We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brittney Reed. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brittney below.

Brittney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Source2Hire, our mission is to connect top-tier talent with organizations in need while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in every hiring decision. This mission is deeply personal to me, as it stems from my own journey navigating the corporate world and witnessing the transformative impact of equitable opportunities.

After more than a decade in the recruitment industry, I saw firsthand how often exceptional talent was overlooked due to systemic biases or a lack of intentional focus on inclusivity. I founded Source2Hire to bridge that gap—to not only help organizations find the right talent but to ensure that every candidate, regardless of their background, has a fair shot at success.

As a woman of color, a mother, and a leader, I understand how diverse perspectives can drive innovation, foster collaboration, and create stronger, more dynamic teams. This mission is meaningful to me because I’ve lived it—I’ve seen how inclusivity can change lives and elevate organizations, and I’ve also seen the cost of neglecting it.

At Source2Hire, we don’t just fill roles; we create pathways for long-term success. We partner with organizations that align with our values, ensuring that every placement is not just a job match but a cultural and strategic fit. For me, it’s about more than business—it’s about building a future where workplaces reflect the diversity and potential of the world around us. This mission keeps me inspired daily, knowing that we are helping individuals achieve their professional dreams while shaping a more inclusive workforce for generations to come.

Brittney, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Brittney Reed, CEO of Source2Hire and Co-Founder of Just Remember, a nonprofit born from my personal journey of resilience and service.

With over 12 years of recruitment experience, I founded Source2Hire to address the need for intentional diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring. We specialize in Executive Search, Technology, InfoSec, Finance & Business Operations, Science & Research, Manufacturing & Engineering, Customer Support & Operations, Sales, and High-Volume recruitment.

Our approach emphasizes cultural alignment and long-term success, offering HR consulting, talent pipeline development, and DEIB initiatives to help companies build inclusive workplaces that unlock untapped potential and foster innovation. As a woman of color and certified Diversity and Technical Executive Recruiter, I am passionate about empowering organizations through diverse perspectives and creating resilient, inclusive teams.
Just Remember, my nonprofit, honors my son, Christopher “J.R.” Reed II, who passed away at nine years old. We support grieving families, promote mental health awareness, and aid law enforcement officers facing secondary trauma.

Our programs include scholarships for student-athletes, therapy support, and youth sponsorships, partnering with local therapists and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to extend care and compassion. Balancing leadership in recruitment, nonprofit advocacy, and community impact fuels my dedication to making a meaningful difference.

Whether providing scholarships, matching candidates to dream jobs, or creating spaces where people feel valued, my work is driven by purpose, empathy, and integrity.

If you’re seeking innovative recruitment solutions, expert HR consulting, or ways to give back to your community, let’s connect and create lasting change together.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most profound moments of my life, one that truly defines my resilience, came after the devastating loss of my son, Christopher “J.R” Reed II, in 2018. J.R was just nine years old when he unexpectedly passed away, and the pain was unlike anything I had ever known. It felt as if my world had shattered into a million pieces, and I was left in the dark, struggling to find any sense of direction. In that moment, I was faced with a gut-wrenching decision: I could allow the grief to consume me, or I could choose to rise, to honor his memory, and turn my pain into purpose.

It wasn’t easy. The road to healing was long, and there were days when the weight of the loss seemed unbearable. But in the midst of my heartache, I realized that J.R had a light in him—a light that inspired everyone around him, and I couldn’t let that light fade. I knew I had to carry it forward. That’s when Just Remember was born—a nonprofit founded from the deepest part of my soul to support families who have lost a child and are navigating the crushing grief that follows.

The journey of building Just Remember from the ground up was not just about creating a nonprofit. It was about taking my pain and using it to lift others. Every scholarship we offer, every family we support, every life we touch through our work, is a testament to the resilience I found through the hardest experience of my life. It’s the resilience to keep moving forward, to transform heartache into healing, and to serve others in a way that honors my son’s legacy.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back. It’s about forging a new path in the face of adversity. It’s about embracing the pain, sitting with it, and using it as fuel to drive forward with purpose and compassion. Whether I’m leading Just Remember or running Source2Hire, I pour every ounce of my strength into what I do because I know that through adversity, we find our greatest capacity for growth and impact.

This story is just one of many that shows how resilience is born from the deepest challenges of life. It’s about using your struggles as stepping stones, finding strength in the most unexpected places, and turning the hardest moments into something that empowers others. I am living proof that, no matter how dark the days may seem, there is always a way to rise—and to make a difference that goes beyond your own pain.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within my market has been a journey driven by purpose, relentless dedication, and a commitment to making a real difference. As the CEO of Source2Hire, I’ve spent years not just connecting organizations with top-tier talent but truly understanding the heart and soul of each company I work with. It’s never just about filling a position; it’s about creating meaningful, long-term connections between people and companies. The work I do isn’t transactional—it’s transformational. I build relationships grounded in trust, honesty, and a deep understanding of both the technical and cultural fit that drives long-term success.

Over time, this approach has earned me a reputation for not just being a recruiter, but a partner. I’ve become known for my ability to identify diverse, high-caliber talent that isn’t just qualified for the job but will truly thrive within an organization’s culture. My focus on HR consulting, talent pipeline development, and managing DEIB initiatives is what sets me apart. I’ve always believed that organizations can only grow and thrive when they are open to diverse perspectives, and I’ve made it my mission to help businesses build inclusive environments that reflect those values. Seeing the positive impact of this work in real time—how a company’s culture shifts and grows with the right diverse talent—continues to fuel my passion and solidify my reputation.

However, my journey doesn’t stop at Source2Hire. The loss of my son, Christopher “J.R” Reed II, in 2018 changed me in ways I never could have imagined. From that grief, I co-founded Just Remember, a nonprofit designed to provide support to families who have lost a child. The profound pain of losing J.R led me to take action—transforming that heartache into purpose. Just Remember isn’t just a nonprofit for me; it’s my heart’s work. It’s a safe space for families navigating grief. Through our work, we not only provide financial support and resources, but we offer the empathy and understanding that can only come from someone who’s walked through the pain themselves.

This journey of personal transformation, from loss to service, has shaped how I approach every aspect of my work—whether it’s with Source2Hire, Just Remember, or the communities I serve. My reputation has been built not only on my professional expertise but on my deep commitment to people—to seeing them, hearing them, and supporting them in ways that truly matter. What sets me apart is my authenticity, my drive to help others, and my relentless pursuit of creating environments where individuals and organizations can flourish.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.source2hire.co
• Instagram: @brittneyreed_valdez
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittney-reed2009
• Other: Just Remember Nonprofit: www.justremember88.com

Image Credits

Steve Peterson Photography – https://www.spphotog.com
Brandon S. Johnson Photography – https://www.brandonsjohnsonphoto.com