Power Women 2021: Rachel Bunch
Executive Director, Arkansas Health Care Association
What’s your secret to success?
I truly love what I do and the people that I work for.
How did you get started in your field?
I started working at the association office in 2008; worked in various roles over the years and as executive director for the past seven years.
What do you love best about what you do?
The variety of things I get to work on, helping the people who work in our facilities who I have developed relationships with over the years, the opportunity to learn different things and advocating to policymakers on behalf of those who provide care for elderly Arkansans.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Take notes. Listen more than you talk. Read about things that you don’t understand. Ask good questions.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud?
My daughter, Emily. She is smart, kind and an all-around beautiful person. She is my greatest accomplishment.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I don’t always maintain one, and don’t pretend to. I spend my time on things that are important to me — time with family and friends and my work. Life doesn’t fit in a 9-to-5 box and neither does my work.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
Starting work very young in my position and field. Being underestimated isn’t the worst thing to happen.
