What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
My first job was as a dishwasher at Old Country Buffet. While there, I learned the value of communication in the workplace, as I suffered burns on my hands multiple times due to employees not warning me that a dish was a “hot plate” before I grabbed it. It also led me to understand the value of education, as I could not see myself working in that line of work for a lifetime.
What drew you to banking?
I think I was drawn to banking by a deep-rooted desire to help others improve their financial situations. I was not born into a family with strong financial means, so I wanted to help others who may also be struggling.
How do you stay innovative and forward-thinking in an ever-evolving industry?
We have a saying at STAR that goes, “If you don’t like change, you’ve signed on with the wrong company,” and I firmly believe that. I stay forward-thinking by challenging what is and what always was with what could be. I push myself to remain curious and always look for additional opportunities to learn and grow.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in banking?
The advice I would give to someone starting their career in banking is to not rely solely on training and onboarding for your banking knowledge. Immerse yourself in learning as much as you can on your own and then find a great mentor. The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.
If you weren’t a banker, what would you do for a living?
If I wasn’t a banker, I would be a writer or a therapist.
How do you define success?
The definition of success is pretty simple for me: Am I better today than I was yesterday? If I continue to improve who I am throughout my career and life, then I consider that success.
The definition of success is pretty simple for me: Am I better today than I was yesterday?
What are you reading or listening to?
I am currently reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. I believe it should be required reading for any parent or guardian.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
My go-to comfort food is chicken wings!
What do you do for fun when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I enjoy working out and watching my daughter play basketball.
Tell us about something on your bucket list.
Traveling to Greece and Italy is on my bucket list.
What’s your favorite memory?
My favorite memory is the birth of my daughter and watching her grow into the woman she is becoming.
