Her Story
About Hermela
Hermela Legese is a dedicated banking and healthcare sales professional with a strong background in client relationship management and operations. Born and raised in Ethiopia, she moved to the United States alone at a young age, where she began building her career in banking while paying for her own education. She advanced into leadership, becoming a top performer in her region by consistently exceeding sales goals and earning a promotion to supervisor in just six months. She received her associate degree in biology and later changed her major to pursue a bachelor's degree in business. Currently working two jobs, she serves as a healthcare executive for a growing medical company to gain additional experience while transitioning into medical device sales, combining her biology background with her passion for helping people through relationship-based sales. An honors student, she remains committed to staying humble, treating all clients equally, and creating opportunities for other women in healthcare leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Hermela
01What do you attribute your success to?
My drive comes from genuinely wanting to help people and seeing them happy. At the bank, I exceed in sales not by targeting numbers but by putting myself in clients' shoes, especially elderly clients who need help with technology. I take time to teach them and stay humble, treating everyone equally regardless of their worth. This approach makes me want to work harder.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never disqualify yourself before someone else does. Ask questions, build genuine relationships, remain teachable, and continue showing up. As a woman who moved here from Ethiopia alone at a young age, I learned that everything is possible if you put in the work and have faith.
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