Rachel Pfeifer

Rachel Y. Pfeifer is the Executive Director of College and Career Readiness for Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPSS). She has dedicated her career to addressing educational disparities and enhancing opportunities for students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.

Educational Background and Early Career

Pfeifer attended a private girls' school in Washington, D.C., which shaped her awareness of educational inequities. She later pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina, where her experiences motivated her commitment to educational equity. Pfeifer completed her dissertation on school choice for Afro-Cuban families in Birmingham, further deepening her understanding of the challenges faced by diverse communities in accessing quality education.12

After her studies, she returned to the Baltimore area and began her career in education as an executive assistant to the chief academic officer at BCPSS. She subsequently held leadership roles at Collegiate Directions, a nonprofit focused on college access for first-generation students, before returning to BCPSS in 2017 as Executive Director.1

Current Role

In her current position, Pfeifer oversees initiatives aimed at promoting student engagement, academic success, and smooth transitions to postsecondary opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of providing students with the resources they need to thrive both personally and academically. Her work involves navigating challenges such as budget constraints and the impacts of violence in the community on student well-being.12

Pfeifer is known for her passion for education and commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both students and educators. She actively seeks to connect with students to remain grounded in her work and ensure that their needs are addressed effectively.12