In honor of Women’s History Month, we are proud to spotlight four SCI Team Members whose leadership, compassion, and dedication make a meaningful difference every day. Their stories reflect the heart of our mission and the impact of advocacy in action.
Blog
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Leadership, Advocacy, and Impact
March 30, 2026
Stronger Together: Sisterhood, Service, and Shared Purpose
Meet Tyfanie Rice and Lavonia Johnson – twin sisters who not only look alike, but who also share a title at SCI. Tyfanie and Lavonia are both, with Tyfanie being a Team Member for the last 20 years, and Lavonia being with us for the last 18 years!
“Working with my sister is a gift,” Lavonia says when asked what it’s like to work at the same organization as Tyfanie. “She leads with empathy, authenticity, and a remarkable ability to bring out the best in those around her.” Tyfanie echoes her sister’s sentiments. “It has truly been a blessing to work with my sister for the past two decades,” she says. “Not only do we speak our very own ‘Twin Language,’ but we also speak the same ‘SCI language.’”
Beyond the joy of working together, the sisters share an appreciation for doing meaningful work. “Every day, for 20 years, I’ve had an opportunity to help another person,” Tyfanie says. “It’s something I don’t take for granted. Knowing that the guidance I provide my team ultimately improves the quality of life for individuals we support means a lot,” Lavonia says.
Not only do Lavonia and Tyfanie make a difference in the lives of the teams they manage and the people they support; they also make an impact on each other. When asked what woman has inspired her the most, Lavonia is quick to answer. “Tyfanie continues to inspire my life. In a world that often praises the loudest, my twin sister inspires me by proving that empathy, grace, and authenticity leave the deepest mark.”
Their shared journey extends far beyond the workplace. The twins have also embraced another meaningful role together – motherhood. Tyfanie is the proud mother of a 10-year-old son, and Lavonia has a 13-year-old daughter, with both calling their children their greatest accomplishments.
We asked Tyfanie and Lavonia why it’s important for women to support one another and they had similar responses. “Women are stronger together,” Tyfanie says. “A woman who feels supported is more likely to support someone else and that kind of positive cycle can go a long way.” Lavonia feels similarly. “When women support one another, we replace competition with collective strength which leads to the opportunity to create space for one another to rise.”
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Tyfanie and Lavonia, who are living proof that some bonds, like sisterhood, not only stand the test of time but grow stronger through shared purpose.
Visit ServiceCoord.org to learn more about the people, purpose, and community behind Service Coordination, Inc.—and how our team supports individuals and families across Maryland every day.
Advocacy, Empathy, and Uplifting Others
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting a few of the strong female leaders at Service Coordination, Inc. (SCI) who inspire us every day. Today, we invite you to meet Rachel Harbin. In addition to being the Vice President of Coordination of Community Services (CCS) at SCI, Rachel is also a mother of three, proud sister, and daughter.
Rachel is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the people we support. Knowing that her work has a meaningful impact has helped her build confidence throughout her career. “Hearing from families, people we support, and community members has given me the confidence to keep moving forward and to advocate for ways to make an even bigger impact in the disability community,” she says.
Rachel saw firsthand the impact of giving back to the disability community as a child. Her mom left an accomplished career as a neonatal nurse to raise Rachel and her sister and to foster newborn babies. Eventually, Rachel’s parents felt called to put their names on the adoption list for babies labeled as “special needs,” adopting Garon, Rachel’s brother, in 1990. When Rachel’s mom noticed a shift in Garon’s behavior and development, she refused to settle until he received a diagnosis. He was eventually diagnosed with autism. Ever since then, Rachel’s mom has been a fierce advocate for Garon, making sure he has access to the supports and services he needs to live a full, meaningful life.
“I’ve had a front-row seat to what true advocacy looks like ever since I was a child,” Rachel, who cites her mom as the woman who has most influenced her, says. “Advocacy is truly a skill and I feel incredibly lucky that I learned it by watching her.”
Rachel notes that her firsthand experience loving someone with a disability inspired her to pursue a career path working with individuals with disabilities and it’s made her better at what she does. “Our lived experiences shape who we are and I often draw on this experience in my work,” Rachel says. “Coming from a place of understanding and empathy has made me a stronger leader than I ever would have been without this experience.”
In addition to making a difference in the lives of the people supported by SCI and their families, Rachel also prides herself on mentoring others. “I always make the time,” she says when asked how she uplifts other women at work. “I take great pride in not only teaching younger employees the responsibilities of the role, but also in helping them realize who they are and what they want for their careers.”
When asked about the challenges women face, Rachel notes, “I don’t know a single female leader who hasn’t faced challenges at some point in her career, simply because she’s a woman.” Because of this, she emphasizes how important it is for women to stick together and support one another, just as she saw through her mother’s advocacy, where strength and persistence made all the difference.
Stories like Rachel’s reflect the heart of SCI – where advocacy is personal to us and drives everything we do. Explore more stories of leadership, advocacy, and impact at ServiceCoord.org.
Confidence, Community, and Purpose
This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to highlight the inspiring women of SCI who make a meaningful impact every day. Today, we’re honored to introduce Sheneiah Phillips from our Supports Planning Services team, who has been a dedicated member of SCI for seven years.
Throughout her career, Sheneiah has built confidence through the support of mentors, constructive guidance from managers, and collaboration with colleagues. By exchanging ideas and taking on new challenges, she has been able to grow both professionally and personally. But above all, she credits her confidence to something even more powerful – herself.
“I had to believe in my own capabilities,” she shares. “Without confidence, I would live in fear of failure and rejection. I didn’t want to miss out on opportunities or limit my personal growth.”
That mindset has not only shaped her career, but also the advice she offers to other women. Sheneiah encourages young women to embrace their own unique journeys and resist the urge to compare themselves to others.
“Life is not straightforward. We all have our own path to follow—and that’s how it’s meant to be,” she says. “You are worthy enough. Take the time to affirm yourself, even if you have to look in the mirror and say it out loud: ‘I am worthy enough.’ Trust that your dreams will take shape in their own timing.”
Sheneiah’s path has been shaped by powerful female influences in her life. During her middle and high school years, she participated in the STAR mentorship program at Lehigh University, where she was paired with a college student mentor who left a lasting impression. Her mentor shared a message that continues to guide Sheneiah today: “I am loved, I am able, and I can make a difference.”
She also draws deep inspiration from her late grandmother, whose generosity, resilience, and commitment to serving others continue to guide her. Whether supporting her family, giving back to her community, or sending goods to those in need in Guyana, her grandmother embodied strength and grace.
“She faced her own challenges, but she didn’t live in them… she overcame them,” Sheneiah reflects. “She was everything I strive to be for my community and loved ones.”
One of Sheneiah’s proudest accomplishments is the personal growth she’s achieved over time. Once shy and hesitant to speak up, she has found her voice and learned to confidently express herself, even in large group settings.
“It took me years to understand how I fit in and how to use my voice,” she says. “Now, I’m not afraid to show up as my authentic self.” She’s especially proud to see that confidence reflected in her 8-year-old daughter, who she says already carries a strong sense of self.
As someone who values connection and empowerment, Sheneiah believes deeply in the importance of women supporting one another.
“There’s so much to learn from each other,” she says. “Our experiences are unique, and it’s important that we uplift one another rather than compete. We can validate each other and grow together in such a complex world.”
In her everyday life and work, Sheneiah uplifts others by creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel heard and encouraged. Known for her strong intuition, she prioritizes being present for others, whether that means listening, offering guidance, or simply providing reassurance during challenging moments.
“To me, mentorship is about being a listening ear and fostering a positive, encouraging environment,” she explains. “We all need support from time to time.”
Through her journey, Sheneiah continues to remind others of the importance of living with purpose.
“Live in your purpose,” she says. “And if you don’t know what that is yet, take the time to explore within yourself and discover what it means to you.”
Inspired by Sheneiah’s journey? Visit ServiceCoord.org to learn how SCI supports people across Maryland and how our team members live their purpose every day.