Featured Member: Kayla Johnson

Meet YPAL’s February Featured Member, Kayla Johnson!

-What is your day job?
I am a Human Resource Generalist for Spectrum, also known as Charter Communications.

Fun Fact – I am also the owner of Kay Marie Bakes, LLC. I specialize in bringing joy to clients through the delight my sumptuous confections bring.

-What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my profession is far beyond the scope of helping people; it is the development of employees and being a valuable resource to them. I take pride in influencing strategic business decisions. I love being an HR professional and attending Webster allowed me to become more knowledgeable in every aspect of HR.

As a bakery owner, my passion for baking is reinforced by the quality of my work and by the smiles my desserts place on my clients’ faces.

-When did you graduate from Webster and what was the degree?
I graduated from Webster in June of 2019 with a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management.

-What was your favorite part of being a Webster student?
Webster was amazing! My favorite part of being a Webster student was being placed in classes no larger than 15-20 students. After graduating from a large institution like THE University of Kentucky (#BBN), where I attended classes of 500+ students, I appreciated the benefits of smaller class sizes at Webster. I met wonderful people that I was fortunate to build professional relationships with. The ability to have discussions with professors in person or over the phone was one thing I truly enjoyed! Anytime I had a question or needed assistance, my professors were readily available. Webster is such a diverse institution. I enjoyed learning from individuals of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. I couldn’t imagine a better experience! My mother is now a Webster student, completing her Master of Arts in Education and Innovation. After years of dedicating her life to myself and my 4 brothers, she was influenced to continue her education and chose Webster. She will soon be a proud Alumni.

-Why did you join YPAL?
In 2018, I joined YPAL because I wanted to network with other young professionals. Prior to becoming a member, I promoted to Recruiter from an HR Intern opportunity and I was eager to get out and meet young professionals in Louisville. I’ve attended many events, including the 2018 YPAL Summit and connected with various professionals driving our workforce. YPAL always puts on fun and informative events. What young professional doesn’t want to network responsibly with complimentary wine? 🙂

-Why did you choose Louisville?
I was born and raised in Louisville, KY. I love seeing the development in our city and I’m confident Louisville will continue to grow and provide more opportunities for young professionals.

-Book recommendation?
More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth – Perfect for young women in the workplace! This book reminds women they are more than enough, despite adversity.

-Favorite restaurant?
I love food so much, it is very hard for me to decide on a favorite restaurant. My FAVORITES include Ruth’s Chris, Grassa Gramma, Steak & Bourbon and Sake Blue.

-What is the best career advice you have received?
The best career advice I have received is to pursue my passion, not money. The pursuit of material goals, such as money, can be counterproductive to becoming successful. That advice stuck with me and I am a firm believer in passion drives success!

-If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could move to Italy and eat clean, authentic Italian food for the rest of my life, I would be so happy!

-Coolest place you have ever traveled?
The coolest place I traveled to was Houston, TX. There is so much to do and so many eateries. Hands down the best food!

-Anything else cool you want to share? We can always make up new questions!
I am very proud of the direction my business is headed. I take pride in the quality of my desserts and my passion is what is driving my success. I started up in December 2020 (yes, not long ago) and my clientele is increasing by the dozen. I appreciate all of the support from my clients and I look forward to opening a Louisville storefront in the near future! If interested, please visit www.kaymariebakes.com

Do you know a great young professional who we should feature next month? Tell us about them (or yourself) here!

A big thank you to our Featured Member Blog Post Sponsor, Webster University!
Webster University, a global institution, provides adult learners with a quality graduate education in a diverse and personalized learning environment. Take your career to the next level with a graduate degree designed for the working professional. Your future is now! Contact Webster University, Louisville at (502) 896-1835 or visit their website www.webster.edu