Rachel Karch is a multidisciplinary artist, instructional designer, and community leader based in Oklahoma City. A former social-studies teacher, her passion for education has always been intertwined with her love of the arts. From an early age, Rachel gravitated toward drawing, painting, and hands-on creation, interests that have evolved into a diverse artistic practice including sculpture, photography, fiber arts, cosplay and more.
Since launching R Karch Photography in 2020, Rachel developed a specialty in composite photography. Her work spans over 100 conventions and events.
Professionally, Rachel serves as an instructional design manager and accessibility specialist for suicide prevention services at the University of Oklahoma. In this role, she creates trauma‑informed learning experiences that support mental-health education and crisis‑response initiatives.
Rachel’s artwork is also currently featured in the storefront installation at Factory Obscura: Mixtape, highlighting her presence in Oklahoma City’s contemporary art scene.
In addition, Rachel is the Director of People and Culture for Soonercon, where she leads vendor communications, volunteer coordination, accessibility initiatives, and much more. Within the cosplay community, she is a master cosplayer and an administrator for Oklahoma Cosplayers, bringing over 15 years of experience. She is deeply committed to fostering safe, inclusive spaces and plays an active role in organizing meetups, conventions, and local events.
AI is advancing at a rapid pace, from art generation to decision-making systems. But where should we set ethical boundaries? Will AI ever achieve true consciousness, and if it does, what rights should it have? Join the discussion on how AI is shaping our future.
In an era of massive commercial expos, small cons remain the heart of fandom. This session dives into the importance of community-driven spaces that prioritize participation over profit. Join our panelists to discuss how these events foster real conversation, unique collaborations, and a true sense of belonging. Scale isn’t everything when it comes to celebrating what we love!