Rachel Sralla
State of Colorado
Montrose, CO USA
"Within the bounds and the opportunities that you have, experience everything you can."
Career Roadmap
Rachel's work combines: Environment & Nature, Law, and Working with Others
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Although my experience as a woman in a male dominated field has actually been great, I do still have a bit of a chip on my shoulder. I feel like I need to show up and constantly be on top of my game because I stick out as a woman. I feel as if there would be less grace for me as a woman if I mess up. That hasn't actually shown to be true but it is still something that women deal with in the workforce. I've been fortunate to have mentors and other women to lean on for support.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Wildlife Biology
Colorado State University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Having been born and raised in Colorado, the outdoors was always a big part of my life.
2.
In college, I got to explore hunting and fishing more deeply, which really solidified my passion for wildlife and the outdoors.
3.
I was going to school for biology but wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do.
4.
While working at a retail store in college, I met someone who worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife who invited me on a ride along—that experience was the deciding factor for my career path.
5.
I changed my major to wildlife biology with the goal of becoming a district wildlife manager.
6.
After graduating, I started my career as a park ranger for Larimer County.
7.
I was hired as a district wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which I did for eight years before being promoted to my current position as area wildlife manager.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I have to constantly be on top of my game as a woman.
How I responded:
Although my experience as a woman in a male dominated field has actually been great, I do still have a bit of a chip on my shoulder. I feel like I need to show up and constantly be on top of my game because I stick out as a woman. I feel as if there would be less grace for me as a woman if I mess up. That hasn't actually shown to be true but it is still something that women deal with in the workforce. I've been fortunate to have mentors and other women to lean on for support.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I had an autoimmune disorder that led to me getting my thyroid removed. It put a lot of stress on my life and my job, but is something that I've learned to work through.