Hilary Zorrilla
Hilary Zorrilla Mateo is a dedicated finance professional and U.S. Navy veteran who currently serves as a Senior Financial Services Representative at Langley Federal Credit Union. Her career began in Puerto Rico as a bank teller, where she gained foundational experience in customer service and financial operations. Seeking greater challenges, she joined the U.S. Navy as a logistics specialist, earning two Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals for her excellence in operational management and process improvement in highly regulated environments. These experiences instilled in her a deep sense of discipline, leadership, and the ability to connect operational details to broader financial outcomes.
After her military service, Hilary returned to banking, bringing with her a strong understanding of both financial systems and client relations. At Langley Federal Credit Union, she works directly with clients to help them organize and optimize their finances, often describing herself as a “financial doctor” dedicated to improving the financial well-being of those she serves. Within nine months, her performance and leadership capabilities earned her a promotion to a senior role, reflecting her ability to lead, influence, and empower her colleagues while delivering exceptional client support.
Hilary is also committed to her professional growth, currently pursuing a Master’s in Finance while leveraging her experience to educate and support clients. Her approach combines analytical skills with empathy, emphasizing empowerment through knowledge. She is particularly passionate about helping clients — especially women — gain confidence in their financial decisions, believing that the greatest influence comes from continually improving oneself while helping others achieve their goals.
• Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM)- M.B.A.
• University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon- B.B.A.
• ENACTUS
• Interest in supporting children with autism and disabilities
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong mentors I've had throughout my journey, particularly two women who made a significant impact on me. While in the military, one of my chiefs, Chief Depongxa (we used to call her T because her name is difficult to pronounce), helped me a lot in becoming the person I am today when it comes to leadership. Another person that stands out is my previous manager here at Langley, Jasmine Faison. She also helped with my growth and my development within Langley, and she's currently still my mentor as of today. I'm very lucky to have built one of those lasting relationships. My experience in the Navy taught me the importance of responsibility, structure, and leadership early on, and it's an experience that helped me challenge myself even after leaving the military. I also believe that influence comes from constantly improving yourself and helping others do the same, which is why I continue investing in my education and personal development. My Bachelor's in Accounting helped me become very detail-oriented, and I'm currently doing my Master's in Finance, which has helped me adapt and make decisions based on facts and not just how it may look like.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to stop waiting until they feel ready. Confidence usually comes after you take action, not before. A lot of talented and capable women hold themselves back because they feel like they need one more degree or one more certification or more approval before stepping forward. I've learned that growth happens when you're willing to step into rooms where you're still learning. Every experience, whether it's education, personal life, or the career, it builds resilience and perspective. So I would just tell them to make the move and don't wait to be ready, because you're never going to be ready for anything.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A key opportunity in finance today is expanding access to accurate financial information and guidance, which can profoundly impact clients’ life outcomes. The challenge lies in reaching those who currently lack access to these essential resources.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are continuous growth, empowerment, and helping others. I believe that influence comes from constantly improving yourself and helping others do the same. My goal is to use my experience, knowledge, and my platform as a financial representative to empower people, especially women, to take control of their financial future and build confidence in their career. Working directly with clients made me realize that access to the right information and guidance can completely change someone's path, and that's what really motivated me to keep growing in finance and business. I also believe strongly in women supporting each other. The more people you know, the more people you can share your knowledge with, the more people you can help. Especially when it comes to women, we have to stick together, we have to have each other's back. My recent promotion to senior level after only 9 months at the company confirmed that I'm doing a good job of being a good leader and influencing people, which is incredibly important to me. I learned the importance of responsibility, structure, and leadership early on in the Navy, and those values continue to guide me today.