Rachel is a Performance and Engagement Specialist in the HR department. She has been at BHN for almost 2 years. She is also a military veteran, having spent 4 and half years of active duty in the Army.
Rachel had only been in the Springfield area for 6 months before joining BHN, but she knew she wanted to be part of an organization that had a vision aligned with her values. She loved the aspect of joining a nonprofit organization that was very much plugged into the community and making a difference and appreciated the social justice lens through which BHN operates.
“As an army veteran, I loved being in the front lines with the people,” she says. “And the jobs I’ve held throughout my career and my educational studies have related to HR and service to others.”
Rachel received her Doctorate in Business Administration at Trevecca Nazarene University. She and her husband came to the area when he became a pastor at Vox Church. Together, they share a love of inspiring and encouraging people.
When Rachel was deployed to Afghanistan in 2018, she led and supervised a group of very diverse soldiers from many different backgrounds. “It was great being able to encourage and guide them while they were all far from home and to come home safe in their right mind. We can do so many beautiful things when we’re together and of sound mind. Those moments have shaped me, and I try to carry them on today.” Since then, Rachel says she has developed to be more intentional about the ways she supports people and cultivates her active listening skills. She creates trainings and revises policy. “Every day I lean in with my ears and listen to how people want to improve their experience.”
Rachel has a deep passion for supporting employees in their career development, especially through 1-on-1 coaching in the Career Pathways program. “A big part of my role is helping people access the resources they need to succeed, whether that’s guidance on education or connecting them to the right opportunities,” she explains.
In the coming year, Rachel hopes to expand her skillset by learning more about grant writing. She recognizes the importance of securing funding to create more opportunities for staff performance and engagement, which aligns closely with her work as a Career Coach. “Being able to write grants would help us continue to support and develop our team,” she says.
Rachel also plans to dedicate more time this year to exploring and applying insights from her academically cited dissertation, which focuses on proven ways to manage satisfaction and employee engagement across BHN’s multigenerational workforce. She is also considering publishing an e-book as a resource to share her findings and ideas with a broader audience, further contributing to the dialogue on enhancing employee experiences in multigenerational work environments. “No matter what role I’m in, it’s about how much impact I can make,” Rachel says.
When reflecting on Black History Month, Rachel shares, “To me, Black History Month is a time of deep personal reflection and continued education. It provides me with a dedicated moment to intentionally explore my heritage and ancestry in a deeper way, allowing me to appreciate the resilience, strength, and contributions of those who came before me. Having this set-aside time enables me to not only reflect on the sacrifices and triumphs that have paved the way for me but also to continue educating myself, my family, and others about the culture, history, and accomplishments that have opened doors for my own opportunities.
For me and my family, it is more than just a month, it is a reminder of the legacy I carry and the responsibility I have to honor it by uplifting and empowering others. In my opinion, Black History Month reinforces the importance of preserving black stories, celebrating our progress, and pushing forward toward greater equity and representation in every space occupied.”
