FACES of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee – Latrina Adams
Latrina Adams, the Chief Financial Officer of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, is a dedicated professional who is driven by a sincere desire to uplift and empower those around her.
She joined the YWCA team in 2018 following two decades in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. With a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in finance, Latrina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Her trajectory at YWCA, starting as the VP of Finance - Controller in 2018 to her appointment as CFO in 2022, stands as a testament to her unyielding work ethic. For Latrina, the formula for success is simple: work hard, reach back, and always strive to make a difference.
Latrina radiates warmth when discussing her true source of joy – her family. The move to Tennessee from her home state of Michigan was not just a career choice but a personal one, driven by a desire to be closer to her son who was attending Tennessee State University and her engagement and marriage. She’ll be celebrating her five-year anniversary in April, and she recently became a grandmother to a beautiful baby girl.
A self-proclaimed girly girl with a love for travel, Latrina is a dynamic woman whose dedication to the YWCA's mission is evident, as is her appreciation for the community YWCA serves. Her enthusiasm for the work, coupled with a deep affection for her colleagues, creates an infectious energy within the organization.
“Latrina is the linchpin of the team,” says YWCA President and CEO Sharon K. Roberson. “Her negotiation skills and relationship-building with business, community, and government leaders have elevated the organization to new heights. Latrina tackles challenges with unflappable grace, constantly learning and striving to modernize and streamline operations.”
Beyond her role as CFO, her true heart and love for the mission shines through.
“If I were to hit the lottery today and could give money to any organization, I’d give it to the YWCA,” says Latrina. “I’d split it between the Girls Inc. and AMEND programs. I’d give scholarships because I wouldn’t be where I am today without education. Education is the key.”
Latrina admits that she could have given up as a teenage mother, but education and her close community in Michigan - her village - helped her succeed. She also has a deep belief that more needs to be done for young, Black boys and those who want to go to college but can’t afford the costs and the debt.
“It's so important that we invest in the young Black boys in our community. Because I know - I have two boys,” Latrina says. “And to see what I went through with my son going to college – where you have too much for financial aid - but not enough to cover the costs - I would really love to give that back to our youth.”
“Latrina makes the YWCA better,” says Sharon. “She’s very sensitive to the people we serve and has a real heart for the people we serve. She doesn’t think she’s better than anyone else. We are very lucky to have her on our team.”