Rachel Topelius, 35

Director of HR and Community Outreach, Anxo Cider/Anxo Hospitality, Washington, D.C.

Building a cider-loving community

With a background in social work, Topelius’s focus on community outreach for Anxo only seems natural. She’s the impetus behind the company’s 2% for Brightwood program, which aims to raise $10,000 this year for the local neighborhood through donating 2% of the sales on alcohol sold at their Brightwood Park location. She also started a weekly program that donates five Farmshare Boxes from the business’s provisions store to those in need.

Ever an advocate that everyone deserves a seat at the table, Topelius is currently the chair of the American Cider Association’s Antiracism, Equity and Inclusion committee.

Instagram: @OnceUponASummerPandemic