Her Story
About Rachell
I started off in administrative positions and ended up at an accounting firm, which I really enjoyed, so I got my Associates in Accounting. While I was doing that, in one of my accounting classes, I realized that I like bookkeeping and various parts of accounting, but I did not really want to be an accountant. I kind of waited a little bit, worked around, and then pivoted to the human resources field, because I felt that I took what I had learned, what positions I had been in, where I was the best fit, what I could do that could improve, and I thought human resources is where I fit. I went to University of Maryland Global Campus for my Human Resources degree for a couple of reasons - one, they took the credits from my Associates, and two, I'm a military spouse, so I could move anywhere and still continue my degree. Throughout my 20-year career in the administrative field, I've focused on growth and making a marketable impact at every company. In my current role of 2 years, I manage daily operations including employee oversight, social media and marketing strategies across multiple platforms including LinkedIn, newsletters, phone calls, and sales pitches.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachell
01What do you attribute your success to?
The success I have experienced throughout my career can be attributed largely to the life experiences that shaped me early on. As a teenager and young adult, I was fortunate to be surrounded by people who were encouraging, supportive, and deeply committed to helping others succeed. Their influence helped me understand the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of staying connected to the community around me. Those early lessons instilled in me a strong work ethic and a belief that success is not achieved alone, but through dedication, collaboration, and giving back to the communities that support us.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to always focus on doing the job in front of you well, no matter the position. Early in my career, someone told me that people notice consistency, reliability, and a willingness to step up when needed. That advice stayed with me and has helped guide my work ethic. By focusing on doing quality work and supporting the people around me, opportunities for growth have naturally followed.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field would be to stay curious, work hard, and never underestimate the power of strong communication. Find mentors who support your growth and don’t hesitate to take on challenges that push you outside of your comfort zone. Leadership often develops through experience, and being willing to step forward and take initiative can open many doors.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the recycling and sustainability field right now is improving the quality and efficiency of plastic recycling systems. Many recyclable plastics are still contaminated with food waste, labels, or mixed materials, which makes sorting and processing more difficult and reduces the quality of the final recycled product. In addition, recycled materials often have to compete with cheaper virgin plastics, which can make it challenging for recycling programs to remain economically sustainable. At the same time, there are significant opportunities emerging in the industry. Advances in recycling technology, increased corporate sustainability commitments, and growing consumer awareness are creating stronger demand for recycled materials and innovative products made from them. These trends are opening the door for companies to develop new solutions that keep plastics in circulation and reduce environmental impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, hard work, and community. I believe in being honest and accountable in everything I do, and in approaching challenges with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. I also place a high value on supporting the people and communities around me. Whether in a professional setting or in my personal life, I believe success is built through collaboration, respect, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
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