Rachel Papp is proof that a difficult start doesn’t define your finish line or your story. Despite facing learning disabilities and speech delays as a child, she went on to graduate at the top of her class and build a career focused on inclusivity and service.
Today, she’s making an impact both as an outpatient physical therapist and as the 2026 Big Brothers Big Sisters Match of the Year alongside her Little.
Hear more about Rachel’s story and what it means to help foster success in the next generation of young women below.
What is your background – born here or a transplant?
Born and raised in Oak Creek, WI
Any stories from your youth that define your path?
In my early youth, I was challenged with a learning disability and speech developmental delays. Through extensive therapy, I was able to meet subpar standards and during my elementary years my family continued to encourage and push me beyond my expected prognosis.
Through hard work, perseverance, and support I was able to surpass expectations and graduate top of my class and go on to achieving my Doctorate in higher education.
Where did you study (if you did higher education)?
Bachelors in Kinesiology and Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Carroll University
What do you do for work now?
Outpatient Orthopedic and Neurological Physical Therapist
Can you talk a little bit about your career journey?
Through my career, although it is only the beginning. I have learned my passion of inclusivity and helping others. My first clinical rotation involved living in Tanzania, Africa working in an urban teaching hospital progressing standards of care as well as learning the roles of culture, family dynamics, and creativity that I have carried on into my practice today.
Can you talk more about your community involvement or volunteer experience?
For the past 5 years, I have been an involved member of Big Brothers Big Sisters to offer mentorship of the coming generation. This year my Little and I have been nominated and elected Big Brothers Big Sisters Match of the Year 2026 to honor our incredible relationship and hard work for the program.
What are some ways you have impacted the community in your line of work?
Being Match of the Year, we have reached out to the Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties to continue to expand the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program to reach the coming generation to offer support, love, and growth opportunities to then foster success in their lives and futures.
What do you like about living in Milwaukee?
I love Milwaukee’s community atmosphere. There are so many festivals and outreach programs to bring this urban city together to feel like a family.
What do you want to see for Milwaukee’s future?
I want to continue to see Milwaukee grow offering affordable activities and events to harness inclusivity for all and encouragement for a safe city for the up and coming youth.
Anything else we should know about you, your job, community involvement, or life in general?
I am a strong advocate for mental health as I have recently lost my dearest loved one to mental health crisis. Although it is very fresh, I have aspirations to move forward helping those with mental health challenges as well as encouragement to speak up for help.