From Saying Yes to Finding Your Purpose: How Unexpected Opportunities Shaped My Career
How a banking career unexpectedly led to discovering passion and purpose in community relations.
From Banking to Community Relations: Finding Purpose Along the Way
When I began my banking career in 2008, I never imagined that nearly two decades later, my career would lead me to community relations. Like many professionals, I started by focusing on the role in front of me, working hard, learning as much as I could, and taking advantage of opportunities to grow.
Over the years, I gained experience in several areas of banking, including teller supervision, personal banking, branch management, executive support, and administrative leadership. Each role taught me something different—not only about banking, but also about myself.
When I joined Origin Bank in 2015, much of my work centered around executive and administrative support. As my responsibilities grew, I began taking on projects involving sponsorships, volunteer initiatives, community events, and employee engagement. At the time, I wasn't necessarily thinking about where those additional responsibilities might lead. I simply saw opportunities to contribute and said yes.
Those opportunities ultimately changed the direction of my career.
The more involved I became in community initiatives, the more I realized how much I enjoyed bringing people together, building relationships, supporting nonprofit organizations, and connecting employees with meaningful opportunities to serve. Something that began as one part of my job gradually became the work I felt most passionate about.
Today, as Vice President and Community Relations Officer at Origin Bank, I have the privilege of combining my banking experience with my passion for people and community service. Looking back, I can see that many of the opportunities that shaped my career came from being willing to step outside of my original responsibilities.
That experience has taught me an important lesson: Your career does not have to follow a perfectly planned path to become a meaningful one.
Sometimes We Become So Focused on the Next Title or Promotion
that we overlook the opportunities directly in front of us. A new project, an unfamiliar responsibility, or simply volunteering to help can expose strengths and interests we didn't realize we had.
There is also tremendous value in being willing to learn before you feel completely ready. Some of the most important growth in my career happened when I accepted responsibilities that challenged me and required me to develop new skills.
For women building their careers, especially those early in their professional journeys, I would encourage you to remain open to opportunities that may not fit perfectly into the plan you originally created for yourself. Work hard in the position you have, but pay attention to the responsibilities that energize you. Notice where your strengths naturally emerge and where you feel you are making the greatest impact.
Relationships matter, too. Careers are rarely built alone. Mentors, leaders, colleagues, and community partners have all played a role in my own journey. Treat people with respect, build genuine relationships, and be willing to learn from those around you.
Most importantly, don't underestimate where saying yes to one opportunity can lead.
I didn't begin my career knowing that community relations would eventually become my passion. I discovered it along the way.
And sometimes, finding your purpose isn't about having the entire path mapped out. It's about working hard, remaining open, and recognizing the opportunity when it appears.
