Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Hochberg.
Hi Rachael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Working in the nonprofit sector is actually my second career. I began in New York City as a photography producer and studio manager, working in the commercial product and lifestyle photography space. The work was creative and fast-paced, but over time I realized I wanted to feel more connected to making a positive difference in the world.
When I got married and we decided to start a family, it felt like the right moment to make a shift. Moving into nonprofit work offered both a stronger sense of purpose and the flexibility I was looking for.
In my first nonprofit role, I leveraged my background in producing and marketing to manage events. While I loved that work, I found myself drawn even more to the people side of the organization—building relationships and connecting supporters to mission-driven impact through fundraising. That realization led me to pursue fundraising as a career, and I went back to school to earn a Master’s in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy.
More than a decade later, that passion still drives me. I love connecting with donors, building meaningful relationships, and partnering with corporations to strengthen and support the communities they serve.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Changing careers meant starting over in many ways—building new credibility, learning a new language, and sometimes feeling like I had to prove that my previous experience was relevant. I also went back to school with a two-year-old at home and became pregnant with our second child midway through my two years of coursework, which required a lot of juggling and persistence.
Fundraising itself can be humbling. Rejection, uncertainty, and shifting priorities are part of the work, and learning not to take those moments personally took time. But each challenge helped clarify why this work matters to me. Those experiences strengthened my resilience, deepened my empathy, and ultimately made me a better relationship-builder—and, I hope, a thoughtful mentor.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Charleston Legal Access (CLA) is a law firm serving low income and middle class families across the Lowcountry. We operate on a sliding scale model, meaning clients pay legal fees based on their income. CLA provides high quality legal services in immigration, family law, and housing. These affordable rates are made possible through the generosity of donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
What sets us apart is our client centered approach. We meet people where they are, are honest about what is possible under the law, and work to create stability during some of life’s most stressful moments.
Founded in 2016, CLA was created to fill a critical gap in legal services for both the families we serve and the broader community. Our work is about more than legal services. It is about strengthening families, preventing crises, and ensuring justice is attainable.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
– Relationship Fundraising by Ken Burnett — A classic that reminds us that fundraising is about **people**, not transactions.
– The Moth — True, personal stories told live on stage. Not nonprofit-specific, but fundraising is about sharing stories. It is a great example of how sharing amazing stories moves people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://charlestonlegalaccess.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlestonlegalaccess/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlestonlegalaccess
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/charleston-legal-access
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@charlestonlegalaccess1793
