Rachel Dunbar

My Story

A first-generation American story that’s rooted in Liberian heritage, Brooklyn grit, and a life built on faith, family, and hard work.

Where It All Began

I was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Stanley and Rachel Dunbar—and yes, I carry my mother’s name proudly, as does my daughter.

My mother started her career as a dietitian before becoming a nurse, teaching me discipline, care for others, and the importance of health and balance. My father was a strategic salesman in the insurance industry, celebrated with company awards and recognized for his ability to connect with people. His success exposed me and my sisters to a lifestyle filled with travel, luxury cars, and first-class flights—a life I thought was normal until he passed away, and the difference became clear.

Looking back, I see that what my parents really gave me was not just access to experiences but a foundation of values: resilience, humor, and a deep drive to carry myself with integrity. They taught me to see the world with both ambition and appreciation, to laugh even in hard moments, and to always remember that the mind makes the man.

My Journey

A path shaped by family, duty, and determination—turning hard seasons into forward motion.

1980s

Roots in Brooklyn

Born in the 80s in a one-way street neighborhood where double dutch ruled the pavement, I learned early the value of diversity and community. From Jewish neighbors who fed stray cats to my Jamaican best friends, Brooklyn shaped me into someone who sees people first and finds humor everywhere..

1995

A Defining Year

In 1995, motherhood became my foundation. That experience didn’t limit me—it fueled me. It taught me responsibility, resilience, and the depth of unconditional love. Walking across my high school stage with my son by my side proved that determination can outshine stigma.

2000

Expanding My Family

When my sister passed, my mother and I adopted her two sons, Abdullah and Kaborn. Family became my first leadership role, and nurturing them alongside my son prepared me for the resilience I’d need later in life

2004

A Year of Transformation

At 23, I packed a lifetime into one year:

  • Built my first home in West Virginia.
  • Said goodbye to my mother after her battle with cancer.
  • Married Kingsley, who remains my closest friend.
  • Welcomed my first daughter, a light during a season of grief.


It was a year of endings and beginnings, pain and triumph. It defined my ability to carry loss in one hand and creation in the other.

2013

Milestones & Motion

I watched my son walk into independence as I sent him off to college. It was another moment of pride—proof of how far we’d come together.

2018

Leadership in Action

Professionally, I expanded into leadership roles in procurement and sourcing. I became known for turning complexity into clarity and guiding teams toward results. Personally, I balanced raising five children, ensuring each had the chance to thrive.

2020

Rebuilding Again

After setbacks, I rebuilt—purchasing another home and proving once again that resilience is my trademark.

2025

Today

Now an empty nester in Maryland, reunited with Kingsley, I enjoy watching my children and nephews succeed. My story is one of overcoming, creating, and leading—and I’m just getting started.

Me and My Kids

Motherhood has been my greatest classroom. Each child added a lesson, a joy, and a reason to keep going.

My greatest source of strength and inspiration has always been my children. They are the heart of my story and the reason behind much of my growth, resilience, and determination.

 

  • Jonathan (born 1995, now 30) – My eldest son. I had him as a teenager, and he taught me responsibility, sacrifice, and unconditional love from the very beginning of my journey.

  • [Daughter’s Name] (born 2005, now 20) – My only daughter, a strong and compassionate young woman who brings balance and joy to our family.

  • Jeff (born 2007, now 18) – My youngest son, whose energy and perspective keep me grounded and motivated.

 

I became a mother young, and a decade later I married and was blessed with my last two children, who are two years apart. My path as a mother hasn’t always been easy, but it has been the most rewarding part of my life. Motherhood shaped the leader I am today—teaching me patience, empathy, and resilience that I bring into every area of my personal and professional journey.