LaTonya Darneish McElroy has been in the field of Human Resources for over 15 years and considers writing and speaking to be a God-inspired work of the heart. Having been at what felt like the very bottom -- jobless, divorced with small children, and in need of professional and educational development -- LaTonya connects with readers and audiences from these shared experiences of trauma and challenge. LaTonya endeavors to shine a light of hope and shares keys to help unlock doors for success. LaTonya is an Executive Officer and Chief People Officer for an organization and has been doing what she loves in the field of Human Resources for over 15 years. She earned through testing her Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification from the Society for Human Resources Management, her SHRM Specialty Credential in Talent Acquisition, and her Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute. LaTonya has her Master of Business Administration Degree, along with three undergraduate degrees both from university level and community college level. LaTonya embraced education through coursework in formal education at the community level through Texarkana College, because she felt it was an integral milestone and a place that allowed her to start over. Going on to pursue and obtain further education at Texas A&M University-Texarkana was a journey LaTonya underwent as a working mother, wife, and very dedicated community volunteer. LaTonya has served on various volunteer boards. As an active member of the HR community, LaTonya has held multiple offices in the local Tri-State Society for Human Resources Management, including two terms as President twelve years apart. As a proponent for professional development, LaTonya has had the opportunity to serve in a core leadership role for Texas SHRM State Council in the area of certification. Other boards and areas of service for LaTonya include the local Chamber of Commerce Board, the local hospital board, local educational alumni boards, and local nonprofit boards. LaTonya has actively served as a volunteer for her local church community for over twenty-five years, loyally. She believes that much of her personal and spiritual development has come from serving and teaching others. LaTonya considers herself very fortunate to be part of a wonderful community of family, including her husband, five children, grandchildren, parents, aunts, siblings, nephews, cousins and so many more. LaTonya is honored to lead an amazing team she calls 'the HR Justice League, ' and considers herself a 'Workforce Champion' due to her passion for championing causes of those in the workforce who are trying to break through to the next level of personal and professional development. Serving others and taking care of employees is a very key factor and priority of focus for LaTonya's daily work. LaTonya has dedicated her career focus on people strategy, proactive people development, career planning, coaching for success, empowerment, transforming culture, rewards and recognition, service excellence, simplified and streamlined processes, and communication that truly connects. Her goal is to make a real impact on the workforce and redefine work-life. Why live passively, when we can create an influential life that ripples for generations, creating lasting and positive change.
