I’m Rachel Hope Anderson, founder of Hope& Consulting. My work is rooted in the conviction that cooperation across difference is both possible and powerful.

A Wisconsin native now based in Maryland, I’ve spent my career building bridges between faith communities, advocacy organizations, and the policy world. At the Center for Responsible Lending, the Boston Faith & Justice Network, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, I led outreach, advocacy, and coalition efforts that shaped how communities worked together for social impact. In partnership with the Center for Public Justice, I launched and led the Families Valued campaign — mobilizing faith-community support for paid family leave, maternal health access, and other policies that families deserve.

Education

Harvard Law School, J.D.

Harvard Divinity School, M.T.S.


Select Writing

Testimonials

  • I’ve known Rachel Anderson for over a decade and not only is she brilliant, but she is thoughtful, strategic, and kind. She can both master complex policy problems and proposals, and understand how to unite faith communities that rarely work together.

    Stephen Reeves, Executive Director, Fellowship Southwest

  • Rachel supports early childhood advocates in our network to build partnerships with religious groups in their states around shared priorities like paid family leave and child care. Working with her is grounding – her persistent belief in the power of genuine relationships to stitch our communities back together shines through. Rachel gracefully meets people where they are and offers them the materials and knowledge they need to build bridges to each other.

    Mandy Ableidinger, Senior Policy Director, Alliance for Early Success

  • Rachel Anderson is the perfect combination of intellect and compassion. I have been honored to work with her on past child welfare projects and hope to be able to do it again.

    Kelly M. Rosati, J.D., President, Hope for Brighter Tomorrows