Rae Phoenix Rohus-Wells

I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to build positive, trust-based relationships with others. I have been successful so far by staying highly organized, remaining calm under pressure, and consistently following through on my responsibilities.

The best career advice I ever received came when I began my role in human resources in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas while working toward my Bachelor’s in Business Management. My Director of HR at the time, Janice Decker, encouraged me not to be shy and to have confidence in my abilities. Her guidance pushed me to speak up, take initiative, and trust my judgment, which has shaped the professional I am today.

The advice for young women entering public service, especially in compliance and integrity roles, is to lead with both courage and clarity of purpose. This work matters deeply to communities, so it is important to ground your career in service, ethics, and self-respect.

In public service and employer compliance, you will often be the person in the room asking hard questions, enforcing standards, and saying “no” when it is easier to say “yes.” Do not mistake being early in your career for having nothing valuable to contribute. Prepare thoroughly, understand the laws, regulations, and policies you are responsible for, and then trust your judgment. Speak clearly, document your work, and remember that professionalism is not about being quiet or agreeable; it is about being accurate, fair, and consistent.

In an integrity or compliance-focused role, your reputation is your most important asset. There will be pressure at times to “look the other way,” to move faster than the rules allow, or to make exceptions that do not feel right. Protect yourself and the public by being transparent, following established processes, and asking for guidance when something feels off. Say what you will do and then do it, even when it is inconvenient. Over time, people come to rely on you as the person who can be trusted to do the right thing, not just the easy thing.

Public service is complex; decisions are rarely made in isolation. Take time to learn how your organization works: who the stakeholders are, how decisions move through the system, and where your role fits in the bigger picture. Build respectful relationships across departments, with leaders, line staff, unions, and external partners. Being effective in employer compliance is not only about knowing the rules, but also about being able to explain them, negotiate when appropriate, and collaborate to find solutions that uphold both policy and people.

Young women in public service often carry a lot: high expectations, emotional labor, and the weight of wanting to “prove” they deserve to be at the table. Give yourself permission to be a learner. Ask questions, seek mentors, volunteer for projects that stretch your skills, and pursue training or certifications that deepen your credibility. At the same time, protect your well‑being. Set boundaries, take your leave, and learn to step away from work mentally when the day is over. Long careers in public service are built on resilience, not perfection.

Finally, remember that you belong in rooms where important decisions are made. You are not “lucky to be here”; you have earned your place through education, effort, and character. There will be moments of doubt, and there may be environments where you are underestimated. Use those moments as fuel, not proof. Advocate for yourself, apply for roles even if you do not meet every single requirement, and keep aligning your work with your values. Public service needs women who are willing to stand for fairness, accountability, and integrity—and that includes you.

The biggest challenges in my field right now involve helping employers and third-party administrators understand and correctly implement complex FAMLI requirements, from registration and wage reporting to coordinating leave with existing policies. At the same time, there is a major opportunity to use this program to expand access to paid family and medical leave, strengthen worker protections, and build more collaborative, education-focused relationships with employers to support long-term compliance and program integrity.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center on balance, integrity, and meaningful connection. In my professional role, I am deeply committed to upholding fairness, accountability, and ethical decision-making—ensuring that policies protect workers while supporting employers in doing the right thing. I believe work should be purposeful and aligned with my principles.

Equally important is my commitment to a lifestyle that honors my well-being and relationships. Remote and hybrid work flexibility is essential to me because it allows me to be present in ways that matter: spending quality time with my family, nurturing my relationships with my pets, and prioritizing my physical and mental health. I recognize that I perform best professionally when I am not burned out, which is why maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal time, staying active, and taking care of my mental wellness are non-negotiable parts of how I show up in all areas of my life.

For me, success is not just measured by professional accomplishments, but by living in a way that feels sustainable, authentic, and grounded in the people and things I care about most.