Name: LaDaya “Kami” Owens

Title: Human Resources Business Partner

Company: Home of the Innocents

How long have you been a GLI Ambassador? Five months and I have loved every minute!

What is your favorite part about being a GLI Ambassador? I enjoy connecting and engaging with current and prospective investors and talking to businesses about the attractive benefits and programming GLI offers.

A fun fact about me is…I was the 2008 Commencement Speaker for the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics. I am also a trained mezzo-soprano opera singer.

What is the best career advice you’ve received? My professional motto states, “You cannot take the human out of Human Resources because we each have our own lived experiences that shape our values, beliefs, and how we view the world and others.” I often reflect on these words because they remind me to respect and honor each person I encounter and to know that each person has something valuable to contribute to the world. The best advice I have received from an HR leader is to “learn the people, learn the business, and adjust”. I have carried this with me ever since. I use this a tool to engage and connect with the teams I support within the organization. I truly love what I do.

What does being a GLI investor mean to you? Being a GLI Investor means that I get to work alongside community partners, community leaders, and community members to support the economic growth of our region, attract and retain top talent and make known all the unique and notable businesses and employment opportunities within our area. It’s exhilarating!

What is your favorite thing to do in Louisville?  I love Louisville’s waterfront. I can see why USA Today named Louisville’s riverwalk among 2023’s top 10. I enjoy walking the Big Four bridge, riding the bikes, enjoying the festivals, and watching the bridge light up at night. This is part of my self-care.

What do you do to make Greater Louisville GREATER? I buy locally! I love browsing farmers’ markets, supporting locally-owned businesses, and supporting the MELANnaire Marketplace.