Rachel Handa (she/her)

Rachel Handa (she/her) is a Project Coordinator on the Urban Food Equity team. Rachel provides administrative and technical support to urban farmers participating in the Growing Equity Program. She also provides research support on a student food security study, in partnership with the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science and the Hub Basic Needs Center. Rachel is an accomplished student leader and organizer, co-founding and co-leading the UC San Diego Student Food Security Coalition alongside other student leaders advocating for food justice solutions on campus. Most recently, Rachel was awarded the UC Bonnie Reiss Leading on Climate Fellowship in the sustainable food and agriculture cohort for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is a competitive fellowship that funds student-led research and action working towards UC's climate action goals. 

Rachel is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UC San Diego majoring in Sociology with a minor in Ethnic Studies, on track to graduate in 2027. She has five years of experience developing, implementing, and engaging students in equity initiatives across several student settings, including peer support services, student government, and campus cooperatives. Her work centers on uniting students and organizations across different interests to increase student equity and power on campus. Rachel is an active member of the Food Co-Op, as well as a founding member of the Eighth College Council, where she strives to expand community access and empower student agency. After earning her Bachelor’s degree, Rachel hopes to pursue a career in macro social work to strengthen the capacity of communities and organizations.

Rachel joined the Center for Community Health in 2025.