Rachel Hickman

Project manager passionate about turning ideas into measurable impact. With 6+ years in nonprofit management and board service, I’ve collaborated with educators and stakeholders to expand student-centered learning and create equitable opportunities. I bring expertise in project management, program management, and stakeholder engagement to deliver programs that make a difference.

Currently preparing for my PMP exam (January 2026), I combine my experience as a former educator with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and growth.

Outside of work, I stay hands-on and curious — composing and arranging for Twin Cities choirs, serving as Vice President of the Board for See Change Treble Choir, and exploring the outdoors through hiking, camping, running, and stargazing. I thrive on problem-solving, brainstorming with others, and turning ideas into reality.

Led Online School Partnerships (OSP), a statewide initiative expanding equitable access to high-quality music education for students in Greater Minnesota. Each year, OSP partnered with 15–20 schools to deliver live, virtual instruction throughout the school year, funded through grants and state subsidies that reduced costs for rural and Title I schools.

As manager, I was involved with all phases of the project life cycle—from confirming funding and developing budgets to coordinating school partnerships, managing teaching artists, and overseeing instruction delivery via online platforms. I collaborated with internal teams, funders, and a third-party evaluator to ensure program quality and data-driven decision-making.

Key achievements

• Increased student contact hours by 97% within my first two years.
• Expanded partnerships statewide, reaching new rural regions
• Completed every annual cycle under or within budget

OSP was a model for accessible, high-impact music instruction, reinforcing MacPhail’s reputation as a leader in statewide arts education and inspiring future growth in online learning initiatives.

B.M. Music Education

University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN