An Interview with Rachel Pazarbasi, Controller
Housing Families Board Member & Young Professionals Advisory Council Chair
Tell us a little about yourself!
I’ve lived in Malden for over a decade and love being part of this community. I work remotely as an outsourced Controller for small to medium-sized businesses, helping them navigate financial management, reporting, and strategic planning. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family and staying active by going to the gym or playing sports, particularly soccer. Volunteering has always been important to me. Along with my involvement with Housing Families, I’ve recently had the privilege of coaching youth soccer and co-leading a local Girl Scout troop. These experiences have given me the opportunity to mentor youth, build connections with peers, and give back in meaningful ways.
Tell us about how you originally got involved with Housing Families. What drove you
to partner with us?
Having worked in the real estate industry previously in my career, I’ve seen firsthand how essential stable housing is for individuals and families. While I’ve worked with other organizations in the Boston area through my previous work connections, I felt it was important to get involved locally, which led me to Housing Families. Their mission to support families and individuals facing housing insecurity really resonated with me and I knew I wanted to be a part of making a difference right here in our community.
In addition to serving on the Board, you were recently elected as chair of the Young Professionals Advisory Council. What is a goal you have for YPAC in 2025?
I’d love to grow YPAC’s membership and collectively work to plan our annual fundraising event. Each year, our event evolves in new and exciting ways while always being an engaging and fun experience. It would be meaningful to expand our impact and strengthen support for Housing Families.
As a volunteer leader and Malden resident, what do you think is the most important thing to know about the housing and health needs in Massachusetts, and more locally, in Malden?
Many people don’t realize that healthcare is often tied to housing stability, as many families struggle with both. The combination of high housing costs and limited access to both affordable healthcare and mental health services in our area really puts people in tough situations. While local organizations are working to address these issues, continued advocacy for both affordable housing and proper healthcare access is critical for improving the well-being of our community.
What is a favorite Housing Families memory?
There’s been a lot of great events put together by YPAC and I always love participating in Housing Families’ Fun Run (formerly the 5K) but my favorite memory is probably the YPAC Art Night event we put together in 2023. It was fun to highlight local artists in our community through a silent auction, display an art gallery through the eyes of children experiencing homelessness, participate in some art activities and learn some new skills… all while supporting and raising money for Housing Families!
How has the organization grown in the past few years that you have been volunteering with us and serving on the YPAC?
Housing Families does a great job of pivoting towards the needs of the community, which is constantly evolving. It’s been exciting to see Housing Families’ growth in the local community lately, whether it be offering housing assistance drop-in hours at the Malden library or through their support of the newly established Revere and Somerville Warming Centers, in addition to the long list of offerings they’ve always had in place.
What are the skills and qualities you think have made you an impactful leader?
I’ve been fortunate to have some great mentors in my professional career who’ve helped me develop a leadership style focused on collaboration and bringing people together. Over time, I’ve realized the true impact comes from creating strong teams where everyone’s strengths complement each other. By fostering an environment where people can thrive together, we can achieve much more than we could alone.
In your life outside of work and Board/YPAC service, what brings you joy?
My family is without a doubt the most important thing to me, and brings me the most joy. We often travel internationally to visit extended family, which is also an exciting opportunity to explore new places. But a good cup of coffee? It’s a close second and keeps me functional enough to enjoy the first!
What is one thing you want people to know about you?
No matter what I’m involved in – whether it’s work, volunteering, or daily life – my family and our physical and mental health always comes first. Taking care of both allows me to show up fully and make a meaningful impact in everything I do.