Rachael Hughes
Rachael Hughes is an accomplished environmental services professional with over nine years of experience spanning hotel operations, residential cleaning, and hospital environmental services. Currently serving as Assistant Director of Environmental Services at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, she oversees comprehensive patient care and facility cleanliness programs, ensuring the highest standards of safety and hygiene. Rachael also manages the hospital’s TRU-D Ultra Violet Disinfection Program, applying innovative technologies to enhance infection control and patient safety.
Throughout her career, Rachael has demonstrated a remarkable ability to advance rapidly into leadership roles, driven by her determination, expertise, and dedication to excellence. She has successfully supervised teams in both hospitality and healthcare environments, implementing operational improvements and fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning. Her leadership style emphasizes emotional intelligence, mentorship, and creating a supportive environment where employees can thrive.
Rachael earned an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is committed to bringing fresh ideas and data-driven approaches to environmental services, continually striving to optimize operations and improve patient care. Known for her strong work ethic and innovative mindset, Rachael is passionate about making a meaningful impact on her team, the organization, and the patients they serve.
• Lean Leadership
• University of Phoenix
• African American Advancement Group
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mindset as a fixer—I don’t settle and am always looking for the next problem to solve. Growing up in a small and losing my mother at a young age taught me resilience, while shaping me into someone who is humble, kind, and empathetic, yet driven and disciplined in everything I do.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering environmental services is to look at the full spectrum—from the top down—and not get lost in the chaos. Remember, EVS is a career, not just a job, and pursuing certifications and continuing education can open doors to growth and leadership opportunities. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to use your voice—your perspective and ideas are valuable and can make a real impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in my field right now include navigating leadership as a single mother , gaining respect as a young woman of color in a dominating environment, and managing the long hours and high emotional demands of the work. At the same time, there are significant opportunities. My organization encourages and supports continuing education, allowing me to grow professionally, and being relatively young in my role means the sky is the limit. Additionally, the EVS field is expanding into areas like infection prevention and technology, creating exciting avenues to innovate and make a broader impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are kindness and empathy—I lead with heart while maintaining accountability. I prioritize presence, staying fully engaged with my team and leading by example. And I value humility, approaching every situation with a mindset of learning, listening, and continuous growth.