Career growth often starts with a single opportunity. Starting as a housekeeper and now serving as a director, Rafael’s journey reflects Coreworks’ commitment to professional development and leadership advancement in support services in senior living. His story reminds us that the right guidance, mindset, and drive can turn any starting point into a meaningful, long-term career.
I came to the U.S. from Puerto Rico in 2017 after Hurricane Maria. It was a really tough time, but I was fortunate to find a position here at Compass working in housekeeping at a nursing home.
Only about six months in, my boss approached me about a supervisor role. I was surprised but he told me: “We see the way you work, how you speak to residents, and we believe you’re the right person for this.” That meant a lot to me.
From there, I traveled to Atlanta for training and later was sent to help open new accounts in Chicago, where my bilingual skills were especially needed. After that I was offered a director role in Maryland. After two years there, I told my Regional Director of Operations I was ready for a new challenge. That’s when I returned to Topton, where I originally started as a housekeeper. Coming back as a director felt like a full-circle moment. I’ve now been in this director role for three years, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made. Coreworks opened the door to growth opportunities in support services in senior living I never imagined when I first started.
It’s taught me that leadership isn’t about the title, it’s about how you treat people. One of the best lessons I ever received was early on, when a manager told me: “Look at your hand. Every finger is different, but they all work together.”
That stuck with me. Every person is different with different backgrounds, experiences, challenges, and to lead well, you have to understand and respect that. Empathy is everything.
When I do interviews or team meetings, I don’t just sit behind a desk. I work with my team, I take out trash, I clean rooms. I help with whatever they need because I’ve done it myself. That’s how you earn respect and trust. And that’s how I choose to lead every day, by example.
I stay connected and I listen. I spend time with my team and make sure they know I’m here for them, not just as a director, but as a person. If someone needs time off to care for their kids or family, I get it. I’ve had challenges with my own family’s health too.
At the end of the day, our work is about people, the residents and team members we work with every day. So being a good leader means being present, supportive, and consistent. I tell my team, “If we walk through this door together, we’re going to succeed together.” And I truly believe that.
Never forget where you started. I was once a housekeeper, and today I’m a director. But I’m still the same person. I think that is what’s important to remember. To everyone in a service role: what you do matters. Don’t underestimate the impact you have on residents, on your team, and Compass Group as a whole. With empathy, dedication, and a willingness to learn, there’s no limit to how far you can go.
With Coreworks’ footprint stretching coast to coast, career paths can begin anywhere and lead everywhere. Stories like Rafael’s remind us of the dedication, resilience, and heart our service team members bring to their work every day. Every interaction matters, and every person makes a difference. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, Coreworks is proud to offer meaningful growth opportunities in support services in senior living that help team members realize their full potential.
We’re proud to recognize and celebrate the passion and purpose that drives our services teams across the country. Thank you to all of our amazing team members for everything you do.
