Meet Marlena - August Team Member Spotlight

 

There are some people who would rather remain in the background, to act in a supporting role without being heard, or stand out in any way.

 

Our Team Member Spotlight, Marlena, could never be that person.

 

She embodies laughter, humility, and kindness, serving as a powerful advocate for herself and those around her. Standing at 6 feet tall and with a love for eye-catching stilettos, our team member not only knows how to make a statement but does so in a way that is both graceful and impactful. Her vibrant personality and unwavering confidence allow her to shine in any environment, making her a truly remarkable presence on our team.

 

As a team member, she truly has a gift in her ability to inspire others, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. Her belief in the team fosters collaboration and support, allowing each member to flourish while celebrating collective successes. Her enthusiasm and commitment to growth make her an invaluable leader, and it’s exciting to see the positive impact she creates for everyone involved!

 

 

 

What brought you to Artisans’ Bank

Before joining Artisans’, Marlena dedicated 11 years of her career to the financial sector, working at a credit union where she developed a deep understanding of financial services and customer relations. In addition to her work in finance, she also took on the fulfilling role of Court-Appointed Service Advocate, where she provided crucial support to individuals navigating the complexities of the legal system.

Despite the meaningful work she was doing, Marlena sought a position that would provide different challenges and opportunities while continuing to foster her commitment to community service. When she learned of an opportunity at Artisans’ Bank, she was immediately drawn to the role, recognizing it as the ideal intersection of her financial expertise and her passion for community engagement.

“I had a goal to be a part of a company that would be able to see me shine,” said Marlena “to recognize my talents and have an opportunity to be vocal, which I think has worked out”.

For Marlena, it’s all about having a passion for what she does. She believes that she sets the tone wherever she goes, and because of that, her teams have experienced many positive changes along the way.

  

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What is your role at Artisans’ Bank?

Marlena holds the title of Branch Manager II, within Northern New Castle County. In this capacity, she acts as a key backup for the Area Manager, ensuring continuity and support across the region. Her responsibilities include fostering team training and development, delivering exceptional customer service, and providing coaching and performance evaluations for team members. Additionally, she facilitates updates on policies and procedures while offering support for commercial loans. 

Central to Marlena's role is her commitment to her team and their interactions with customers. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, recognizing that the ability to adjust to changing circumstances can significantly enhance customer satisfaction. At the heart of her approach is the belief that understanding our customers and building strong relationships is essential; she advocates for a customer-first mentality, which is fundamental to the success of both her branch and Artisans’ Bank.

“I have been lucky to be managed by incredible people, so it is my responsibility to be that for others,” shared Marlena.

Marlena is dedicated to creating a smooth and efficient operational environment. She believes that fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie among her staff is not only important for individual success but also vital for the overall morale of the group. By encouraging collaboration and supporting one another, her team can collectively achieve their goals while providing the highest level of service to their customers.

In addition to her role as Branch Manager II, she has taken on a position with the supervisory committee at Stepping Stones Federal Credit Union. This credit union, which operates a single branch, was chartered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and focuses on serving the low-income community in Wilmington. They provide affordable share (savings) accounts, certificates, and fair and easy signature (unsecured), share-secured, and auto loans. Membership is open to individuals who work, live, worship, study, or volunteer in the City. Marlena plays a crucial role in facilitating the relationship between Stepping Stones and Artisans' Bank. We look forward to the future collaborations this partnership brings for Artisans’ Bank and Marlena.

   

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What motivates you day in and day out?

“My purpose is to build and to manage and to nurture and to empower people, and to not just make it about Marlena, but I want to see everybody win. And when you win, I win, and as a manager, it's not about me, it's about my team.”

Working at Artisans’, she feels empowered to trust in herself, and to not be afraid to share her ideas. And what has helped is having a supportive senior management team, other branch managers who are equally as invested in the well-being of the bank and their teams, and like-minded team members who want to invest in themselves and work for their own betterment.  Because of these things, she feels empowered to make decisions, to take responsibility for her role and growth within it, and to say “this is working”, or “this is a great idea”, and to not feel bad when something is not working, and also to realize certain things take time.

For her, feeling included and respected is essential. When everyone works together as a cohesive team, it creates an inspiring environment that allows her to fully embrace her passions. The support she receives from her colleagues makes all the difference. With her manager’s encouragement, she’s empowered to make decisions that involve visiting other branches and collaborating with a diverse range of people. This sense of autonomy fuels her enthusiasm and drives her success!

“At Artisans’, I’m allowed to be me, to just be free and to really shine the way that I shine. And honestly, I'm humbled because I've never thought that people saw me in such a light. But like I said, when I thrive, we thrive,” smiled Marlena.

  

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How do you define success?

“Success is being the next Beth Albano, to one day be the CEO” said Marlena.

With a confident smile, she stated that the idea of glass ceilings was not something she pondered. Instead, she emphasized that her primary focus was on continually striving to become the most accomplished and authentic version of herself, including currently working to attain her Bachelor's Degree at Wilmington University, and then noting that she planned to continue on to get her Master’s Degree.

This learning journey Marlena has taken goes beyond personal achievement; it embodies her commitment to her family and children, who observe her relentless dedication and hard work, inspiring them to emulate her remarkable actions. It is also equally about her team, who witness her unwavering passion for leadership and continued effort to improve upon herself as a manager and banker.

  

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What is the best advice you have ever received?

The most impactful advice that Marlena ever received transformed into her guiding principle in life: Always remain teachable.

This wisdom originated from her father, who once remarked, “What I can’t teach you, life will.” At that moment, she was too young to grasp the full significance of his words. Yet, as she transitioned into adulthood, assuming roles as a parent, mentor, and manager, the profound resonance of her father’s counsel became increasingly clear.

Marlena acknowledged that life is an ongoing journey filled with lessons that come from both successes and failures. She is constantly embracing a mindset of continuous growth, which has not only empowered her to adapt and thrive but has also inspired those around her to adopt the same philosophy.

  

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What are things outside of Artisans’ Bank that you enjoy?

Marlena is a dynamic and dedicated parent who invests a significant amount of her time in her children's athletic pursuits. Her daughter proudly participates in the color guard at her school. On the weekends, Marlena can be found at football games, juggling her roles between working concessions and cheering on her daughter during performances.

Having been a part of the color guard herself in her youth, Marlena sometimes joins the team during practices, relishing the opportunity to spin a flag and relive the thrills of her past. This connection not only enriches her experience but also strengthens her bond with the team.

Her son plays in the drum line, and Marlena ensures she’s equally present at his events. When she isn't supporting her daughter, she’s cheering for her son, showcasing her commitment to both of their passions. Known for her thoughtful preparations, Marlena is always ready with an assortment of snacks and juice boxes, ensuring that the young athletes have the energy to perform their best.

Beyond her sports involvement, she also plays an active role in her son’s elementary school's PTA. In this role, she is committed to collaborating with other parents and school staff to enhance the educational environment for all students and will soon be the President of the PTA.

 

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Quick Questions:

• Salty or Sweet – Sweet 100%
• Favorite Movie – Gladiator
• Coffee or Tea – 50 / 50 coffee at work / tea at home
• Favorite Animal – Elephants – every day