Rachel Switlick is the current Artist Liaison & Advocate for SHIM: NYC. She holds her MA in Performance & Culture from Goldsmiths College, University of London. Her graduate work culminated in an examination of the impact of US Immigration policies and procedures on the creative culture of New York City. Her undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University (BA in English and BFA in Dance) were focused on interdisciplinary collaboration and a study of methods of communication amongst artists. Before joining the SHIM: NYC team, Rachel worked in theatre production for various performances, including Insight International’s tour of Uniform Justice and the TÉA Creative and Private Theatre’s co-production of Rocco, Chelsea, Adriana, Sean, Claudia, Gianna, Alex. As an advocate for social justice encouraged by the belief that artistic freedom is essential to a fair and just society, Rachel focuses her efforts on finding ways to support artists of all backgrounds. Outside of this work, Rachel currently spends her time empowering others as a Krav Maga instructor and debate coach.