By Jules Lavallee
Brittney Reed is a certified Diversity and Technical Executive Recruiter with 13 years of experience, specializing in IT and Information Security (InfoSec) for the past decade. Renowned for her expertise in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within recruitment, Brittney has built a reputation as a trusted leader in sourcing diverse talent and developing lasting, culturally aligned placements.
Throughout her career, she has driven talent acquisition strategies for major organizations like Priceline, Pierpont International, Florida Blue, Hudson RPO, and Deutsche Bank. Her work has consistently led to the hiring of top-tier talent who thrive in their roles, resulting in long-term success for both the candidates and the companies.
As the CEO and Founder of Source2Hire, Brittney is focused on helping organizations find the right talent the right way. Her firm emphasizes quality, cultural alignment, and long-term success, ensuring that companies and candidates form lasting partnerships that benefit both parties.
In addition to her professional achievements, Brittney is deeply committed to giving back to her community. In 2019, after the devastating loss of her son in 2018, she and her husband founded Just Remember, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Diego, California. The organization serves families grieving the loss of a child under the age of 18, offering emotional and financial support to help them navigate their journey of healing. Just Remember also provides eight annual scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are student-athletes heading to college. Each scholarship includes a laptop and a financial grant to support their educational journey.
A unique aspect of Just Remember is its strong partnership with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. Through this collaboration, the nonprofit extends vital support to law enforcement personnel experiencing secondary trauma due to the emotional demands of their work. The organization offers trauma-informed care and resources that help officers cope with the psychological impact of their roles, reinforcing Brittney’s dedication to those who protect and serve the community.
Additionally, Just Remember has a network of licensed therapists who specialize in grief, providing families with access to professional support as they navigate their healing journey.
Tell us about your son, Christopher “J.R” Reed II, and his love for sports.
My son, J.R, was pure joy in motion, especially when it came to sports! He had an undeniable passion for football and basketball, always pushing himself to be better both on and off the field. But it wasn’t just his athleticism that made him special—it was his contagious laugh and his love for telling jokes that filled every room with happiness. J.R absolutely adored his sisters and would give them anything, even his last, because he had such a generous heart. And oh, was he a snacker! He loved his Rice Krispy treats, Reese’s cups, fruit snacks, and, of course, a hearty meal. He’s the reason I started learning to cook and bake new things, which turned into a love of cooking for me.
J.R loved playing outside any chance he got, and some of his favorite moments were spent playing Madden and NBA 2K17 and 2K18. He idolized athletes like Odell Beckham and Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry, who inspired him to embody the spirit of a true athlete—dedicated, disciplined, and always striving for greatness. But what stood out the most about JR was his unwavering commitment to teamwork and perseverance. He knew, even at a young age, that sports weren’t just about winning—they were about lifting others up and playing with heart. His love for sports is something I will cherish forever, and it’s what inspired me to create scholarships and sponsorships through Just Remember, keeping his name alive while helping young athletes chase their dreams with the same energy and love for community that JR lived by.
I didn’t realize just how many hearts JR had touched until his celebration of life, where over 500 people gathered in a city and state, we had no family and only a few friends we had met when we relocated to Nashville. Hearing story after story about what a kind and loyal friend he was filled my heart with so much joy. J.R would have been 15 this year, and I know without a doubt that he would be doing amazing things—both on the field and in the community. His legacy lives on through Just Remember, and I’m so proud to honor him in everything we do.
You launched Just Remember in 2019 to honor your son and to help those who have lost loved ones. Please share the resources you offer.
My husband and I started Just Remember because, after losing our son, we quickly realized there wasn’t much support in our area specifically geared toward families like ours—families who had lost a child under the age of 18. We found ourselves attending peer-led support groups, but they lacked the professional guidance we so desperately needed to help us, and our children, navigate our grief. Most of the resources available were broad, addressing loss in general, but not focused on the unique pain of losing a child. One night, after a group session, we sat in a church parking lot, and I cried until there were no more tears left. That night, we made a promise to ourselves—we would do everything in our power to help other families going through this unimaginable journey. And that’s how Just Remember was born, out of a deep desire to honor our son’s memory and provide real, tangible support to families walking this same path.
At the heart of what we do is a network of licensed therapists who specialize in grief counseling. These professionals offer personalized support to couples, individuals, and children, either one-on-one or in a family setting. We provide two free therapy sessions for families, and for those who don’t have insurance or need ongoing financial help, we make sure they’re not alone—we find ways to support them. Beyond therapy, we offer peer support groups where families can connect with others who truly understand their pain. These groups foster a sense of community and connection, which is so critical during times of grief.
We also provide care packages filled with items that were so helpful to me during our own tough times—specific books, journals, resources, and even a gift card for Grubhub or UberEATS to take one small thing off a grieving family’s plate. Every care package includes a personalized letter from me because I want these families to know they aren’t facing this alone.
Our nonprofit also provides scholarships to high school seniors who are athletes headed to college. We currently offer four scholarships in San Diego County, which include a laptop and a financial award to help them get started in their freshman year. My dream is to expand this to ten scholarships, offering even more students a chance to pursue their goals.
Additionally, we partner with local law enforcement, particularly the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Wellness Unit, to support deputies and personnel within the Sheriff’s dealing with secondary trauma. Working alongside their wellness unit has been incredibly rewarding, especially since they were there for me in such a profound way when we lost our son. Now, we’re able to give back by ensuring these brave individuals have access to mental health resources when they need them most.
Parents who suffered loss of son starts a nonprofit to help other parents with grief – YouTube
Tell us about the sports scholarships and initiatives from your nonprofit.
At Just Remember, we are all about empowering young athletes and supporting their journey both on and off the field. Our sports scholarships are designed to help graduating high school seniors—student-athletes who are heading to college—pursue their dreams with the tools they need to succeed. Each scholarship includes a laptop and financial assistance to help ease their transition into the next exciting chapter of their academic and athletic careers.
But we don’t stop there! We are passionate about uplifting local communities, and one of the initiatives I am especially proud of is our support for the Preuss Girls Basketball Team. This is a low-income, first-generation student academy, and we’ve helped raise money to provide them with essential resources like proper basketball shoes, transportation to and from games, meals on game days (since, for some of these students, school meals are the only meals they get), and uniforms. It’s about more than just sports gear; it’s about making sure these young women have the tools they need to succeed both in their athletic pursuits and in life.
Looking ahead, I am thrilled to announce our collaboration with the San Diego Black Golfers Association for 2025! They’re hosting their 5th annual Juneteenth Charity Golf Tournament, and we’ve been chosen as one of the benefiting nonprofits. This tournament is a huge opportunity for us to continue giving back while supporting other local organizations that serve San Diego’s most critical communities. It’s an event created to raise funds for nonprofits, and it also showcases Black-owned businesses, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy. The tournament will take place on Monday, June 16th, 2025, and I am beyond excited to be a part of it!
All donations will go directly to Just Remember, and every dollar raised will go right back into San Diego County to support our ongoing programs and initiatives. For more information on the San Diego Black Golfers Association and the Juneteenth Charity Golf Tournament, you can visit their Instagram at @sd_jcgt or check out their website https://juneteenth-charity-golf-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com. We’d love for you to get involved! Your contributions are tax-deductible through our Just Remember 501(c)(3) status (Tax ID: 83-4104415).
You recently held your gala to bring the community together in support of Just Remember. How important is this fundraiser?
Our annual charity gala is absolutely vital to the success of Just Remember and the life-changing work we do for the community. This year’s masquerade-themed event was a truly special evening, full of heart, unity, and hope. It wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of the strength and resilience of our community coming together to honor the memory of my son, J.R, and to support families facing unimaginable loss.
I’m beyond excited to share that, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our amazing supporters, we raised a staggering $122,000! This incredible amount will have a direct and meaningful impact, allowing us to expand our grief counseling services for families navigating loss. These funds will also enable us to continue offering sports scholarships to deserving young athletes, ensuring they have the resources they need to pursue their dreams.
But the support doesn’t stop there! We are committed to expanding our sponsorship programs for young athletes in need, making sure they have everything from equipment to meals, and the mentorship to help them thrive. Additionally, a portion of the funds will go towards providing critical resources for local law enforcement who are struggling with secondary trauma—an area that is deeply personal to me. This is a chance to give back to the community that supported my family during the hardest time of our lives.
We also continue to provide care packages to families grieving the loss of a loved one. These packages include personalized items like comforting books, journals, and resources on insurance and funeral costs. We even include gift cards for meals to help families through the most difficult days, just as I was supported during my hardest moments.
This gala is our only fundraiser for the year, and it is a true reflection of the heart and soul of Just Remember. It is a reminder of the power of community, love, and generosity. It is about giving hope to families who need it most, supporting children as they chase their dreams, and ensuring that those who serve our community have the mental health resources they deserve. We are so excited to use this funding to continue making a lasting impact, and we cannot wait to see the ripple effect of these efforts as we help families heal and young people flourish.
You have been an Executive Recruiter for 13 years. Share your experience and how the women from Womenpreneur USA can work with you.
With 13 years of experience as an Executive Recruiter, I’ve had the honor of partnering with organizations to help them build strong, diverse teams across a wide range of industries. My expertise lies in sourcing top-tier talent for those hard-to-fill roles that require a perfect balance of technical skill, cultural fit, and potential for long-term growth. I understand that finding the right candidate for these critical positions can be challenging, which is why I focus on creating tailored recruitment strategies that connect companies with exceptional talent that drives success.
At Source2Hire, we specialize in full-cycle recruitment and offer comprehensive services that include talent sourcing, candidate screening, interview coordination, and strategic hiring consulting. We help organizations build inclusive, high-performing teams while ensuring candidates match not only the job requirements but also the company culture for long-term success.
If you’re an organization looking for specialized expertise or a professional seeking the next step in your career, let’s connect! You can reach me directly at info@source2hire.com or visit our website at www.source2hire.com to learn more about how we can work together to meet your recruitment goals. Let’s find the perfect match for your team’s success!
What makes your recruiting firm a success?
What makes Source2Hire a success is our relentless commitment to quality, cultural fit, and long-term impact. We don’t just fill positions—we immerse ourselves in understanding the core values and vision of every company we work with. This allows us to connect them with candidates who don’t just meet the job requirements, but who truly align with their mission and culture.
At Source2Hire, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords—they are the foundation of every recruitment strategy we develop. From the very first conversation to onboarding, we ensure these principles guide every step of the process. What truly sets us apart is how we approach each vertical we serve. Whether it’s IT, Cyber Security, Sales, Analytics, HR, Call Centers, Finance, Project Management, or any other specialized field, we craft tailored recruitment strategies designed to meet the unique needs of each industry, ensuring both immediate and long-term success.
We proudly support businesses across the United States and Canada, offering tailored solutions to help you find top-tier talent for those hard-to-fill, high-impact roles. For us, success isn’t just about making placements; it’s about building lasting relationships that empower our clients to thrive. We’re here to create teams that not only perform—but also grow and innovate together. With Source2Hire, you’re not just hiring a candidate—you’re gaining a trusted partner committed to your team’s future. Let’s work together to build something exceptional!
Rave reviews from clients of Source2Hire.
1. “Working with Brittney was a game-changer for our company. She really understood our culture and helped us find the perfect candidate for a critical leadership role. Her focus on diversity and long-term success sets her apart from other recruiters.”– CEO, Tech Company
2. Brittney’s approach to recruitment is both professional and personal. She makes sure to understand the needs of both the employer and the candidate, which made the entire process seamless. I highly recommend her services.”– HR Director, Financial Services
3. “As a candidate, I felt genuinely supported throughout the entire process. Brittney took the time to help me find a role that aligned with both my skills and my career goals.” -Senior Analyst, Cyber Security
4. “Brittney and Source2Hire consistently go above and beyond to connect us with outstanding candidates. Her approach is personalized, and she always ensures that candidates not only meet our technical requirements but are a cultural fit for our team. Brittney has played a huge role in helping us build a team that is now stronger than ever. We know that with Source2Hire, we’re getting the best talent—whether it’s for an executive position or a hard-to-fill technical role.” —Director of Operations, IT Services
5. “Working with Source2Hire was a game-changer for our organization. Brittney took the time to understand our values, culture, and long-term vision. She delivered not only candidates with the technical expertise we needed, but also individuals who truly embodied our company’s ethos. Her focus on diversity and cultural fit transformed our hiring process, making it easier to build a team that is not only skilled but also united in purpose. I highly recommend Brittney and her team for anyone looking to build a top-tier, cohesive team.” —VP of Talent Acquisition, Tech Solutions
Just Remember Testimonials
1. “Just Remember has been a true lifeline for our family during the most challenging time of our lives. The grief counseling and support groups helped us navigate the overwhelming emotions of losing our son. Brittney’s personal touch, combined with the professional resources they provide, made all the difference. The care packages, filled with thoughtful items like books, journals, and items that were age appropriate for our children, touched our hearts and helped us. We are forever grateful for the comfort and support Just Remember has given us.” – The Harris Family, San Diego, CA
2. “Thank you is not a big enough word for you and Just Remember. I am overwhelmed by the generosity and the support. Although I’m broken, I constantly think, how can I make this tragedy into something good for others? There’s nothing I can say that feels big enough, but please know that I receive your heartfelt support and love. The therapy sessions have been amazing—being able to talk and process my grief in a safe space has helped me more than words can express. It has given me the strength to keep going, knowing there are people who truly care about my healing. Just Remember has given me hope when I felt none. I will forever be grateful for everything you have done for me and my family during the darkest time of our lives.” — The Thompson Family
3. “As a law enforcement officer, dealing with the trauma of what we witness on the job can be incredibly isolating. Just Remembers partnership with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has been invaluable. The mental health resources, workshops, and counseling they provide for our personnel have made a huge impact on both our well-being and our ability to continue serving the community. Brittney’s dedication to supporting those who give so much to others is truly inspiring. Just Remember is a vital resource for first responders.”
—San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
