Latashia Smalls
Human Resources And Talent Development
FPO
Summary
Accomplished leader in organizational management and development, specializing in designing and implementing comprehensive employee development programs to enhance organizational performance and readiness. Experienced in conducting organizational studies, manpower analysis, and executing continuous process improvement (CPI) initiatives. Proficient in developing customized training curricula aligned with strategic business goals, maintaining collaborative relationships with government and private entities, and advising on organizational structure and process improvements. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, analyzing data, and delivering actionable insights to optimize operational efficiency and workforce effectiveness. A human resources professional with a strong understanding of talent management and compliance and prepared to contribute valuable experience in talent acquisition, employee engagement, development, improving employee performance, and retention. Valued for fostering teamwork and consistently achieving results through adaptability and reliability. Additionally, proficient in conflict resolution and strategic planning. Organized and dependable, successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willing to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2046
2046
years of post-secondary education
Work History
UMGC Adjunct Faculty SHRM SP/SCP Exam Prep
University of Maryland Global Campus
04.2024 - Current
- Conduct virtual and in-person sessions for the Society of Human Resources Certified Professional and Senior Certified Professional Exam Preparation course, utilizing the SHRM Learning Portal to deliver comprehensive instruction aligned with industry standards
- Evaluate student learning through assessments and feedback, identifying areas for improvement and tailoring instructional approaches to meet diverse learning needs and objectives
- Develop and implement engaging curriculum and activities to enhance learning retention and ensure alignment with UMGC policies and mission to SHRM competencies and best practices
- Collaborate with students to foster an interactive learning environment, encouraging participation and critical thinking in both virtual and in-person settings
- Conduct program evaluations to assess the effectiveness of course content and delivery, utilizing insights to refine teaching strategies and improve overall program outcomes
HR Development Director NAF 04-0201-09003
Marine Corps Community Services
06.2023 - Current
- Implement targeted DEI training to address cultural and skills needs for a global workforce, including Master Labor Contractor (Japanese National MLC), Indirect Hire Agreement (Japanese National IHA), Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF), and General Schedule (GS) employees
- Focus on fostering inclusivity, bridging skills gaps, and enhancing collaboration through customized learning solutions and continuous feedback
- Design, implement, and evaluate a bilingual onboarding training program for Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF), Master Labor Contractors (MLC), and Indirect Hire (IHA) employees, focusing on organizational mission, values, acculturation, orientation, and employee behavioral expectations to enhance job fit; spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives and adapted curriculum to meet evolving organizational needs and cultural considerations
- Analysis, design, develop, implement, and evaluate training and learning series on topics including Leadership Growth and Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Extended DISC, Strategic Decision-Making, Conflict Resolution, Needs Assessments, Corporate Social Responsibility, Building an Inclusive Workforce, Performance Improvement, Learning Development Plans, Tuition Assistance, High-Performance Team Building, Workforce Staffing and Organizational Development, Change Management, Presentation Skills, Franklin Covey Workshops, EEO, Violence Prevention, and other courses tailored to organizational needs, skills assessments, strategic goals, and emerging trends
- Design and manage curriculum development to ensure core required training is effectively tracked and delivered through the Ethos Learning Management System (LMS), utilizing platforms such as Peoplesoft and Articulate
- Plans and administers employee career development programs
- Provides technical assistance and advice regarding organizational training and development needs
- Spearhead the enhancement of cross-training and development programs across all core functions within MCCS NAF Human Resources, including Human Resources Development, Employee/Labor Relations, Talent Acquisition, Position Management and Analysis, Benefits, and Personnel Security
- Led the review, update, and development of MCCS NAF Human Resources directives and policies to ensure alignment with organizational goals, compliance with regulations, and support for operational excellence
- Conducts organizational and manpower studies specifically on branches/sections having related functions within the MCCS Division
- Conducts management surveys and research projects to provide advisory service on issues such as organizational structure, distribution of functions, mission accomplishments, and departmental responsibilities
- Assists in the development of performance improvement plans and learning development strategies, while providing expert guidance on employee investigations to support fair and effective resolution processes
- Design, implement, and evaluate leadership continual growth and development courses, mentoring, and succession planning milestones to build an effective workplace culture aligned with organizational values, reducing skills gaps, and building dynamic leadership teams for a ready now workforce
- Direct and oversee a $950,000 tuition assistance program, enabling strategic workforce development through bachelor’s, master’s, and certification programs; established and executed career progression and succession planning frameworks to drive organizational talent pipelines and ensure long-term leadership readiness
- Strategically integrate English as a Second Language (ESL) partnerships with local colleges to support a diverse workforce, reducing communication barriers and offering free language courses to all interested employees; advanced organizational branding as an employer of choice through business strategy and a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives
- Strengthened relationships with community partners through targeted outreach and collaborative projects
- Organized special events such as galas and auctions, raising significant funds for organizational programs and operations
- Led a team of development professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and success within the department
Marine and Family Programs Director/Resources Manager (NAF 04) Series 0301
Marine Corps Community Services
03.2021 - 06.2023
- Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement and Evaluate a variety of workshops, briefings, classes, and training programs, including cultural and newcomers' orientation, personal financial management, sponsorship training, life-skills training, and Relocation Assistance Program unit briefs to Service Members, dependents, DOD civilians, and foreign internationals stationed at MCB Butler, Camp Blaz Guam, Camp Darwin, Australia, Camp Mujuk, Korea, and Camp Fuji Japan
- Oversaw operations for five Personal Services Center (PSC) facilities across USMC Camps Foster, Kinser, Courtney, Hansen, and Schwab in Okinawa, while providing direct oversight for remote locations at Camp Blaz in Guam, Camp Fuji in Japan, and Camp Mujuk in Korea
- Developed and implemented policies, procedures, and general guidance for the effective management and operation of PSC programs, staff, and facilities
- Collaborated with multiple personnel systems, including Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and TWMS, to ensure staff were fully supported and resources adequately allocated
- Monitored section logistics to include budget submissions, supply requisitions, facility work orders, local and TAD travel requests, Government Purchase Charge Card, Government Travel Charge Cards, and GOV use
- Supported the Marine Corps Bases Butler Inspector’s Office in conducting CGIP of major subordinate command’s Relocation Assistance Program, Personal Financial Management, and Transition Assistance Management Program in Okinawa Japan, Fuji Japan, Mujuk Korea, Hawaii, Camp Darwin Australia, and Camp Blaz Guam in functional areas: MCO1320.11G Sponsorship MCO1700 Financial Management Program, and MCO1754.9B Unit Personal and Family Readiness Program
- Served as the installation point of contact for Military OneSource
- Ensured program is marketed at maximum levels possible and that Okinawa information is updated
- Provided installation Community and Family Assistance Crisis Center during crisis response exercises or real-world situations as the installation deems necessary
- Delivered the Relocation Assistance Program, as mandated by Public Law, to inbound and outbound active-duty military personnel, DoD civilians, Worldwide Hires, and their family members during permanent change of station (PCS) transitions
- Coordinated and conducted the weekly Newcomers Orientation Welcome Aboard Briefing with 100% compliance, while evaluating the program to drive continual improvements
- Conducted Sponsorship Training classes for official unit sponsors and provided specialized training for Unit Sponsorship Coordinators to enhance program effectiveness and ensure sponsor preparedness
- Facilitated MCB Camp Butler Relocation Assistance Coordinating Committee (RACC) meetings, fostering collaboration to generate new ideas and inform key base personnel of relocation-related issues and policies impacting the broader community
- Delivered Okinawa cultural information, services, and classes to support personnel in acclimating to their new environment and enhancing their cultural understanding
Marine and Family Programs Trainer (NAF 04) Series 1712
Marine Corps Community Services
07.2015 - 03.2021
- Served as a subject-matter expert on the Unit, Personal, and Family Readiness Program (UPFRP), coordinating and delivering all training sessions for the Unit Family Readiness Command Team in compliance with MCO 1754.6B
- Provided newlywed spouses and/or fiancées with an introduction to the Marine Corps and military lifestyle through a spouse-to-spouse mentoring and orientation program, emphasizing preventative education and knowledge of installation resources
- Assisted unit commands and Family Readiness Officers in coordinating and delivering pre-, during-, and post-deployment support and training, while managing and executing the Deployed Spouse’s Benefit Card (DSBC) Program and Individual Augmentee (IA) initiatives
- Delivered training to Marines and their families through workshops focusing on life competencies, in partnership with Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operations (CREDO) and the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), providing opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Developed, implemented, and facilitated the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Master Trainer workshops for Briefer, Instructor, and Facilitator roles
- Mediated challenging conversations between Deployment Readiness Coordinators, their assigned Commanding Officers, and command team members, ensuring the protection of the UPFRP Program and adherence to Headquarters' intent regarding roles and responsibilities
- Facilitated a variety of Franklin Covey workshops, including 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 7 Habits for Highly Effective Service Members, Unconscious Bias, 5 Choices, The Speed of Trust, The Advantage Series (Writing, Presentation), and Building Customer Loyalty
VMAQ1(T) and VMAQ4 Family Readiness Officer (NAF 04) Series 0301
Marine Corps Community Services
06.2013 - 07.2015
- Assisted in disseminating official communication from the Commanding Officer, Readiness and Deployment Support, and Information and Referral services to assigned unit personnel and their dependents
- Implemented family outreach initiatives aligned with executive leadership vision and strategic goals to strengthen unit cohesion and support
- Maintained the social component of the Unit Personal and Family Readiness Program (UPFRP) by fostering networking opportunities and building a support structure between unit Marines and their families
- Ensured program compliance with financial regulations as the appointed Fiscal Responsible Officer, conducting audits of program spending to maintain accountability
- Supervised and served as the primary point of contact for all family readiness volunteers, overseeing required training, tracking project completion, and coordinating annual volunteer recognition programs
- Planned and coordinated annual events, including holiday parties, Marine Corps Ball celebrations, Mess Nights, and other unit-specific programs, to boost morale for both accompanied and unaccompanied service members within the unit
Education
Master of Science - Management And Talent Development
Troy University
Troy Alabama 04.2001 - 05.2024
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Injury And Performance Enhancement
California University of Pennsylvania
California, Pennsylvania 04.2001 - 01.2015
B.S. - Health and Exercise Science
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Eastern Shore, MD05-2009
Skills
Organizational Development
Training and Development
Personal and Professional Readiness Programs
Human Resources Professional
People Analytics
Workforce Investigations
Organizational Employee Development
Talent Acquisition
Benefits and Total Rewards
Compensation
Position Management
Employee Relations
Class instruction
Public speaking
Strong communication skills
Classroom management
Student records management
Academic advisement
Interpersonal relationship building
Curriculum development
Instructional techniques
Engaging presentation style
Innovative lesson planning
Curriculum design
Continuous professional development
Adult learning
Key areas of expertise
Conducts comprehensive organizational and manpower studies to optimize structure and function across departments within the enterprise, ensuring competitive and equitable position management., Designs and administers tailored training programs, supports skill acquisition and retention, and evaluates training impact to align with business objectives., Guides the development and deployment of CPI and LSS methodologies to drive efficiency and effectiveness in operations, leading teams in strategic initiatives and reporting progress to executive management., Directs initiatives that enhance recruitment, retention, and readiness of personnel through workshops, education counseling, and financial management programs., SHRM Certified Professional specializing in People Analytics and Workforce Investigations, with comprehensive experience across Organizational Employee Development, Talent Acquisition, Benefits and Total Rewards, Compensation, Position Management, Employee Relations, and Personnel Security.
Date - Applicationdate
01/21/25
Timeline
UMGC Adjunct Faculty SHRM SP/SCP Exam Prep
University of Maryland Global Campus
04.2024 - Current
HR Development Director NAF 04-0201-09003
Marine Corps Community Services
06.2023 - Current
Marine and Family Programs Director/Resources Manager (NAF 04) Series 0301
Marine Corps Community Services
03.2021 - 06.2023
Marine and Family Programs Trainer (NAF 04) Series 1712
Marine Corps Community Services
07.2015 - 03.2021
VMAQ1(T) and VMAQ4 Family Readiness Officer (NAF 04) Series 0301
Marine Corps Community Services
06.2013 - 07.2015
Master of Science - Management And Talent Development
Troy University
04.2001 - 05.2024
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Injury And Performance Enhancement
California University of Pennsylvania
04.2001 - 01.2015
B.S. - Health and Exercise Science
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Similar Profiles
NORA MONINE GRAVESNORA MONINE GRAVES
Regional Director at University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Maryland University College, UMUCRegional Director at University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Maryland University College, UMUC
Amber L. GambleAmber L. Gamble
Financial Advisor at University Of Maryland Global CampusFinancial Advisor at University Of Maryland Global Campus
Gia'Donna Nichols-HolmesGia'Donna Nichols-Holmes
Manager at School of Business, University of Maryland Global CampusManager at School of Business, University of Maryland Global Campus
Tori McNeilTori McNeil
Academic Program Specialist at University Of Maryland Global CampusAcademic Program Specialist at University Of Maryland Global Campus
Roman OzetaRoman Ozeta
Marine Corps at Marine CorpsMarine Corps at Marine Corps