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A Step Above: Latoya Bembry

By Callie Thomas

“A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” -Isadora James

In a perfect world, a sister would be bright, bubbly, smart, keep all your secrets, run interference between you and your parents and most of all be your friend. We have the opportunity to call resident Latoya Bembry the perfect sister to our community. She IS bright, bubbly, smart and is the one that many count on in our community for support and an open heart.

The native Nevadan grew up in a very small town called Indian Springs, about 30 minutes northeast of North Las Vegas. “The town is so small that residents have to travel to Vegas to do everything from banking, shopping, doctor’s visits and more,” says Bembry. “So technically I’m from Las Vegas!” Growing up in a small community with a loving family, including parents Ann and Calvin and older brother Lyric, has instilled a sense of caring for others that has transcended into her choice of career as a public relations account executive at the Ferraro Group. “I’ve been with the company for more than six years and work with a group of people that I genuinely love and care about,” she said. “Community service goes hand-in-hand when working for a public relations agency, and my company strongly believes in its importance and encourages its employees to donate their time.”

Latoya has taken that notion to heart. In fact, she has given her heart as well as her talents to a number of local organizations, including the Anthony L. Pollard Foundation, Boys Town of Southern Nevada, Susan G. Komen, Opportunity Village, MDA, American Heart Association, Nevada AIDS Project, the Las Vegas NAACP Political Action Committee and Soldiers’ Angels, just to name a few. “I think it’s not only important to give back, but important to give back to a cause that you truly care about.”

There is one organization that has had a significant impact on Bembry’s life and, in effect, has touched the life of one in need of a little sisterly time and friendship. Her most cherished involvement is as a Big Sister for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southern Nevada. The organization helps children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships. Bembry knew she would be a prime candidate to be a mentor even at an earlier age. “I love children and get along very well with them even though I do not have children of my own nor are there any young children in my family,” she said. “I actually applied to be a Big sister when I was 24 but felt that I still had to achieve more personal growth to positively impact a child’s life. Now that I’m 29, I feel there are so many things that I can share with my Little Sister.”

Latoya gets that opportunity every week when she sees her Little Sister Imaesia, who, at age six, seems to be perfectly matched with Bembry’s upbeat personality. “She loves to talk and share her day, her hobbies and interests, and the love she has for her mother which resonates with me because I’m so close to my own. That’s the power of children; one smile can make even a bad day great!”

Latoya Bembry’s “can do” attitude and desire to help others is a direct reflection of her upbringing, where she was always made to feel that she could do anything she wanted as long as she was willing to work hard for it. Bembry continues to work hard in her efforts to lend support and make a positive impact on others. “Community service to me is having a passion about a cause and committing to make a difference.”