Rachel Quint loves living in Boerum Hill.
As a Strategy Manager at the IRC and relatively recent New York transplant, Rachel has settled into Brooklyn’s picturesque, cozy enclave with her fiancé at Common Baltic.
Between a noble job, a wedding on the way, and more, we caught up with Rachel to discuss her work, her favorite parts of living in Brooklyn, and why she calls Common Baltic home.
Photo via Ahna at www.ahnatesslerphotography.com
What do you do?
I recently started a new job as a Strategy Manager at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. IRC manages services for refugees in dozens of countries around the world, and here in the United States. I’ve been working in International Development for nearly 10 years, and I’m incredibly excited to be working for this organization that does such crucial work.
What brought you to New York?
In 2016, I was living in California, and my (now) fiancé Aaron was serving in the Obama Administration (he was senior speechwriter to the Secretary of Defense, working at the Pentagon). When my job in CA was going to end, I was planning to find a job in DC to be closer to him, but, I also had a few leads in New York. After the presidential election, Aaron found himself without a job as well, so he decided to apply for just one option in NY on the off chance I ended up here. That job was the first (and best) to get back to us, so we ended up in New York.
What are your favorite parts of living in Brooklyn?
I absolutely love our neighborhood of Boerum Hill. I love that it feels like a real community, with lots of locally-owned businesses. I work in Midtown, so I also like that things are a little calmer in Brooklyn. Every day I get off the subway and take a deep breath.
Where do you go or what do you do to unwind?
I’m really into cooking, so I am always trying new recipes. Luckily, Aaron is willing to be taster-in-chief. I also love going to exercise classes — my favorite spot is Byklyn Cycle, a local, woman-owned studio just a 10-minute walk from us.
What does comfort at home mean to you?
Aaron and I have known each other since we were 15 years old, but we only started dating a few years ago, and this is the first time we’ve lived together. This apartment is really special because it is the first space we have created together. We both love welcoming people into our home for holidays, cocktails, and dinner parties.
Why did you decide to live at Common Baltic?
We looked at more than 30 apartments in 3 days (no exaggeration). I was sold by the amazing kitchen in our apartment at Baltic, and Aaron (who does all the laundry) was really excited about having a washer and dryer in unit. When we first saw the place, we didn’t even realize how amazing the location is!
What’s a surprising fact about you?
I’m from Northern California, I live in Brooklyn, I’m super into exercise, but… I’ve never done yoga!
Where’s your favorite place to travel?
I spent three years living in Ethiopia, so Addis Ababa (the capital) is a really special place for me. Luckily, Ghenet Restaurant (on 4th and Douglass) has excellent Ethiopian food, so I can get to get my injera fix here in Brooklyn.
What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to most in the year ahead?
Aaron and I are getting married in November, and my nephew is due in December! It is going to be a really exciting rest-of-the-year for us.
You can follow Rachel on Twitter here. If you’re interested in finding out more about Common Baltic, check out more of our coliving homes in New York City.