Rachel Baker Named to IDEAL Honor Roll
November 18, 2024
Rachel Baker, Director of Communications at Stanford Surgery, has been nominated and selected for the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access in a Learning Environment (IDEAL) Honor Roll for Staff.
The honor recognizes Stanford staff members who go above and beyond in advancing inclusion and accessibility across campus.
Reflecting on her nomination, Baker shared, “Being nominated and selected for the IDEAL honor roll is an incredible feeling. None of us do this for the recognition, but knowing that your efforts are seen and appreciated by the University reaffirms one of my reasons for working here.”
Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 2022, a rare genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, Baker faced a challenging transition to what she called her “new normal.” She already understood the power of community from her earlier experience with celiac disease, which she navigated by finding support networks. “I attended a Disability Staff Forum (DSF) social hour and knew immediately that these were my people,” she recounted. Baker soon took on the role of co-chair for DSF, bringing her skills as a communications professional to foster connection and visibility for the disabled staff community at Stanford.
Her advocacy has extended beyond DSF events, impacting broader campus initiatives, such as Stanford’s annual Pride Parade, where she recently advocated for reserved seats in golf carts for mobility-challenged participants.
Baker was recognized to IDEAL Honor Roll for Staff for her contributions at a ceremony held September 12, 2024 on the Stanford campus.
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