Rachel DeSoto-Jackson has built a career at the intersection of education, communication, and social change. She is the founder of RDJ Creative Consulting, a firm focused on empathetic communication, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and inclusive training practices. From her base in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, Rachel supports clients across the country through programs that are human-centered and results-driven.
Murrysville, located just 20 miles east of Pittsburgh, is a suburban community known for its top-rated schools and growing business sector. With a population of just over 20,000, it offers a balance of small-town charm and access to the resources of a major city. For Rachel, Murrysville is the perfect hub. “It’s quiet, but connected,” she says. “I love having a creative space here, and it allows me to serve organizations of all sizes.”
Building a Purpose-Driven Business
RDJ Creative Consulting was born from Rachel’s desire to create training experiences that empower people to lead with empathy. She launched the company after more than a decade working in higher education and nonprofit spaces. She saw a need for better communication in high-stakes settings—schools, hospitals, offices—and developed workshops and tools to fill that gap.
“My background in applied theatre taught me how to listen and adapt,” she explains. “Those are the same skills needed in DEI and leadership training. People want to be heard. They want tools they can actually use.”
Her programs are rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which focuses on making education accessible to all people, regardless of learning style or background. Rachel brings this same inclusive mindset to her consulting projects, tailoring each session to the client’s unique environment.
An Expanding Impact
In her role as Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Rachel oversees faculty development and strategic planning. She led the university through a major transition to a new Learning Management System, improving how faculty and students connect and engage online.
She also chairs IUP’s Difficult Dialogues Initiative. This program gives students, faculty, and staff the tools to talk openly about race, identity, and social justice. “Dialogue is hard,” she says. “But it’s how change begins.”
Her work goes far beyond the classroom. Through RDJ Creative Consulting and her role as a DEI consultant, she has worked with the Smithsonian Institution, Saint Vincent Hospital, Sheetz, and Virginia Public Media, among many others. She also collaborates with Avent Diversity Consulting LLC to build long-term strategies for equity and inclusion.
Rachel has raised over $750,000 in grant funding for DEI and theatre-based education programs. She has also served as President of Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed, Inc., and is on the board of the Smithsonian Latino Center.
“I love working with organizations that want to make lasting change,” she says. “Not just a one-time training. Something deeper.”
A Theatre Background with Real-World Application
Rachel’s academic journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a B.Phil in Theatre and Film Studies. She later earned an MA in Theatre & Performance and an MFA in Performance Pedagogy.
As a tenured professor, she teaches applied theatre, Latinx performance, and leadership training. One of her most innovative programs involves training actors to work as Simulated Patients in healthcare education. These actors help medical students learn to communicate with empathy and accuracy during high-pressure situations.
Her use of theatre as a teaching tool has gained national attention. “Theatre allows people to practice real-life conversations in a safe way,” she explains. “That’s where growth happens.”
Early Career Lessons
When Rachel first started her career, she faced common barriers—limited funding, lack of mentorship, and the challenge of translating theatre into broader industries. “It wasn’t easy getting people to see the value of what I was doing,” she says. “But once I showed how it worked—how it helped people communicate better—it all started to click.”
She built her client base slowly and steadily, often starting with small workshops and letting word of mouth do the rest. “You have to listen to your audience. Understand their goals. Then adapt your approach so you’re always adding value.”
Now, with years of experience behind her, she’s often asked to mentor others entering the DEI or instructional design space. Her biggest piece of advice? “Start small. Be clear about your values. And never stop learning. The work changes all the time, and so should you.”
Looking Ahead
Rachel’s focus is now on expanding her reach. RDJ Creative Consulting is developing digital courses, new partnerships, and enhanced training models that make DEI and empathetic communication more accessible. She wants to help more people—from healthcare workers to corporate teams—learn how to lead with compassion and clarity.
“There’s a real hunger for human connection,” she says. “If I can help people build that into their work and relationships, then I’ve done my job.”
Community, Growth, and Lasting Change
Though her work is national, Rachel remains deeply connected to her local community in Murrysville. The town’s proximity to Pittsburgh gives her access to top universities and business networks, while its peaceful atmosphere offers the space she needs to create. “It’s a place where ideas can grow,” she says.
As Rachel continues to build RDJ Creative Consulting, her mission remains clear: to create inclusive spaces where people can learn, grow, and lead with empathy. Whether she’s training executives or teaching students, her work blends strategy, compassion, and innovation.
“I believe in the power of people,” Rachel says. “If you give them the right tools, they can do incredible things.”
About Rachel DeSoto-Jackson
Rachel DeSoto-Jackson is the founder of RDJ Creative Consulting and Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is a tenured professor, DEI strategist, and applied theatre expert with over a decade of experience in education, consulting, and arts-based leadership. Based in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, Rachel works with clients across the U.S. to design programs that promote communication, inclusion, and social impact.
