Rachael Chapman is the Program Manager for Community Partnerships for UofL Health – Organizational Development, Engagement and Inclusion. She started off as a student over 20 years ago. She has been in her current role for almost two years. In her current role, she serves as the bridge between the external and internal communities and has dedicated herself to learning and growing with her community.
Rachael is working with team members and JCPS to create more opportunities for students to join the UofL Health team and further their education. She is passionate about this relationship because during her junior and senior years at Central High School in Louisville, Rachael was a student worker in a co-op or internship program here at UofL Health. She was able to receive class credit and real-world experience through a job in Rehabilitation Services as a Physical Therapy Technician.
“My school and staff from UofL Health worked together to create an amazing opportunity that served me far beyond high school,” she said. “I went to school every day for half the day and then spent the other half of the day earning a paycheck, a grade for class, and valuable experiences and relationships that to this day help me in my work. I honestly do not think I would be back here if not for my beginnings as a co-op student.”
Rachael says her favorite thing about UofL Health is the family culture.
“I was born in this hospital and my mother has worked here my entire life,” she said. “I came to work many times with my mom as a kid and have numerous ‘co-parents’ across this system. To come back over 20 years later and see some of the same faces, being greeted by the same warm arms that embraced me as a kid, is special. I feel at home here, and I love the culture we are continuing to build and improve.”
Rachael was born and raised in Louisville. Her favorite food is pizza or tacos, and she loves coffee. Her current favorite song is “Church Girl” by Beyonce, and she spends her free time chasing her two toddlers.
Rachael’s go-to inspirational quote is: “Make every day better than the one before.”
