Desiree Valentine
Desiree Valentine is a dedicated Customer Service Supervisor at Alliant Credit Union in Chicago, Illinois, where she leads teams to deliver exceptional member experiences while driving process improvements and operational efficiency. With over six years of experience in customer service, Desiree has developed expertise in team leadership, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration, consistently ensuring that customers receive timely, effective, and personalized support. She approaches customer service as an extension of her personal values, emphasizing problem-solving, reliability, and a strong work ethic in every interaction. Prior to joining Alliant Credit Union, Desiree built a robust career in finance and customer service. She began her professional journey at PLS Financial Services managing loan portfolios, then moved into call-center leadership roles with Teleperformance and Discover Financial Services, where she led a team of 18 representatives to achieve a 95% customer satisfaction rate and implemented process improvements that reduced handling times by 30%. Her leadership style focuses on empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the overall customer experience through innovative solutions and operational excellence. Desiree holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona and an She has also earned project management certification from Cornell University. Beyond her professional endeavors, she actively mentors young mothers through Family Focus and volunteers in community initiatives, including fundraising events for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and digital inclusion programs. Recognized for her exceptional work ethic and leadership, Desiree continues to drive customer-centric excellence while supporting and developing the teams she leads.
• University of Arizona - BBA
• Most Hardworking Supervisor
• Family Focus
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to discipline, resilience, and intentional growth. I don’t wait for perfect conditions, I move forward even when circumstances are difficult, unclear, or uncomfortable. I’ve learned how to turn pressure into purpose, setbacks into strategy, and criticism into fuel. I’m deeply self-aware, willing to do the internal work, and honest about my blind spots, which allows me to grow instead of stagnate. I also invest in people and community, understanding that long-term success isn’t built alone but through consistency, accountability, and alignment with values bigger than myself. Above all, I trust my ability to adapt, lead, and execute no matter the environment.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to view customer service as an authentic extension of who you are, not just a role you perform. I don’t see customer service as a stepping-stool to leadership; I see it as a way of life and a space where character is built. This work reveals who you are under pressure your patience, resilience, empathy, and ability to lead yourself before leading others. If you are people-driven, emotionally aware, and committed to doing the right thing even when it’s hard, customer service will sharpen those qualities daily. It teaches accountability, humility, and strength, and it challenges you to grow in how you listen, respond, and show up. When approached with purpose, customer service doesn’t just shape careers it shapes character.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Purpose is my number one value it’s the lens through which I make decisions in both my work and personal life. I need to understand the why behind what I’m doing and how it creates meaningful impact. Following closely are integrity, accountability, and respect. I value honesty and transparency, even when it’s uncomfortable, and I believe accountability is essential for trust, growth, and strong leadership. Respect through clear communication, healthy boundaries, and mutual effort grounds my relationships and professional interactions. Together, these values keep me aligned, disciplined, and intentional in everything I do.
Locations
Alliant Credit Union
11545 Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL 60666