Her Story
About Latania
Latania Hunte, SHRM-CP, is a Payroll Administrator at Bonnell Aluminum in Newnan, Georgia, where she supports a workforce of roughly 300 employees in a high-volume manufacturing environment. She leads bi-weekly payroll processing and reconciliation, maintains HRIS data integrity, and administers benefits and leave programs, including FMLA and short-term disability. Her specialization spans general employee administration, payroll, and employee relations. She serves as a trusted advisor to employees and managers alike.
Originally from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Hunte moved to New York in pursuit of broader opportunities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Monroe University and a Master of Public Administration from Marist University. She earned her SHRM-CP certification in February 2022. After spending 14 years in social services, she moved into human resources in 2019 at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her HR career has since included roles at Gusto! Fresh Bowls & Wraps, Bakkt, OPS Parking, and Morehouse School of Medicine. Highlights include leading the compliant offboarding of more than 600 employees across multiple states and processing over 100 hires with full I-9 and E-Verify accuracy.
Beyond her professional work, Hunte is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Junior Achievement of Atlanta. She believes in leading with empathy and staying grounded in her roots. Outside of work, she enjoys film making, reading, and spending quality time with friends.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Latania
01What do you attribute your success to?
I was born and raised in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. I wouldn't credit my success to where I'm from so much as to my desire for more out of life. Growing up on a small island, I saw early that resources and opportunities could be limited, and I knew I needed to move to the mainland to spread my wings. That decision led me to New York, where I attended school, and I have been working to build a better life for myself ever since.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have received is to keep striving for more. I don't like the feeling of being plateaued, and I believe there is always more to achieve for those who want it. I remind myself not to limit myself or be the one to say no. I let someone else tell me no, and I never count myself out.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay open-minded, and always bring a layer of creativity to your work.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in manufacturing is employee turnover. I see the greatest opportunity in bringing creativity to training and revisiting training programs regularly so they stay effective.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work life, I value empathy and staying grounded in who I am and where I come from. I am never above the people I am helping in my role. In my personal life, I keep those who encourage me closest, because they help me drown out negativity.
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