Living my life without Limits
“Black women all over the world are shining. Practicing black girl magic, melanin on fleek, and thriving in their careers. But it is not their skin that makes them unique, but rather similar. However, It is their story and their journey that captivates people making each and every one special in their own way.” -Taylor Mills
Early Childhood…
Rachel Mills is from Robbins, Illinois. She grew up primarily in the same household with four of her siblings. She lived with her grandmother, great grandmother, and her aunt. She attended Richards High School from freshman year – junior year. She graduated from Ombudsman in 2008. She then went on to attend college at the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Community Health with a concentration in health planning and administration. Immediately after obtaining her Bachelors of Science degree, Rachel obtained a Master of Science Degree from Rush University in Health Systems Management.
When I grow up…
“Growing up, I wanted to be a doctor. In high school I thought I wanted to be a dentist. I felt this way until I took a few science classes in college. Then I quickly realized, being a doctor was not for me.” – Rachel Mills
Career…
“I’m currently a Clinical Practice Manager. It’s an operation based roll. When I first got to college, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. My big sister Toya has a career in healthcare, and she told me how rewarding the field could be. I initially was taking general study courses in college, and later declared a major.” –Rachel Mills
Lessons learned from work…
“Work taught me not to doubt myself. The more you grow in your career, and you try to take on bigger roles, you realize you can’t limit yourself. When I was interviewing for my current role, I was not only proving to my employer that I could handle the responsibilities of the job, but also proving to myself that I can do it. I’m so happy that I didn’t limit myself, because I am very happy with the current role I’m in, and I am being challenged every day.” –Rachel Mills
What I imagined my life would be…
“I can remember applying for certain graduate programs, and jobs, and people were telling me no. I felt like I wasn’t good enough for those positions, or that I was aiming too high. But God was showing me that he had something better for me. I never thought I would be in the physical, mental, and spiritual space I’m in now.” –Rachel Mills
I am proudest of…
“I am proud of where I come from. I am proud of the stripes I have earned. I think God is pushing me even further. I was recently asked to be apart of the youth conference at my church. I think God is letting me know okay I did this for you, and now I want you to reach back and help others get to their destiny.” –Rachel Mills
10 years from now…
“In 10 years I see myself married with kids. I hope to be in California, or in a warmer state. I would like to take on more responsibilities in my career. I would also like to get my business off the ground, and I would like to get into real estate. Another big one is being more organized, and having a plan. I want to have a stronger relationship with God, and become a mentor to girls.” –Rachel Mills
Confidence to me is…
“Confidence to me is knowing you can accomplish anything as long as you put the work, and effort into it. It also means people opinions of you will not change what you think of yourself.” – Rachel Mills
Traveling back in time…
“If I could travel back in time, I would tell my younger self to aim higher. I feel as though I breezed through college. I wish that I pushed myself more, because I had the mental capacity, and the brain power to push myself event further. I would also tell myself to be more frugal with my spending habits, and taking out loans.” –Rachel Mills
To be a black woman to me is…
“To be a black woman to me means knowing that you have to be 10 times greater than everyone else. It’s almost as if you’re the underdog in the room, however people will still look at you for all the answers. I think we have a lot of influence on the world. But we have to be mindful of this, and try to portray more positive images of ourselves.” – Rachel Mills
“To be a queen is to be a champion. Every queen wears their crown differently. Although our journeys make us unique, our destinations continue to make us the same. Every queen is grinding for a purpose; every queen is shining in her own light. Just remember no matter what queen, you got this.” -Taylor Mills
