MassLive recently asked readers to name who they believe are Black Massachusetts leaders working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or other areas of interest.
Profiles of these leaders The awards will be published in the run up to Juneteenth on June 19. These are people who readers have found to be inspirational and may be doing good things for their communities. They are recognized for their achievements, leadership and efforts to inspire change.
Rachel Ratchford
Year: 32
community: Brookline
Her story: For the past 10 years, Rachel Latchford has worked as a management consultant supporting industries in the healthcare, life sciences and public care sectors.
Throughout his career, Ratchford has worked to expand access to care and improve the health care system for both patients and physicians.
She is passionate about healthcare and its power to impact people’s lives “in a way that few other industries can.”
Through his work, Ratchford has gained insight into the key challenges and opportunities facing the health care system.
Ratchford enrolled as an undergraduate at Brown University with aspirations of becoming a physician, but later left the program to explore other career paths in the medical field.
During her senior year, she completed a year-long internship in the office of Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts, supporting Roberts’ office’s work on aging and long-term care policy for the state.
Ratchford graduated in 2013 and has since worked on specific industry issues, including Medicaid waiver programs and helping implement technology to improve healthcare operations.
“Outside of work, I’m very passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community,” she said.
“I was recently appointed to a four-year term as the public director of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Committee on Board Certification.”
The organization focuses on advancing excellence in the nursing profession, and Latchford is responsible for advancing career advancement and education.
She previously served as a mentor for Minds Matter Boston (and Washington, DC), a college access program that connects students from low-income families with the resources, preparation, and potential to succeed in college.
In her words: “Look for ways to continue to grow, develop and learn new skills… Finding people who can offer advice, coaching, feedback and guidance was absolutely crucial and helped me take my career goals to the next level.”
We’re always listening to more amazing people. If you’d like to nominate someone else who should be recognized, This shape.
