Meet Susana - May Team Member Spotlight

In the May Artisans' Bank Spotlight, we proudly highlight the remarkable contributions of Susana. She works as a pivotal member of the Bank’s loan operations team, bringing a meticulous eye for detail and a profound understanding of financial regulations to her role.

Among her critical responsibilities is the validation of loan files. Susana carefully examines each loan document to ensure accuracy and completeness. This thorough review helps prevent discrepancies that could potentially disrupt the proper servicing of a loan. She also recommends effective corrective actions to safeguard the Bank’s interests and uphold its reputation for reliability. Her work exemplifies the high standards Artisans' Bank upholds, ultimately contributing to the trust and confidence our customers place in us.

Q: What brought you to Artisans' Bank?

A:  "The support and team atmosphere that only a small company can really provide," said Susana

After spending over fifteen years in the banking industry and relocating to a new country, Susana had countless opportunities ahead of her. Yet, it was the genuine understanding and patience she experienced from her very first day at Artisans' that truly captivated her. This warmth and support made her feel valued, quickly fostering a sense of belonging that she had been seeking.

For Susana, finding a workplace that not only embraced her diverse background but also allowed her to contribute meaningfully was paramount. In Artisans', she discovered a community where she could thrive both professionally and personally, solidifying her commitment to becoming an integral part of the team.

Q:  What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? How about personal accomplishment?

A: Professionally, I studied Business Management and pursued/earned a postgraduate degree in High Business Management, which laid the foundation for my role as the Assistant Manager at my previous employer in the Dominican Republic. Personally, I value being a present Mom and raising my family while developing my career in banking.             

Susana’s responses offered a glimpse into her character, shedding light on the intricate journey of her personal and professional growth.  It was evident that her insights were shaped by challenges she had overcome and successes she had celebrated, revealing a commitment to continual self-improvement and a strong sense of resilience. Additionally, she glowed about being a mom.  Throughout the entirety of the interview, many of her answers revolved around her children and helping to shape a better future for them both.

She briefly touched on how her language barrier occasionally made her feel hesitant about reaching some goals, but then quickly recognized that it was often more of a mindset than a reality. She credits her amazing support system of managers and colleagues who have inspired her every day and truly believed in her abilities.

Q:  Recently, it was shared that you passed the naturalization test to become a US citizen. What drove this decision?

A:  With a heartfelt conviction, Susana expressed, "I want to teach my children the importance of finding their voice in the world around them and the strength to advocate for themselves. By instilling these values, I hope to empower them to navigate life's challenges. To be the best for them, I must dedicate myself to becoming the best version of myself, constantly evolving and learning.”

Having spent most of her life in the Dominican Republic, she and her husband faced a significant turning point when they decided to move to the United States in search of better opportunities for their two children. The desire for a brighter future propelled them to embark on this new chapter, where they saw numerous possibilities for personal and professional growth.

Fully committed to their new life, the family has worked to achieve citizenship. The process and decision were not quick, done on a whim, or by any means easy. It was done with brevity and with the full intent to become complete members of the society in which they now reside.

Q:  How do you define success?

A: With a smile, she said, "This - the Spotlight - It means I have proven to myself that all the work I have done and been through was worth it. I have been seen and I matter."

Susana highlighted the poignant reality of navigating life as someone who is not from this country, standing out in a sea of similar faces, and grappling with the nuances of a language that often felt just out of reach. With passion, she spoke about the experiences of being different, of not seeing herself or her people represented. Nevertheless, what shone through her message was a powerful declaration that true success for Susana is embodied through being recognized in this, her Spotlight as a talented asset to our company and team here at Artisans’ Bank.

We hope that Susana's story beautifully showcases and reminds us all that with hard work and hope, despite cultural dislocation and language barriers, everyone can discover their unique place in the world. Her journey and story, with its share of challenges and victories, remind us all of the strength found in diversity, teamwork, and family.

Each unique voice at Artisans’ Bank adds to our collective success, and together, we can create a workplace that is not only inclusive but also truly inspiring for everyone involved.

Thank you, Susana, for sharing your time and story with us!

Check back next time for our next Artisans' Bank Team Member Spotlight!