Hannah Lohry

I attribute my success to genuinely caring about people and being willing to grow through every stage of my career. Starting in the service industry taught me how important communication, relationships, and making people feel valued really are, and those skills carried with me into banking. I began as a part-time teller in 2018 and worked my way through multiple roles over the years, learning something valuable at each step along the way.

I also think a big part of my growth has come from staying adaptable, leading with empathy, and never being afraid to learn. My experiences through the Early College Alliance program at Eastern Michigan University and earning my Associate’s degree from Washtenaw Community College helped build a strong foundation, but a lot of my success has come from real-life experience, mentorship, and learning how to connect with people in meaningful ways.

The best career advice I’ve received is that leadership is less about a title and more about how you show up for people. Some of the most impactful leaders I’ve worked with were the ones who made others feel supported, capable, and valued, and that’s something I’ve tried to carry with me throughout my own career growth.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to never underestimate the value of relationships, consistency, and being willing to learn. Financial services can be an incredibly rewarding career, not just professionally, but personally too. You have the opportunity to truly help people through some of the biggest moments in their lives.

I also think it’s important to remember that you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. A lot of growth comes from experience, staying adaptable, and being open to opportunities that push you outside of your comfort zone. The way you treat people matters, and that will take you further than you realize.

One of the biggest opportunities in my field is the ability to make a real impact on both employees and members through relationship-building, mentorship, and financial guidance. At the same time, one of the biggest challenges is balancing the operational side of the industry with creating meaningful, personalized experiences for people in a fast-paced environment. I’m passionate about helping develop strong teams while also making sure members feel genuinely supported and valued.

In my work life, what matters most to me is creating an environment where people feel supported, encouraged, and capable of growing. I genuinely enjoy mentoring, building relationships, and helping both employees and members feel confident and cared for. I want people to feel like they matter, whether that’s someone on my team or a member walking through the door.

In my personal life, the most important thing to me is my family. A lot of our life has been shaped by health challenges, which has given me a deeper appreciation for resilience, advocacy, and making meaningful memories together. I value authenticity, connection, and finding joy in the little things, whether that’s time with my kids, community involvement, crafting, reading, or simply being around the people I love most.