Kayla Neville, Human Resource Generalist on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Human Resources

Kayla Neville

Human Resource Generalist, --

Moline, IL 61265

Her Story

About Kayla

I started my career as a senior administrative assistant for a Fortune 500 company and worked my way up to an HR coordinator position. Unfortunately, that company went through a huge layoff and my position was eliminated. I went back to being a human resource administrative assistant in farming manufacturing, then transferred to a new company on the logistics side where I became a recruiter, handling all things recruiting and talent acquisition. When my child was diagnosed with autism, I wanted to learn more and do more, which led me to my current role. Now I work as a human resource generalist for an organization with about 8 homes for individuals with disabilities, supporting over 500 employees. As the only person in the HR department, I handle everything from payroll and onboarding to finding applicants, managing terminations, performance issues, and navigating employee conflicts. I'm committed to being a voice and advocate for all employees and our consumers.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Kayla

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to being a young mom and a teen mom. I had my son at a young age and was a single mother for my older son. I have a younger son who is 3, and his dad is involved, though we separated. My older son is really my motivation. I knew I didn't want to be another statistic of being in poverty or a single mother who didn't get an education, so my drive is to always do better, be better, and make sure to show him that things do happen in life, but you can still go far and you can still achieve goals.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My best advice would be to stay true to who you are. I say that because there have been many opportunities for me to push down the next person or put down the next person to climb and keep climbing to the top. But I chose to stay true to who I am, which is being that kind, warm, and friendly person, to let my skills and my work ethic speak for itself.

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