Who is Rachel Whinnery?
Rachel Whinnery is the creator of Everyday Akron, an online community hub showcasing local stories and businesses. A storyteller at heart, she’s dedicated to illuminating the spirit of her adopted hometown. Her passion for Akron extends beyond digital spaces to community involvement with organizations like Friends of the Goodyear Branch Library.
When not hidden behind a laptop, Rachel can be found hiking in Summit Metro Parks or in a local café, book in hand, dreaming up her next Akron-centric adventure. Or she’s simply listening to Beyoncé while chugging iced coffee.
Rachel Whinnery’s 2024 TEDxAkron Talk - Coming Soon, after the event!
TEDxAkron Q&A with Rachel
Q: What do you love most about working/living in Akron?
I appreciate the fact that 9 times out 10, when you ask someone for help, their reply is “Done. What else do you need?” Akronites are always willing to lend a hand and share their talents and resources when they can–and that’s so important for a strong community. I also enjoy our plethora of parks, coffee shops and library branches.
Q: What do you think you’re most known for and what might surprise people about you that most people wouldn’t know?
Besides my love and admiration for Beyoncé, I’m most known for starting and running Everyday Akron. The online community hub strives to uplift positive experiences through the eyes of Akronites, whether that’s during a weekly Instagram takeover, blog post, in-person event, and more. Because I’m so online through this effort and often going to events and businesses around town, people assume I’m outgoing. However, the truth is quite the opposite – I’m a shy, anxious, introvert. (So if you meet me in person and think I’m a lil weird … I am. thanks!)
Q: If you didn’t do what you did now, what would you do or how would you spend your time in an alternative universe?
Oh goodness… I would probably be helping Beyoncé on tour… managing a Major League Soccer team… working on a novel or four… or perhaps selling homemade cookies from a cute food truck.
Q: What's your favorite quote or mantra and why?
“Don't talk about what you're gonna do. Don't just dream about what you're gonna do. Don't criticize somebody else for what they're not doing. You be it. Be about it.” – Abe Lincoln. Jk … It’s Beyoncé, of course. She said this during a commencement speech for YouTube's "Dear Class of 2020" special. I love it because it helps me get out of my head, start doing the thing (whatever the “thing” may be), and just stay in my lane.
Q: What is the one thing you’re looking forward to the most as a future TEDx speaker?
I’m looking forward to challenging myself. In all seriousness, I want to vomit, knowing that I’ll be speaking on a lighted stage in front of a crowd in a couple of months. But, my topic is close to my heart, and I know how a mindshift around introversion can be life-changing–not only for one person but also for those around them. So if I have to sweat and shake in front of a crowd in order for someone to hear a POV they’ve never considered… I’ll gladly take one for the team.