A Cambridge Hero
On Monday, January 15, 2024, Cambridge lost an incredible member of our community, Rachael Solem. Rachael was the owner of the well-known, Irving House at Harvard. Outside of her work, Rachael invested her time and energy into nonprofits. Her commitment to the community was outstanding and inspiring.
Earlier this month, we contacted community members to ask them to speak on Rachael's impact. Here is what they said:
"Rachael Solem was a unique friend of YWCA Cambridge. She never stopped thinking of the Renae’s Place and Tanner Residence residents. Through her business contacts, she often obtained sample products that she then shared freely with the YWCA. That was just one of the ways she supported the association’s programs for women. We were blessed that Rachael, a successful businesswoman, never forgot the women living at YWCA Cambridge. We will miss her." -Eva Martin Blythe, Former Executive Director of YWCA Cambridge
"It is with a heavy heart that I process the deeply sad news that Rachael Solem unexpectedly passed away a few days ago. Rachael Solem was a founding Board member of Cambridge Local First in 2005, and she remained on our Board ever since then. I have served as Executive Director of Cambridge Local First and have relied on Rachael's thoughtful contributions and mentorship during my entire five years at the nonprofit. Not only was Rachael an unbelievably impactful Board member for our organization's entire history, but she was also a beautiful woman with a big heart. I honor Rachael's beautiful and impactful life. May her memory be eternal." -Theodora Skeadas, Cambridge Local First Former YWCA Cambridge Board Chair, and Cambridge Community Member
"I met Rachael almost 20 years ago in connection with our mutual commitment to supporting and promoting locally owned independent businesses. She joined our board very shortly after the founding of Cambridge Local First and became one of our strongest and most generous board member. She and I shared the role of chairperson for a number of years and it was during that time that I came to appreciate and admire her boundless energy, business acumen, creativity, and true compassion for others. Rachael was always willing to step in where others might have been reluctant because of the demands of time and energy.
In addition to CLF we also served together on the governing council at the Cambridge Historical Society, now renamed History Cambridge. There again Rachael was a highly valued contributor. I was truly fortunate to call Rachael my friend. I will miss her dearly." -Frank Kramer, Owner Emeritus, Harvard Book Store
Learn more about the life and work of Rachael here.
Note: The graphic above was created for Giving Tuesday 2023. Rachael was asked why she supported the work of YWCA Cambridge.