Meet Brittney Reed

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittney Reed. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brittney, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being a woman of color in a male-dominated industry has shaped my journey in profound ways. Often, I’ve been the only one in the room who looks like me, and rather than allowing that to discourage me, I’ve used it as fuel to become both effective and successful.

I’ve learned that success begins with preparation and confidence. By honing my skills, staying adaptable, and always leading with authenticity, I’ve been able to not only make my voice heard but also create lasting impact. Being effective means more than excelling at what I do—it means building relationships, fostering collaboration, and challenging norms to open doors for others.

This philosophy drives everything I do, from leading my recruiting firm, Source2Hire, to growing my nonprofit, Just Remember. At Source2Hire, I am passionate about bringing top-tier talent—particularly people of color who are experts in their fields—to companies looking for long-term impact and cultural alignment. My goal is not just to fill roles but to build diverse teams that thrive and drive success.

Through Just Remember, I work to uplift communities and honor my son’s legacy by supporting families navigating loss, helping law enforcement personnel manage secondary trauma, and creating opportunities for young athletes. These experiences have taught me the importance of resilience, empathy, and staying true to my purpose.

Navigating spaces where I am often the “only one” has taught me to see my uniqueness as a strength. I’ve embraced the challenge of breaking barriers and paving the way for others. By showing up prepared, focused, and fully authentic, I’ve been able to prove that diversity is not just an asset—it’s essential.

Through my work, I aim to leave a legacy of representation, opportunity, and change. Whether it’s connecting companies with exceptional talent or supporting families and communities through my nonprofit, I strive to make every experience meaningful. I’ve learned to succeed not just for myself, but for those who will come after me and creating a future where no one feels out of place or alone in the room.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As the CEO of Source2Hire, I specialize in connecting exceptional talent—particularly individuals of color who are experts in their fields—with companies seeking long-term impact and cultural alignment. With over a decade of experience in IT, InfoSec, and executive recruitment, I’ve built my firm on a foundation of mindfulness, service, and integrity. I’m passionate about not just finding the right candidates but creating opportunities that build diverse, thriving teams capable of shaping the future.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to redefine how organizations approach talent acquisition. I believe the hiring process should go beyond simply filling roles—it’s about aligning skills, values, and growth potential to create lasting success for both the individual and the company. Each placement is an opportunity to challenge norms, foster inclusion, and open doors for underrepresented talent to shine.

In addition to Source2Hire, my nonprofit, Just Remember, is a deeply personal and impactful part of my life. Born out of a desire to honor my son’s legacy, Just Remember provides scholarships to young athletes, supports families navigating grief, and partners with law enforcement to address secondary trauma. I’m proud to share that we’ve partnered with the Black Golfers Association, whose annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament donates 100% of its proceeds to Just Remember*. These funds go directly toward supporting San Diego County families and student-athletes, extending our reach and deepening our impact.

What’s new? We’re expanding our scholarship programs and community initiatives, while Source2Hire is introducing new services to help companies build more inclusive talent pipelines, ensuring representation at every level.

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to making meaningful connections—whether it’s placing the perfect candidate in a transformative role or helping a family find strength in the face of adversity. My brand is about creating impact, embracing diversity, and leaving a legacy of opportunity, resilience, and hope.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have shaped my path are resilience, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of my industry.

Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, stay focused on my goals, and adapt in the face of challenges has been critical. Whether navigating the complexities of starting my own business or overcoming personal hurdles, resilience has allowed me to keep moving forward even when things weren’t easy. [Advice]: For those early in their journey, I would say: Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. It’s not about avoiding mistakes but about how you grow from them. Build a strong support network and lean on it when things get tough. Persistence will make all the difference.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understanding and managing emotions—both my own and others’—has been essential in my work as a recruiter and nonprofit leader. Building relationships, navigating sensitive conversations, and creating environments where people feel understood and valued are all rooted in high emotional intelligence. [Advice*]: To improve EQ, practice active listening, be mindful of how you respond to emotions, and develop empathy. Recognizing the needs and feelings of others, especially in challenging moments, will not only help you build stronger connections but also guide you through difficult situations with grace.

Industry Expertise: Whether it’s recruitment, talent acquisition, or understanding the needs of diverse teams, having deep knowledge of my field has been crucial. It has allowed me to guide companies and individuals in the right direction, making informed decisions and creating lasting change. [Advice]: For those starting out, never stop learning. Seek mentorship, attend industry events, and stay up-to-date with trends. Developing expertise is a continual process, and the more you learn, the more value you’ll bring to your work and your community.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to prioritize learning, be patient with your growth, and embrace challenges as opportunities. The foundation you build early on will set the tone for your success in the future. Stay authentic to your mission and values and remember that every step—no matter how small—is a step toward something bigger.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking to partner with individuals, businesses, and organizations who share my vision of creating lasting, meaningful impact. Collaboration is at the heart of everything I do, and I’m excited to connect with those who are ready to take bold steps toward fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in their industries and communities.

Through my recruiting firm, Source2Hire, I’m eager to work with companies that are passionate about building inclusive, dynamic teams. I want to collaborate with leaders who understand that diversity is not just a metric but a strength that drives innovation, creativity, and growth. If your organization is looking for expert talent—particularly individuals of color who bring unique perspectives and unmatched expertise—we’re here to help you build a thriving, high-performing team with a long-term vision for success.

On the nonprofit side, Just Remember is all about making a difference in the lives of families, young athletes, and law enforcement personnel. I’m seeking partners who care about supporting grief recovery, mental health, and community-building. This includes corporations willing to sponsor scholarships for student-athletes, fund grief counseling initiatives, or contribute to programs that address secondary trauma in law enforcement. I’m especially excited to expand our network of supporters and collaborators for events like our partnership with the Black Golfers Association’s annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament, which raises funds to support San Diego County families and youth programs.

I’m also looking for:
-Philanthropic Organizations: Groups ready to invest in scholarships, sponsorships, and community programs that create opportunities for underserved populations.
-Local Businesses: Companies interested in giving back to the community by partnering on events or initiatives.
-Community Advocates: Individuals who are passionate about amplifying mental health awareness, grief support, or youth empowerment.
-Industry Leaders: Innovators in recruitment or DEI who want to collaborate on programs that reshape workplace culture and create pathways for underrepresented talent.

If any of this speaks to you, let’s connect! You can reach me at:
-Email: brittney@source2hire.co or info@justremember88.com
-Social Media: Instagram @brittneyreed_valdez or @justremember.88
-Website: www.source2hire.co or www.justremember88.com
-Events: I also welcome you to attend our annual events like Just Remember’s Charity Gala which is being held on October 25, 2025 or the Black Golfers Association’s Juneteenth Golf Tournament.

Together, we can amplify our collective impact and build a future where opportunity, support, and representation are accessible to all. Let’s start the conversation—I’d love to hear your ideas!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Brandon S. Johnson
https://www.brandonsjohnsonphoto.com

Steve Peterson Photography
https://www.spphotog.com

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