Rachel Estabrook

Editor/Producer

@restabro[email protected]

Rachel Estabrook produces stories for Colorado Matters and edits special audio projects, including the podcast "Colorado In Depth." She joined CPR in 2013.

Professional background:
At CPR, Rachel was the news director from 2018-2021. She also co-reported and hosted the serialized podcast “The Taxman,” which was a finalist for the Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism. Her work reporting and producing for Colorado Matters, and editing in the newsroom, has earned regional Edward R. Murrow awards, recognition from the Public Radio News Directors Inc. and the Colorado Broadcasters Association, as well as other honors.

Before coming to CPR, she worked on a Frontline documentary about antibiotic resistance through the Investigative Reporting Workshop, and served as a newscaster and board member for KZSU at Stanford University. While completing her Master’s degree in journalism, Rachel also worked as a reporter and radio editor for the Peninsula Press.

Rachel got her start in journalism in 2000 as a columnist covering local sporting events in Dover, NH. She has reported for New Hampshire Public Radio, and volunteered for “The Diane Rehm Show” at WAMU.

Previously in her career, Rachel served as international specialist for the Department of Justice and as an associate director in NPR’s development department.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature, George Washington University; Master’s degree in communications, Stanford University.

Colorado Matters

An historic moment for Latino representation in Colorado politics

Across the political spectrum, organizers – and some voters – see opportunity for Latino representation in the new 8th congressional district, even beyond the 2022 election, given this district is nearly 40 percent Latino. Stacy Suniga, who leads the Latino Coalition of Weld County, and Angel Merlos, senior advisor for Libre Action in Colorado, talk about their outreach to Latino voters and what lies ahead.
By Rachel Estabrook
Short Term Rentals Housing Crisis
Colorado Matters

Voters to consider how to address affordable housing

This election, Colorado voters will weigh in on a question about the lack of affordable housing. Voters will be asked whether to dedicate tax money to try to address the issue.  It’s the first time an affordable housing measure has been on the statewide ballot. About a dozen Colorado communities will also ask local voters to do something similar.
By Rachel Estabrook
Colorado Matters CMS Safe 3X2 Logo for Podcast Segments
Colorado Matters

Threats against schools can have an impact, even when they’re hoaxes

A handful of Colorado schools have recently had to deal with security threats that turn out to be false. But those threats can still affect students’ and teachers’ mental and emotional health. We get perspective from Mo Kennedy, who leads the National Association of School Resources Officers., and Matthew Fulford, a teacher at East High School in Denver, who wrote an essay for Chalkbeat called, “Hoax threats are traumatizing my students.”
By Rachel Estabrook
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Colorado Matters

Sept. 6, 2022: A long-anticipated home for Black culture at CU Boulder

The Center for African and African American Studies, or CAAAS (known as “the Cause” to its founder), creates a space that builds community, as well as respect and connection for Black students, staff and faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder. Then, the new film “This is Not Who We Are” explores the experiences of people of color in Boulder.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield and Rachel Estabrook
Colorado Matters

How climate change bill could impact home energy use

Congress is expected to pass the new climate and health care bill. One way it’s designed to fight climate change is by changing how we use energy in our homes. Nathan Iyer and Srinidhi Sampath Kumar have helped shape the legislation. They’re with the Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Institute. It’s a nonprofit that works to advance the world’s transition to cleaner energy.
By Rachel Estabrook