Rachel Sylvia Cavanaugh
Writer | Journalist | Storyteller
I’m a journalist, storyteller, and adventurer driven by curiosity and a passion for unpacking complex topics. From science and the outdoors to travel, culture, and technology, I take pride in telling stories that engage readers with the subject matter, foster connection, broaden understanding, and inspire meaningful dialogue. My career has spanned nearly two decades, taking me through print newsrooms, digital media, and brand storytelling, always with a focus on uncovering fresh perspectives and driving thoughtful conversations.
I began my career in 2005 under two former Reuters journalists in Central America, covering Latin American politics and human interest stories for an English-language newspaper in Costa Rica. Situated on the Pacific Coast of Guanacaste, what began as a small team working out of our editor’s kitchen quickly grew to become a respected news source in the region. By the end of my three-year run, I’d gathered a collection of unforgettable experiences that included dining with Nobel Peace Prize-winning President Óscar Arias and interviewing legendary primatologist Jane Goodall, among other extraordinary moments. As a young journalist, I was hooked.
Since then, my path has taken me from small-town newsrooms to global brands, fueled by a passion for connecting with people, discovering new ideas, and sharing their stories. I led editorial strategy and helped with the launch of Columbia Sportswear’s first digital magazine, overseeing day-to-day operations and shaping the project’s creative direction. As a digital producer for MSN, I curated trending news stories for millions of global readers at msnNOW. In western Washington state, I served as editor of the Goldendale Sentinel, where I ran a small print newsroom, highlighting local voices and learning firsthand the value of community journalism. At Nike, I created digital content for the athletic brand’s Global Consumer Services team.
Over the past eight years, my work has primarily focused on outdoor, travel, and lifestyle content. I worked as an outdoor gear tester for Digital Trends, attending trade shows to cover new product launches and writing hands-on reviews about the latest outdoor technology. Currently, I’m a staff writer on BDG’s commerce team where I create weekly buyer’s guides and product roundups for Bustle, Elite Daily, Mic, and Inverse, covering everything from home goods and kitchenware to consumer electronics and camping gear.
Outside of work, I’ve built my life around the outdoors. From my early days as a raft guide and ski bum to my current life as a digital nomad, adventure has always been central. These days, I split my time between the mountains of Oregon and the beaches of Baja, living in an RV and kitesurfing daily—finding inspiration for the stories I tell along the way.
Please feel free to scroll through my portfolio of various writing clips including Outdoor & Travel, Shopping & Commerce, Gear Reviews & Technology, Human Interest & Features, Food & Entertainment, Wildlife & Science, News & Politics, and Copywriting.
