issues and education policy. Rachel’s work has earned awards from the Virginia Press Association and has appeared in USA Today.
Previously, Rachel freelanced for an independent investigative news outlet in New Mexico and wrote for her college newspaper, The Whitman Wire. As an undergraduate, she contributed as a fact-checker to author Aaron Bobrow-Strain’s acclaimed book, “The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez,” a story about one woman’s life on both sides of the U.S. Mexico border. Rachel currently lives with her partner and their two pets in her hometown, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Julian Wright has communications experience in education and a background in political journalism. Before joining Be Clear, he worked at a nonprofit early childhood education center leading efforts involving rebranding, community engagement, project management, and emergency communication during the pandemic. Prior to transitioning into school administration, Julian was a classroom teacher and dedicated himself to building meaningful relationships with children and families. Previously, he was a teaching fellow for the Freedom & Citizenship program at Columbia University’s Center for American Studies and Double Discovery Center.
Julian has also had experience as a student journalist, covering various campaign events, the 2012 presidential debate in Denver, the 2012 vice presidential debate in Danville, President Obama’s re-election night rally in Chicago, and the 2013 inauguration, all while on location. He has interned for Louisville’s CW and CBS affiliates as well as for The Daily Beast. Julian was born in Atlanta, raised in Louisville, and now lives in New York City.
When we started Be Clear, we pledged to never hire new talent for the sake of growth, but only if we found it necessary to take on more meaningful work. We’re so humbled by the opportunity to continue growing our team knowing it wouldn’t be possible without the support and partnerships we’ve cultivated thus far.
Thank you for being a cherished part of our Be Clear family, and please join us in welcoming Rachel & Julian!