Rachel Feller has been a dedicated member and leader in the Merck Rainbow Alliance (RA) since she joined the company right after college in 2006 with a position with the Discovery Sample Management Group. Getting involved with the RA right away helped in meeting many new LGBTQ+ friends and creating a safe space at work to be herself. Over the years Rachel remained in the same department, but her work tasks evolved and she remained after many company reorganizations. She took on leadership positions in D&I helping with department initiatives to spread awareness; she works to improve company culture through volunteer roles on the Leveraging Internal Networks and Knowledge (LINK) team, and outside of work, Rachel volunteers a lot of time with Hadassah The Women’s Zionist Organization of America. She expanded her network way beyond her department and job tasks. Rachel found a family with RA members and with her colleagues. Some projects at Merck that Rachel helped bring to life over the last year are ‘A Day in the Life of a Drag Queen’ – hosting New Jersey’s own Harmonica Sunbeam to share HERstory and accolades, giving insight into the real life behind the make up; The Power of Acceptance – hosting Amit Shah, M.D. and Aditya Madiraju to share their story of love and family acceptance in the Asian American culture and their abilities to host a wedding with their favorite Indian traditions; and presenting on Allyship and Psychological Safety to her department to build a progressive culture. Always highlighting the similarities versus differences and having folks share their stories – is the best way to reach others. The more people you know – the more accepting of others you become. Rachel is a social connector and leader who values building relationships into the core of the D&I work she contributes to at Merck. Building community is so important, and creating a space where people can feel at home while at work is truly fulfilling. Being involved in the D&I initiatives Merck offers, the volunteer work soon became about leadership, development and making visions come to life. Working with colleagues to build community and provide amazing programs within the LGBTQ EBRG and partnering with other EBRGs continues to be a highlight of her work. Rachel enjoys partnering with outside organizations like PFLAG, Garden State Equality and HRC to bring relevant expertise into Merck, raise awareness and welcome colleagues as allies.
