Ms. Rachel named as one of Glamour's Women of the Year

Rachel Accurso, better known as Ms. Rachel, has been named one of Glamour’s 2025 Women of the Year, a recognition that highlights not only her influence in early childhood education but also her outspoken advocacy for children affected by global crises, most recently in Gaza.

The 42-year-old Maine native first gained fame through her YouTube channel, where she created educational videos for toddlers, helping her own son, Thomas, overcome a speech delay. Since then, her platform has expanded into a media empire: 17 million subscribers, 13 billion views, nine books, a toy line, and a Netflix series that drew over 53 million views in its first season. Yet, beyond entertainment, Ms. Rachel has leveraged her reach to draw attention to urgent humanitarian issues.

In recent months, she has become one of the most visible American voices for the children of Gaza, speaking out about the humanitarian crisis, fundraising, and raising awareness through her shows and social media. She notably brought Rahaf, a three-year-old double amputee from Gaza, onto her program to highlight the struggles faced by children in conflict zones. “I have to just remind myself that kids’ lives are more important than my reputation,” she said.

Accurso’s activism extends beyond Gaza. She has spoken openly about postpartum depression and has advocated for inclusivity and social justice causes, but it is her work highlighting the plight of children in war zones that sets her apart from many of her peers in the early-childhood media space. “I don’t think that our love should end at religion or skin color or where people are born. I think that that’s not what’s right, in my soul. And it’s very natural to me to see children. I see my own children. And when I see children suffering anywhere, I just think about, What if that was my child?” she explained.

Her advocacy is informed by a deep sense of moral responsibility. She has met with families affected by the conflict, including Rahaf and her mother, and has used her platform to amplify their stories. She emphasizes empathy and global awareness, encouraging her audience to see children everywhere as deserving of care and protection. “I didn’t know just how dehumanized Palestinians are before I started doing this work,” she said. “Everyone should see every child in this world as equal and precious.”

By using her platform to champion the rights and well-being of children in Gaza and beyond, Ms. Rachel demonstrates that early-childhood entertainers can also be powerful voices for justice. “I just want to serve God and others every day in every way I can, and speak up for children and help children who are in unimaginable situations every day to the best of my ability,” she said.