2023
VP – Human Capital Strategic Partners
INTERNATIONAL
Learn to embrace obstacles that will help you climb the career ladder
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Strayer University Company Name: Freddie Mac Industry: Financial Services Company CEO: Michael DeVito Company Headquarters Location: McLean, VA Number of Employees: 8,000 Your Location: Atlanta, GA Words you live by: Obstacles = Choices and Opportunity Who is your personal hero? My Mom What book are you reading? The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday What was your first job? Detassling Corn as a pre-teen in the corn fields of Illinois Favorite charity: Georgia Festival of Trees supports local Atlanta charities focused on ending human trafficking in Georgia and beyond Interests/Hobbies: Volunteerism and Community Outreach Family: I am the proud daughter of Charles Curry, Sr and Doris Brady Curry, baby sister of Benyta Curry Lane, Chandra Curry Murphy and Charles Curry, Jr and blessed mother of Kalin Locke Lloyd, Lawrence Locke, Jr and Alexa Locke.
56
2023 Fourth Quarter
At 21, I was moving across the country with a newborn baby and my husband, as he started his career as a United States Marine. Like many military wives I knew, I did not have a college degree and worked retail jobs. That changed when one of my favorite retail customers referred me for a job which opened the door to a new world of careers. I was curious and eager to learn and raised my hand for projects that others shied away from. This got me noticed. Within a year I was promoted which allowed me to stretch myself even more. I was traveling to client sites, seeing successful collaboration and found that working on healthy conflict resolution was inspiring. When an opportunity in human resources opened, I applied and was selected. I was intellectually challenged and felt at “home” at work – my co-workers became my clients. Solving people-focused problems energized me. This experience set the stage for my career at Freddie Mac. I started like many others in administrative support roles and have progressed into many leadership roles over my now 26 years at Freddie Mac. My challenge: My manager tells me that I cannot be promoted to a leadership role because I do not have a college degree. My options: Be satisfied in my current role or view this “obstacle” as an opportunity to pivot my career, moving backward into a position that I had already been successful in that would allow me to contribute to Freddie’s mission, pursue my degree and still be present for my family. I chose the latter, surprising many. They said, “why would you move backward in your career? You’re taking a downgrade?” During my tenure, I’ve made intentional career choices, from Administrative Professional, Employee Relations Consultant, HR Business Partner, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer, and Vice President of Human Capital Strategic Partners. Each opportunity allowed me to grow personally and professionally, contribute to the success of a Fortune 500 company and still be present for my family. And yes, while it took me 29 years from high school graduation to do it, I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration degree, graduating Summa Cum Laude. To me, obstacles open the door for opportunities, embrace them!
www.diversityjournal.com
AWARD
Angela Locke