When I was younger, I thought I would end up in a city. I grew up in a small town, and like a lot of people, I imagined that my future was somewhere bigger—somewhere with more opportunities, more energy, more everything. But as it turns out, city life wasn’t for me. Instead, I found myself in another small town, one I never expected to call home.
I didn’t grow up in Venango County. My connection to this place came through my husband, whose family is deeply rooted here. When we moved here, I wasn’t sure how I fit in. But over time, I built my own ties—not through where I was born, but through the work I do.
For over 15 years, I’ve worked as a graphic designer, spending the last 12 completely freelance. My clients have included small businesses and nonprofits—locally, nationally, and globally—all working toward causes and goals that matter deeply to them. I’ve always believed in the power of design to help tell a story, to bring ideas to life in ways that people can see, feel, and connect with. What I didn’t realize was how much those stories would shape my own journey.
At first, my work simply introduced me to local organizations—helping with branding, designing materials, working on campaigns. But those connections quickly became something more. Through my design work, I found myself drawn into the larger efforts of revitalization and community building happening here. Eventually, that path led me to Pellere, where I now work as the Community Engagement Coordinator, a writer, and, of course, as a graphic designer.
And in a way, that transition makes perfect sense. My work in design has always been about telling stories and creating visibility—both of which are essential in community engagement. The relationships I built through my freelance work now help me in my role at Pellere, where we focus on amplifying the efforts of people making real change happen.
Throughout recent years, I’ve seen firsthand how small moments of change shift the way people see what’s possible. Whether it’s a business owner giving their store facade a fresh coat of paint, a community group reclaiming and reimagining a public space, or even the act of sharing those efforts through design and storytelling—each piece builds momentum.
Looking back, I realize that small towns aren’t just places you leave to find opportunity—they’re places where you can create it. I may not have ended up in the big city like I once thought I would, but in many ways, I’ve found exactly what I was looking for: a place where I can do meaningful work, build connections, and be part of something growing, changing, and moving forward.
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Rachel Brosnahan is the Community Engagement Coordinator for River Roots Redevelopment. She can be reached by email at rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org.
