Rochelle Rafn has her MBA and Master’s of Science in Data Science from Forbes-ranked Willamette University. She developed, owned, and operated Rafns’ Restaurant with her husband, Nate Rafn, for 9 years before successfully selling the business. She also helped build and develop a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional orchestra and is currently leading the organization as the Executive Director.
From a young age, Rochelle Rafn’s curiosity set her apart. Her first-grade teacher even awarded her the “Most Curious” title, which she’s embraced throughout her career. Though her early interests veered toward music and the arts, Rochelle’s natural aptitude for math began to show in middle school, eventually leading her to attend Willamette University’s “Expanding Your Horizon” conference—a pivotal experience that inspired her toward STEM.
Despite a broad range of interests, Rochelle’s true passion for data science emerged later in life. Co-founding Rafns’ Restaurant with her husband, she managed the business side of operations—financial planning, customer analytics, and marketing. During this time, she unknowingly honed the skills of a data analyst by “geeking out” over raw data from her restaurant’s cloud-based services. This sparked a realization: she could build a career from her favorite business task—data-driven decision-making.
Rochelle went on to pursue graduate studies in Data Science and Business at Willamette University, where she developed expertise in analytics, programming, machine learning, and statistical modeling. Throughout her studies, she also gained a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations involved in data analysis, especially regarding bias and inclusion. These lessons have shaped her approach to data science, with a strong commitment to maintaining integrity and using data for the greater good.
Today, Rochelle is a Data Analyst at the Oregon Department of Revenue, where she was the first analyst hired in the HR section. She has built automated reporting systems, developed interactive dashboards, and streamlined data pipelines, empowering leadership with workforce insights that drive informed decision-making. Beyond her work at the Department of Revenue, Rochelle serves as Communications Coordinator for the State of Oregon Research Academy (SORA), where she helps connect over 900 members across 40 state agencies, facilitating collaboration and outreach in the data and research community.
Outside of her professional life, Rochelle continues to support nonprofit organizations in leadership roles, enjoys traveling, and finds balance by playing music.
