For Latoya Bell, current HOW Case Manager, it’s the moments of shared understanding with clients and small victories that keep her excited to go to work each day. Born and raised in Chicago, Latoya’s original career ambition was to help people on a larger scale, “As a child I wanted to be the first female Black mayor of Chicago,” she laughs, “that title is now already taken but I’m still serving my city by doing the work I do.”
Latoya’s dedication to service and love of learning have been two themes present throughout her entire life. Over the years she’s owned and operated a childcare center with her mother and worked in both the health and education sectors. Latoya joined the HOW team in 2019 as a Case Manager working with single clients in permanent supportive housing helping them to gain stability and achieve personal goals. “I’ve been a helper since I was little,” she recalls, “and every day at HOW I use my positivity and share wisdom to help clients get beyond their past and look towards the future.” In only a year Latoya has had a measurable impact and is known for her kindness and consistency. She credits her positive relationships with her clients to humility. “Never look down on anyone or think you’re above someone” she says, “we all come together to make this world.”
Outside of work Latoya is active at her church as the Youth Director, enjoys spending time with her family, and hopes she can get back to traveling around the country to visit friends in the future.