Racheal Barnes currently serves as a Training, Resources, and Information for the Advancement of Disability (TRIAD) Service AmeriCorps volunteer at the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS). As an AmeriCorps volunteer, Racheal serves her community by providing health education to local high schools along with many other service opportunities. In 2023, Racheal received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in the Lifetime Achievement category as she has provided over 7,000 hours of volunteer service. Racheal served as an AmeriCorps member for four years and has been a member of the STEP UP to Leadership Council for over 10 years. STEP UP is an inclusive organization that gives individuals with and without disabilities the opportunity to develop skills through participation in service and recreational activities in the community. Racheal is from Petal, MS and attended Petal High School. Racheal received the honor of being crowned Mississippi’s first Miss Amazing in 2013, which gave her an opportunity to travel across the state and share her story. In addition, Racheal has volunteered at the Petal YMCA since 2009 and has also been an ACE cheerleader for 13 years. Racheal’s message to others is “Anybody can do anything. You can do it.”