For many, kindness is a trait: a goal to reach, or a virtue one hopes to be recognized. For others, kindness is a state of being: something so warm, bright, and undeniable that it leaks into everything that they do—everything that they are. Since 2017, the Random Acts family has witnessed this eternal wellspring of kindness, hope, and perseverance in our Executive Director, Rachel Miner.
Rachel has worn a great many hats in her life—like her “actress” hat, for one, with credits including her iconic portrayal of “Meg” and “The Empty” on Supernatural’s 15-season run. To her beloved cats, Gwen and Merlin, she wears her “pet parent” hat.
To all of Random Acts, she sat in the captain’s chair, manning the helm as the organization sought to change the world both big and small, in ways that only kindness can. This fall, Rachel has removed her “Executive Director” hat and put on her “Board Member” cap instead, as she continues to nurture and guide Random Acts to greater, kinder heights.
Non-profits are structured in different ways depending on the goal and scope of the organization, but most follow the same core framework. All non-profits have a Board of Directors that hone the organization’s focus and drive its core mission and goals; for Random Acts, this includes our fearless Co-Founder Misha Collins, philanthropist and Supernatural alum Danneel Ackles, prolific activist and community leader Bri Jenkins, and several other members.
The goals and initiatives of any non-profit, decided by the Board, get carried out by the organization’s staff—in Random Acts’ case, a global network of 100+ volunteers spanning 6 continents. These volunteers act as the hands and feet of Random Acts, facilitating acts of kindness across the world.
But what connects these 2 important segments of the organization? Who connects the head and body of a non-profit to keep everything running smoothly, and ensuring that the organization heads in a steady, stable direction? That role falls to—you guessed it—the Executive Director.
Rachel first stepped into the Executive Director role in 2017, with the support and encouragement of Misha and then-Board Member Michelle Henning. From the start, Rachel knew that compassion and organization would be key pillars of her leadership.
Under her guidance, the collective body of Random Acts—the volunteer staff—really started to get fleshed out. Through her leadership, volunteers reaffirmed that they were not simply individuals wanting to promote kindness, but a tight-knit network achieving their goals together. Rachel knew that the strength of this community stemmed from everyone’s individuality, and she worked tirelessly to nurture a space where everyone’s perspectives could be heard.
This sense of community and teamwork was always the North Star of her leadership, and in the initiatives and partnerships she helped push year after year.
At the start of her tenure, Rachel helped lead the charge with Random Acts’ Stronger than Storms campaign, a partnership with the Family Business Beer Co to fundraise over $450,000 for communities impacted by hurricanes that year.
In 2018, her leadership saw Random Acts participating in plenty of fandom events, including PAX West and the Giving Back Tour.
From 2019 to 2021, Rachel helped the organization make the Board’s food equity goals into a reality, starting with #RANoHungryChild in 2019 and 2021’s food equity initiative. During this time, Random Acts coordinated with organizations in all 50 U.S. states to promote food accessibility in local communities.
In 2020, Rachel helped lead Random Acts through one of the most difficult events in recent global history: the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. In a time when confusion and isolation were common, Rachel guided the organization through helpful initiatives that provided funding to groups looking to support their community during a difficult time.
Rachel’s impact goes across the globe, as well—it was under her leadership and Board collaboration that Random Acts was able to partner with the Legacy of War Foundation, providing life-changing assistance to communities in Syria, Afghanistan, Laos, South Africa, and Rwanda.
Random Acts’ #1 priority is making the world a better and kinder place. In the organization’s early years, this impact was seen through big-picture projects, like the orphanage built in Haiti and the public high school built in Nicaragua. While Random Acts still strives to make big impacts, Rachel’s leadership saw the organization putting money in more local pockets—people just like you, our incredible supporters who allow Random Acts to create positive change around the world.
There are no adequate words to describe the massive, immeasurable impact Rachel’s courageous, empathetic, and selfless spirit has had on Random Acts—but we will certainly endeavor to try. Even as she continues to lend her wisdom and insights to the Board, she remains the cornerstone of everything the organization stands for and hopes to achieve.
From the bottom of our hearts, Rachel: thank you. Your tireless leadership and boundless love have changed us all for the better, and remind us that kindness is the best and brightest option even in the darkest of times. You have, and always will be, our magical unicorn!
As a tribute to Rachel’s magical run as Executive Director, Random Acts hosted “Spread the Magic of Kindness” in November, a challenge where all Random Acts supporters spread acts of kindness in their own communities. Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate Rachel’s incredible impact at Random Acts!
