Remarkable Women: Dr. Rachel Harshbarger
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Dr. Rachel Harshbarger is quite simply, an over-achiever. Friends and family say that’s always been the case, especially when it comes to caring for animals.
“As early as I can remember,” says Harshbarger, “I would always bring home any animal I could find, including a little mouse I found and took to school to care for.”
Dr. Harshbarger knew at 6 years old she wanted to be a veterinarian… and then at 13, watched a National Geographic show about Kenya and vowed to visit one day. She got her chance as an undergraduate at MSU, taking part in a study abroad program there, focused on wildlife management and medicine.
While there she fell in love with helping the Maasai tribal people and their sheep, goats, and cattle that are used as a form of currency.
“I would treat the sick animals and help teach the locals about their native diseases and how those occur,” says Harshbarger, “sometimes they think it’s from the water when it’s actually from a tick.”
Her yearly trips to Africa brought to light something else she wanted to change in the world — and that being making sure girls there get an education. It’s a mission that’s led to her sponsoring many young women over the past two decades, who now have college degrees.
“I think it is really important to support girls to go to school around the world. Boys need help too, but a lot of times girls aren’t sent to school when the boys are, so I like to support girls’ education around the world.”
But it’s not just Africa — it’s wherever there’s a need. Harshbarger was heartbroken when Russia invaded Ukraine, and off she went.
“If we each do our own little part, it will make a small difference, so I found a dog rescue in Romania which is next door to Ukraine and they were doing work at the border.”
Work that involved helping animals who were brought there by displaced Ukrainians escaping the new war. She then took it a step further and risked her life by entering the country that was being attacked.
“We also delivered dog food inside Ukraine because there was a lot of street dogs and people in need. Of course, a lot of the focus is on what people need, but the dogs needed food so we delivered dog food up there.”
When she’s not making a difference overseas — she’s teaching the tenets of Taekwondo. Dr. Harshbarger is a black belt and master instructor — and has helped hundreds of people, of all ages and skill levels over the past few decades improve both their physical and mental health.
“We work a lot with kids that have ADHD and autism. It’s a family environment where they get new friends and learn new skills and it really boosts their self-esteem.”
A positive impact Dr. Harshbarger tries to make every single day, whether it’s people, pets, or wild animals — and the biggest reason why she’s so remarkable.
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