At Royal American, we’re celebrating incredible female staff members in non-traditional roles. Shuna Hughes, Maintenance Superintendent at Austin Pointe, is one of those inspiring women. proving that hard work and determination can break barriers.
A proud mother of three adult children, Shuna has built a life rooted in family, faith, and personal growth. For the past six years, she called Warner Robins, Georgia home where she enjoys the simple pleasures of life: quality time with her children, playing basketball and fishing. Sundays hold a special meaning for her starting with church, followed by a day at the nursing home, where she cares for her mother and plays cards and brightens the day of fellow nursing home residents.
Shuna’s passion for hands-on work started at a young age, watching and assisting her uncles with repairs. “I was always nosy, following them around and learning what they were doing,” she recalls. Shuna joined RAM just seven months ago, transitioning from a janitorial position with the School Board. It was her community manager who first recognized her potential, noticing her ability to fix things around her own apartment, she encouraged her to apply for a maintenance position at the property. Since taking on her new role, Shuna admits that she has faced challenges, particularly in plumbing, but she embraces every learning opportunity. “When it’s a hard job I can’t do it alone, I call for help,” she admits. “But I’m proud of myself because most of the time, I figure it out.”
Shunna brings a unique warmth to the role, developing strong relationships with residents, particularly older female residents who admire her tenacity and determination. “They can’t believe I’m the maintenance person,” she laughs, acknowledging the positive recognition she receives.
Shuna encourages other women to break free from traditional expectations and pursue careers they never imagined possible. “Don’t be afraid to take a chance in life,” she advises. “The world has changed, and these jobs we thought we couldn’t do are now within our reach. Never belittle or underestimate yourself—you can do it.”
Our next Town Hall is happening tomorrow, Friday, March 28th from 1:00–2:00PM Central (2:00–3:00PM Eastern). This session, hosted by the training department, will focus on NAAEI Designation Programs (CALP, CAM, CAMT, CAPS) – covering what’s available, how to qualify, how to enroll, and what’s required for renewal and continuing education. They will also be featuring special guests who hold these designations and will share their insights!
Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and take your career to the next level. Be sure to tune in!
Royal American Prayer (RAP)
A Faithful Community of Support
Shared by Sonya Knight
Director of Resident Services & ACE Chair
Did you know that Royal American has a prayer group dedicated to supporting employees through prayer? For nearly two decades, Royal American Prayer (RAP) has been a source of encouragement, regularly fasting and praying for personal prayer requests, our company, its leadership—including the Chapman family—our nation, government, and military. The group stays connected through email and meets weekly to offer intercessory prayer and encouragement to those in need.
I first learned about this group a few years ago when my husband faced a serious health crisis. I received an unexpected email from a colleague, letting me know that this small yet devoted group was praying for his recovery. In difficult moments, every word of encouragement matters, and their support left a lasting impact on me. I knew I wanted to share the story of this prayer group with others, so I set out to learn more about the people behind it and how it came to be.
Founded 18 years ago by Sundei Granberg, RA Sr. Executive Assistant, RAP began as an in-home Bible study before evolving into a formal prayer group. It later moved to RAM’s former corporate office at One Stanford Center in Panama City, FL, where members gathered in the fourth-floor conference room. However, after Hurricane Michael destroyed the building, the group adapted, continuing its mission at RAM’s current corporate office as well as in private homes, including those of company owner Jeanette Chapman and her daughter, Mary Marie Clemo.
Currently, RAP is led by corporate employees Nicole Boles, Jojary Cartarphen, and Susan Brasher, with additional support from Mary Marie Clemo, Frankie Bruner, and many others who join in prayer from afar. Each week, Nicole collects prayer requests submitted via email, ensuring that employees’ concerns—whether related to health, family, work, relationships, or finances—are lifted up in confidence. Beyond prayer, the group maintains contact with those who seek support, offering updates, praise reports, and words of encouragement.
For those interested in submitting a prayer request or joining the group, you can reach out via email at RAP@royalamerican.com. Knowing that support is available—no matter where we are in life—can be a profound source of encouragement. I am grateful to share the story of this faithful group.
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Call to Action: Just as RAP provides a space for employees to connect through faith, Royal American encourages the creation of other support groups where employees can share common interests, experiences, or goals. Whether it’s professional development, cultural heritage, hobbies, or another area of focus, you can start a group that brings employees together. Please submit your proposal and a brief description of the purpose for your employee-led resource group to ace@royalamerican.com.
