Rachel Rutter

Rachel Rutter is an immigration attorney and nonprofit founder recognized for her advocacy on behalf of unaccompanied immigrant youth in the United States. Rutter is the founder and executive director of Project Libertad, an organization that empowers newcomer immigrant youth and their families by providing essential youth-led and youth-centered legal and social services.

Rutter's commitment to immigration law and youth advocacy began during her time at Gettysburg College and deepened through her Peace Corps service in Costa Rica, where she observed the impact of access, stability, and care on young people's lives. While earning her JD and in her early legal career, Rutter worked for HIAS Pennsylvania, a nonprofit serving immigrants and their families, where she assisted individuals in pursuing legal status and witnessed the unique challenges faced by immigrant children.

Recognizing the need for comprehensive support beyond legal status, Rutter established Project Libertad, a nonprofit providing free legal representation, case management, mental health services, and educational support to immigrant youth. The organization serves vulnerable young people who have arrived at the border without parents, helping them apply for immigration status and representing those facing deportation in court. In the U.S. immigration court system, there is no right to a court-appointed lawyer for anyone, including children, leaving many to navigate complex proceedings alone.

Project Libertad's "Know Your Rights" project equips newcomer immigrant youth in the Greater Philadelphia Area with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their families from deportation. The organization has partnered with the Immigrant Psychology Network to increase awareness and provide access to mental health services for immigrant youth. Project Libertad also offers weekly school programs tailored for newcomer youth, focusing on social-emotional learning, communication skills, and team building, particularly in the Philadelphia suburbs where immigrant-serving resources are limited. Rutter has helped more than 1,100 individuals navigate the legal system and rebuild their lives in the United States.

Rutter has been named a Top 5 CNN Hero and a WHYY Good Souls Honoree for her leadership in supporting immigrant communities. She has also been recognized as a L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honoree. Her expertise has led to appearances on Guy Kawasaki's "Remarkable People" podcast, where she discusses the realities driving families to migrate and addresses common immigration myths. Rutter is known for translating complex legal and human issues into accessible narratives, making her a prominent voice in immigration law, youth advocacy, and social justice.