Rachel Stone grew up in North Carolina, initially in a small town called Como, and later, her family moved to Plymouth, a larger town near the Outer Banks. Rachel's parents were teachers, but she decided that teaching wasn't her calling after observing the administrative work involved.

Rachel pursued her undergraduate studies as a history major, recognizing that it would provide a solid foundation for her future legal education. She then enrolled in Emory University for law school and interned at the Georgia State Capitol with the Emory Law School Barton Child Law and Policy Center.

During this internship, Rachel fell in love with lobbying and government affairs and witnessed the significant impact that legislative work could have on improving outcomes for children and families. After completing her Juris Master's in child, family, and education law, Rachel started working as the Director of Government Affairs for the western division of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association(AAHOA).

Rachel's role involves supporting hotel owners in various areas, including combating human trafficking, ADA lawsuits, short-term rentals, tort reform, tax reform, civil rights, franchisee/franchisor issues, and housing vouchers for unhoused individuals.

Why do the youth need to be involved in politics?

What's the impact of building relationships with officials?

What's the best advice Rachel received?

Check out Rachel Stone as she shares her journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.