This month's spotlight features LaToya Barber, V-Soft's Corporate Recruiter. LaToya is critical to placing top talent in V-Soft's openings as we continue to expand in Louisville and in markets across the U.S. LaToya talked to us a little bit about her role, what she likes about V-Soft and we get to know more about her - her interesting hobbies and how she spends her free time.
Describe Your Role as an Associate Recruiter
As the Corporate Recruiter, I search for and find amazing top talent for our open internal positions and work alongside our wonderful HR team to facilitate onboarding. I discovered my love for the recruiting world after speaking to two of my old co-workers. We worked in a call center together for more than six years, and they both found their way into the recruiting industry and thought that it would be a good place for me as well. At the time I was a Financial Aid Leader for a hair school, and I realized what I enjoyed most about my position was helping students develop their interviewing skills and re-writing their resumes. Once I landed a recruiting role, I remained the top performer.
Since I've been with V-Soft I have found my position and co-workers to be enjoyable. People are not so overwhelmed that they can't smile throughout the day. Working together as a team/family is one of the core values which I love about working here. I find it to be very interesting that I can see a calmness rush over a candidate's face when I explain V-Soft as a company to them. Here you matter, your opinion matters, and you are noticed for the great things you bring to the table!
Latoya, far left, with some of the V-Soft Family at the 2021 holiday party.
Any Interesting Stories in Your Line of Work?
I can't think of any interesting stories, but I do enjoy bringing in amazing talent and getting to know people through our conversations. I also enjoy encouraging individuals who may not be the best at interviewing to develop a sense of confidence in themselves. I don't believe there are any small roles within or outside of an organization.....EVERYONE is a vital part of the end goal!
What Do You Enjoy Doing in Your Free Time?
I'm a huge marvel, comedy, and fantasy movie fan. I've seen all the Marvel movies, with the latest being Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings. I also enjoy spending time with my family, friends, traveling, trying new things and dishes (within reason of course!).
I've always loved trying different types of food within reason. I've tried alligator before, but it wasn't for me. My favorite type of food is Cuban, and I love the Pollo Asado from Havana Rumba. The first time I tried Cuban food was when I was visiting family in California several years ago. I noticed that many of the customers were ordering the same thing, so I decided to order the same dish. It was the most amazing thing I had ever eaten, but due to the portion size, I was unable to eat it all. Due to this, I decided to take it home and finish it at another time. To my surprise when I went to get it, my food had disappeared! My aunt looked at me and said, "Jeff ate it, he doesn't care about whose food it is."
LaToya with her family.
I married my husband Mark in 2017 after meeting at the company we both worked at. He brought three blessings with him Andrew 20, Jenna 16, Caroline 15, and our dog Abby. I brought my craziness and my late dog Lucky who passed a little over a week ago, and I thoroughly miss.
What’s a Fun Fact About Yourself?
LaToya in some of her Halloween costumes over the years.
I love to dress up for Halloween, but I won't pay to go to a haunted house, because I don't believe in paying someone to frighten me. I find it enjoyable to make my own costumes out of clothing I no longer wear, but I will buy my wigs. It's also fun to force my husband to dress up with me. In the past, I have been a pirate, vixen, and a Hogwarts student just to name a few. Also, every year I am always 29 again, no matter what and everyone in my family is aware of this! My mother-in-law (whom I've named Mama Parental) always jokes that I've been 29 since she's known me.
Any Favorite Things to do in Louisville?
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LaToya attending University of Louisville sporting events with her family.
I enjoy attending University of Louisville basketball and football games. We are season ticket holders so as a family we try to make sure we support our team. My in-laws tag along with us on most occasions. I also enjoy going to Nolin Lake in the Summer. Even though I can't swim, I am learning (I have trust issues with life jackets). Two summers ago, I learned how to drive the boat and store it. The kids and their friends enjoy swimming and tubing.
