Behind KRNL: Rachael Courtney, Managing Editor

One of KRNL's goals is to branch out across the Lexington community in order to reach a larger audience so that we can share everything that we have to offer with as many people as we can! This includes reaching out to sponsors and businesses who would like to advertise with us and learning how to market KRNL so that we can grow this publication to become its very best. Rachael Courtney, former editor-in-chief, is stepping back up to the plate to take over the role as managing editor once again to lead our marketing teams on the right path for a bigger future for KRNL! Learn more about her story and experiences in the penultimate edition of "Behind KRNL."

Introduce yourself!

My name is Rachael Courtney, and I am from Tullahoma, Tennessee. Currently, I am managing editor for KRNL, but I was previously the editor-in-chief for the 2020-2021 school year. My major is merchandising, apparel and textiles, and I will be graduating Fall of 2021.

How did you first get involved with KRNL?

I got involved with KRNL my first semester of freshman year. I noticed copies of KRNL on my SeeBlue campus tour before coming to UK. I knew that KRNL was something I wanted to be a part of before even getting to campus.

What's your favorite part about getting involved with KRNL?

My favorite part about working for KRNL is the people. I have met some of my best friends through the magazine. My best KRNL memories are just sitting in the office with different staff members and spending our time talking about random things. We always have a fun time together in the office.

Do you have a favorite memory during your time with KRNL that stands out to you?

A KRNL memory that makes me smile is doing the podcast with Rachel Porter. We would either be in the podcast studio early mornings or late nights. Despite a lot of learning and technical difficulties, we had so much fun creating content and would always end the podcasting session laughing at ourselves.

What other interests/hobbies do you have outside of KRNL?

When I am not working, you can probably find me hanging out with my family and friends. I am a triplet and my sisters are my two best friends! We love to cook together and binge any show on Bravo.

What is your favorite place you've ever traveled to?

A favorite place that I have traveled to would probably be Big Sur and Carmel, California. They are both small coastal California towns, and the scenery is breathtaking. If you are a fan of the HBO show "Big Little Lies," you definitely need to visit!

Who are some of your fashion/lifestyle inspirations? In other words, who do you look up to?

One person I look up to in the fashion industry is Diane Von Furstenberg. She is a womenswear designer who has lots of colorful and unique designs. She has also coined the phrase "in charge" in order to inspire women to be their best and most confident selves. When I wear her clothes I always feel like a girlboss. Read her book "The Woman I Wanted To Be" if you really want to be inspired!

What are you looking forward to this year regarding KRNL as our newest managing editor?

I was managing editor for KRNL before I became editor-in-chief, so I am very familiar with the day-to-day duties. My main goal this year is to be Allie Diggs' right-hand gal. I want to use my experience as EIC to help her lead the magazine in any way that I can. I can't wait to see what she does this year and know she will do a fabulous job.

Plug your socials!

You can find me on Instagram @rachael_courtney.