Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Rachel Payne of Didlake for answering our questions!

Where were you born and raised and, if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?

I was born and raised in Newport News, VA, but my father’s family was originally from Loudoun County, and I grew up visiting the area. Toward the end of my husband’s Army career, we decided to settle in Northern VA. We live in western Prince William County; however, we frequently spend time in Loudoun County at our favorite winery, restaurants, and shops, and visit friends, in addition to the work I do there.

Tell us about your company, and how long you’ve been in your industry.

Didlake is a non-profit rehabilitative services organization founded in 1965 to create opportunities for people with disabilities. Didlake serves over 2,000 people with disabilities annually in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., through its Rehabilitation Services programs, connecting them with community employers and engagement opportunities. Additionally, Didlake employs more than 1,000 people with disabilities and delivers quality service solutions for federal and state government customers throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

I have been in the human services field for almost 20 years, specifically in disability services for almost 13 years with Didlake.

How did you get into this line of work?

I have always had a passion for helping others. Through my experience as a military spouse who moved frequently, I wanted to help others access the training and support they need to obtain and maintain employment and achieve their career goals. I originally worked with the general workforce and later began my career with Didlake, supporting young adults with autism through Project SEARCH.

Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that guided your career?

My husband has always been my mentor and biggest cheerleader when it comes to my career and professional development. When it comes to who has inspired me, it’s the people I’ve had the honor of serving and working with throughout my career. I am inspired by people who work incredibly hard to learn, grow, and excel at whatever they set their minds to.

What is the best part of your job and why?

The best part of my job is seeing someone master skills and meet goals they weren’t sure they could. It warms my heart to see others thankful for being heard, seen, and helped to be part of their community, to learn to advocate for themselves, and to become employed if that is their goal.

What is it like doing business in Loudoun?

Doing business in Loudoun has been amazing! I first began working in Loudoun in 2015 as a program manager in Didlake’s supported employment program, helping individuals obtain and maintain employment. Working with local employers was always a positive experience. In my current role, I continue to enjoy engaging with the business community, other nonprofits, elected officials, and the Loudoun Chamber.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to celebrate culture, progress, and innovation, and to honor people who were and are change-makers. It’s also a moment to pause, reflect, and learn from the stories that have shaped our country, and an opportunity for all of us to look forward as much as backward. For me, it’s also a time to ask myself, “What am I doing now that future generations will point to?”

Favorite things to do when you are not working?

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, relaxing, cooking, watching

 movies, eating great food, and traveling. We have one son still in high school, so anytime I can have all three of our boys home with us or on vacation, I enjoy the time we spend together.