SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — I recently learned that I had been selected to receive TRSA’s Operator Lifetime Achievement Award — the first time in the organization’s 100-plus-year history that a female operator has received this prestigious honor.
My initial reaction was simple: disbelief.
Honestly, I thought it had to be some kind of mistake. Surely, I couldn’t be old enough for a lifetime award. But after a few seconds, the truth settled in; I have been in this industry a lifetime — 43 years and counting.
My second thought was, Do I really deserve this? A moment of imposter syndrome crept in. I’ve never viewed my accomplishments as individual ones. Any success I’ve experienced has been as part of incredible teams doing exceptional things together over a long period of time.
While I am honored to be the first woman to receive this recognition, I know I stand on the shoulders of countless women in textile services who have led, influenced, and strengthened this industry for decades.
This recognition is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It has sparked many moments of reflection on the journey that led me here.
Like so many in this industry, I didn’t plan to enter it — it happened by accident, more as a means to an end than a calling. What began as a customer service and marketing role quickly became a true career built on purpose, mentorship and problem-solving.
In those early years — the mid ’80s — the industry looked very different. Processes were manual, technology modest and “best practices” were still taking shape. Yet even then, the heartbeat of our work was unmistakable:
- Take care of your employees.
- Take care of your customers.
- Deliver safe, reliable linens that support care teams and protect patients.
I was fortunate to learn from industry icons in laundry operations, chemistry, emerging tunnel-washing technology, and leadership. I had bosses who believed in me and pushed me into roles I didn’t think I was ready for. They taught me to take chances, lead with integrity and keep striving for better. Their influence formed the foundation for every step I’ve taken since.
What has kept me here for decades isn’t just the challenge of the work — it’s the people and the purpose. My fellow laundry brothers and sisters understand the quiet heroism of what we do: maintaining impeccable quality and service, constantly improving standards, ensuring safety and value for our teams, and always keeping our purpose at the center — providing hygienically clean linen to the patients who rely on us.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading teams and projects that strengthened operations, improved customer value, and implemented technologies to streamline workflow and support better decision-making. Each milestone reinforced a simple truth: progress happens when teams are empowered, understand the “why,” and are trusted with the goal in mind.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership in our field isn’t about sweeping change. It’s about consistency, curiosity and championing high standards — especially when no one is watching.
As technology evolved, ownership models shifted, and healthcare demands became more complex, adaptability became essential. This industry taught me resilience, collaboration and, above all, the importance of investing in people.
As I reflect on this moment, I’m reminded that no one builds a “lifetime” alone. This award may carry my name, but it is truly a shared accomplishment — with the mentors who taught me, the colleagues who challenged me, the partners who trusted me, and the teams who showed up every single day with pride and purpose. They shaped my leadership far more than any title or achievement ever could.
And even after four decades, I don’t see this recognition as the closing of a chapter. I see it as an invitation — to keep contributing, keep lifting others and keep helping this industry innovate and evolve. The future of textile services is bright, bold and full of possibility. With new technology, smarter operations, and a rising generation of passionate leaders, we are poised for transformation unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Being the first woman honored with this award reminds me of the many women who paved the way — and of the incredible leaders who will follow.
If this is what a lifetime looks like, then I’m grateful for every moment … and excited for all the moments still ahead.
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