EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Milta Sostre
Nominated by Diana Guzman, VP of Human Resources
“A truly good person will speak truth, act with truth, and stand for Truth. A truly good person is not afraid to think from their heart…” ― Suzy Kassem
Emotionally intelligent with a great spirit and kind heart, Milta Sostre puts the “human” in Human Resources. The YWCA’s HR Generalist, Milta joined the team in February of 2025.
“Milta is someone that works incredibly hard and puts her heart into everything that she does,” said Diana Guzman, Vice President of Human Resources. “She always treats people with dignity, compassion and kindness, never with bias or judgement.”
As HR Generalist, Milta’s responsibilities include preparing new hire packets and onboarding, conducting orientations, and processing timecards. “I also assist Diana with any workplace investigations and help ensure all HR audits are up to date,” added Milta.
Additionally, Milta is the YWCA’s resident foodie and sets the tone for the staff’s collective lunch hauls. As multifaceted as it gets and unassuming, Milta is also a movie buff with a specialty in horror. Added Diana, “Milta has a great sense of humor, she is easy to work with and can always match my energy.”
A dedicated wife, and mother to her beloved son, Josiah, Milta was born and raised in Springfield; the middle child of six kids. Fittingly, her birthday falls on Christmas Day. “I grew up in a big family, and my dad would always throw huge parties for me with all my family over,” she said. “We didn’t grow up with much, but my parents always made sure we had what we needed. They instilled a good work ethic in us and taught my siblings and I that a good education is what would get us by.”
An alumna of American International College (AIC), Milta received a bachelor’s in business administration, and subsequently a master’s through AIC’s fast-track MBA program in 2018.
Outside of the YWCA, Milta’s commitment to her community is exhibited through her work as a youth and associate pastor at Pentecostal Church of God, CLA in Springfield. Having grown up in that very church, Milta has been a youth pastor alongside her husband for 4 years. “It truly has been a huge blessing for us to help build and encourage leaders who love God,” she said.
“Milta has a strong sense of ethics and always strives to do the right thing,” said Diana. “Milta embodies the YWCA’s mission; she always thinks about others and considers what someone may be going through that could explain how they behave. Being trauma-informed is in her nature, which makes her the ideal person to have in HR.”
Prior to working at the YWCA, Milta worked at Baystate Medical Center for 11 years—first as a patient service representative and then in Human Resources. Already in need of a change and contemplating her future, Milta was laid off due to budget cuts and during her job search discovered the YWCA. “It has been a blessing working here. Not only because of what we do, but because I get to work with great people who truly make a difference in this world,” she said.
Before her interview, Milta researched the YWCA and looked up the organization’s leaders. As fate would have it, she remembered Diana from high school. “I remembered she had and still has a heart of gold,” said Milta. “When I got to the parking lot, I prayed this was the place for me. I am grateful for all I get to do and for meeting such amazing people.”
“The world could use a few more Milta’s in it,” said Diana. “I love working with her. She’s incredibly smart and keeps me grounded. I have complete trust in her.”
