Coming from a modest background in New York City and identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, LaToya understood early on that she would need to be self-reliant to access educational resources. "I had to be financially capable on my own," she says, emphasizing the importance of saving money and planning for the future.
To fund her first year of college, LaToya worked full-time during her high school years. It was a clear choice for her: either work hard to finance her education or miss the opportunity to attend college. "I had to create opportunities for myself," she asserts.
After college, LaToya swiftly climbed the corporate ladder and now holds a prominent position as a global head of people at a major software development company. Looking back, she believes that financial security and stability rest on the understanding that not all money is good money and that there is no such thing as fast money.
LaToya categorizes her financial stability journey into three phases. The first was meeting basic needs, the second involved affording luxuries like a nice car or vacations, and the third, her current phase, focuses on making her money grow through informed investments.
Her advice for financial stability is simple yet profound. She urges people, especially those from marginalized communities, to trust their instincts and understand that lacking generational wealth is not their fault. "We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams," she inspires, calling on people to acknowledge their predecessors' achievements and face their challenges with resilience.
LaToya also shares insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in corporate settings. She stresses that for DE&I initiatives to be effective, they must be led by the company's CEO. "It can't be an offshoot in the HR department; it has to be the CEO," she states, underscoring the importance of leadership in shaping an inclusive organizational culture.
Throughout her career, LaToya acknowledges the support she received from various allies who recognized her potential and ambition. She recalls a lab director who saw her potential early in her career, believing in her ability to succeed. "People support those who try," she notes, highlighting the importance of allyship in her professional journey.
LaToya Lyn's story is not just about achieving financial success but also about forging a path for others in similar situations. Her journey underscores the importance of self-belief, hard work, and the power of community support in overcoming obstacles and achieving one's dreams.