Meet Amarita Strange, VersAbility Vice President of Human Resources

Employees are every organization’s biggest asset. Developing them, recognizing them and retaining them matter, and Amarita Strange delights in all that goes into that role. The Newport News native joined the team at VersAbility Resources in March 2024.

Amarita embraces solutions that create a win-win for employees and leadership. “I strive to get rid of any stigma that Human Resources is the principal’s office,” she said. “I have a passion for developing  employees and finding out what is important to them through their feedback.”

Amarita holds a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resource Development.

Her career has come full circle. Amarita first worked for Howmet Aerospace, which is across the street from VersAbility’s Hampton headquarters and a manufacturer that has employed people with disabilities from the nonprofit. From there, Amarita was hired by HII Newport News Shipbuilding, where she spent the next 12 years. She managed the shipyard’s summer internship program and then went on to become a strategic Human Resources Business Partner and advanced into leadership. Her focus was on employee retention.

“I helped leaders make succession plans and decisions based on metrics,” Amarita said.

HII Newport News Shipbuilding is a community partner to VersAbility.

When Amarita met with the leadership at VersAbility — President and CEO Kasia Grzelkowski, Chief Development Officer Joe Harrow and COO Reneé Rose — she immediately felt their caring personalities and heart for the mission: ensuring people with disabilities live full and productive lives of their choosing.  Amarita knew she wanted to be a part of advancing that mission.

“We have the ability to make a huge impact on people’s lives and future, and it’s rewarding at the same time,” Amarita said. “There’s so much opportunity and untapped potential for people with disabilities.”

Amarita is married to her sweetheart from Menchville High School, and they are active parents to a son and daughter. They enjoy the beach and spending time with their extended family in the area.