Her Story
About Esmira
Esmira Sukanen began her career in commercial banking in 2020 after graduating from the University of Minnesota Morris campus with a degree in Economics and Management. As the first international student to serve as commencement speaker at her university, she credits her success to her background as an immigrant from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where English is her second language and she worked multiple jobs to support her education. In her current role, Esmira focuses on credit analysis for commercial customers, equipment finance underwriting, and inventory finance underwriting, reviewing financial statements and ensuring compliance while progressing quickly from a smaller local bank to a corporate bank in Atlanta, Georgia. She values strong relationships with her direct manager and work-life balance, and advises young women entering the industry to ask questions, learn continuously, and take on challenging deals to demonstrate resourcefulness and drive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Esmira
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say me being an immigrant, I came here for college when I was young, and English is my second language. So I always had to do a little bit more work to just even comprehend. My parents were not able to financially fully support the college expenses, so I had to work multiple jobs through college. So you learn how to endure a lot. As an immigrant, you learn flexibility.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I was leaving my first job, the CEO said the best advice is don't jump around, the grass always seems greener. I never feel like I have to move to make more money. I value the relationship aspect, work-life balance, and am aware if I am being valued and compensated adequately.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Entering my industry, I would say asking questions and trying to learn as much as you can. I never avoided a harder deal. I would still pick it up and say okay this is what I have in front of me, how do I get it to the finish line? You learn how to become resourceful. People recognize the drive, the curiosity, the willingness to take on bigger responsibility.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say more so being able to be a mother, have a child, and trying to balance that with work. I have flexibility with work but they require for me to be 4 days in the office and they track hours, so that has been difficult to balance with having a child and trying to be present with my child as well.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I'm big on the connection and the relationship I have with my direct manager. If I know that my manager has my back and is looking out for both my personal and career interests, that is very important for me. I've been very blessed to have awesome managers throughout my entire career so far. That gives the opportunity to have candid conversations and seek feedback.
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