Regional Human Resources Generalist, Sanford/Central Florida
SANFORD, FL – September 18, 2024 – Mayebelle Bryant-James, a recruiting specialist recently promoted to Regional Human Resources Generalist for Waste Pro’s Central Florida region, is a shining example of the company’s mission to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Her infectious positivity and genuine care for those she interacts with make her the first contact point for many Waste Pro new hires, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued. Over the past two years, she has been a dedicated recruiter for the Sanford division, actively participating in numerous career fairs, second chance programs, and recruiting events. When she identifies a candidate ready to embrace the Waste Pro Way, she personally guides them through the hiring process. Many of these individuals stay in touch with her long after their initial interaction, sharing their successes and achievements while working at Waste Pro.
Mayebelle knows what it’s like on the other end of the table regarding job hunting. She found her opportunity at Waste Pro in 2021 during a local Orlando Career Fair, a moment that marked a significant change in her career. At the time, she was working as an administrative coordinator for a landscape architect and was ready for a new challenge. Her decision to attend a job fair in Deltona led her to a conversation with Regional HR Manager Samantha Barreiro, which ultimately paved the way for her to join Waste Pro.
Mayebelle’s career journey is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. It began when she joined the military right out of high school, which allowed her to explore career options, gain valuable training, and see the world. She spent five years serving and excelled in an office environment. Along the way, this native Floridian was stationed in Virginia, South Korea, and Georgia. “The military gave me a foundation, taught me a work ethic and valuable administrative skills.” While stationed in Georgia, she decided to leave military service and took her first job in corporate America at the credit agency FDIC. Over the next several years, she started a family, moved to Michigan, and eventually moved back to Central Florida to care for her ailing mother. Her dedication to Waste Pro’s values and culture is truly inspiring and a testament to her commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
Mayebelle’s commitment to personal and professional growth is evident in her educational achievements. While balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and a full-time job, she pursued her education, earning her associate’s degree in accounting from Davenport University in Michigan. Once back in Florida, she continued her educational journey, earning her bachelor’s in human resources and business from Columbia College in Orlando. Reflecting on her academic journey, she shares, “My greatest accomplishment is earning two degrees while working full-time and being a single mom. I wanted to prove to myself and my sons that anything is possible when you set a goal.”
Her two boys take that lesson to heart. Her oldest son, Michael, works for Waste Pro as a helper and is working towards attending the Co-heart program to obtain his CDL license. Her younger son, Marcus, is a line cook in Deltona. Marcus is hard of hearing and wears hearing aids. He attended the St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind and is known to help customers he sees who may need extra help in his restaurant. The management at the restaurant shared that he is a great asset to their customers.
Since her first encounter with Regional HR Manager Samantha Barreiro at the Deltona career fair, Mayebelle has been dedicated to her role as a recruiter. She actively participates in numerous career fairs and community events, always looking for opportunities to help people and give them a second chance. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is witnessing the enthusiasm and determination of job seekers. It’s a privilege to be able to offer them an opportunity.” She adds,
“These workers appreciate the second chance and often approach me to express their gratitude for the job and the chance to provide for their families.”
Known for going above and beyond is how managers, co-workers, and friends describe Maybelle. She is always helping out with snacks, goodies, and gestures of goodwill throughout the Sanford division. She recently started a new outreach called her Blessing Box, which is filled with hygiene items, household goods, and things someone might need immediately. “I fill it with things people might not be able to get, and I just walk around asking folks to take something from the Blessing Box. Waste Pro has been a blessing to me, so I want to make sure it is also a blessing to others,” she shared. “We have employees who come in every day that smile, are kind, and we don’t know what they go home to, so I try to find resources in the community and share it with our team members to show that this is more than a job, it’s a community of people that care.”
As she starts the next chapter in her Waste Pro career as a Regional Human Resources Generalist, she will work with team members once they are part of the company, ensuring they have what they need from a human resources standpoint. She will process payroll, continue community engagement, manage benefits, and coordinate HR needs. “From the first day I met her, Samantha has been a mentor. She has been with me, guiding me, and I am ready if there are more chances for growth. I am here for the long haul. I found my place, my people, my purpose.”
“Waste Pro is not just a garbage company; it’s a company of extraordinary people. Our biggest asset is our employees. Without them, we can’t get the job done. This company is invested in its people. And that matters. That comes from the top. When Mr. Jennings comes through our Sanford office and knows us, has a conversation, and shows he cares, that’s real special.”