Jennifer Sanchez

I attribute my success to a combination of great mentors and my own hard work. The mentors I had took me under their wing and shared their knowledge with me, helping me navigate my career path. They gave me different pathways and options, and provided a structured learning path on how to approach the industry. But while they definitely guided me and contributed to my success, I'm the one who put in all the hard work and made all the connections. I always thank my mentors and like to shout them out from time to time, because they definitely played a part in where I am today. This is also why I'm so passionate about giving back and mentoring others - I want to provide the same guidance that was given to me.

The best professional advice I ever received was from my mentor who told me that if I wanted to break into the AFC industry with no experience but with the skills, the best way to build those skills and gain knowledge was to 'run into the regulatory fire.' What she meant was that when different financial institutions are in hot water with the regulators, that's where I want to be. That's where I'm going to gain all the experience and collaborate with the best mentors, because those banks are hiring the best people. So where there's a fire, that's where you want to be. On a personal level, I was always told to get right back up when you get knocked down. I get knocked down, and I get up twice as quicker. That resilience has carried me through my entire career.

I think for every no is one step closer to your yes. While many women are trying to work their way up in corporate America or just trying to be seen in the industry, it is a challenge. But you need to keep pursuing those dreams and keep moving forward, connecting and setting yourself up where you're not being your own worst enemy to hold yourself back. I think that's really what happens - we observe the industry, we get intimidated, we start negative self-talk, and that is really what's chaining us down. But if we break free from that and keep pursuing the end goal, you will get there. For every no that I was disappointed in, it led me to the most perfect, lined-up yes that I couldn't have even imagined. Understanding that no is just a redirection has been key for me.

The biggest challenge in my industry right now is AI. AI is trying to take over a lot of jobs in the AFC community because the world is evolving with technology. Companies are looking to optimize specific job functions, which is where the layoffs come in, and there are fewer job opportunities and growth because some companies believe AI is the way to go. The good people are trying to utilize AI as a resource, while the criminals are using it as a tool. I hate to say this, but the criminals are doing a better job at abusing AI and conducting fraud and money laundering, which is where myself and other practitioners come in. We're the superheroes behind the scenes that you don't see - we're here protecting the financial system and protecting people's money. As for opportunities, the biggest opportunity in my field right now is learning. Knowledge is power, and that's something that can never be taken away, no matter what job I have. My job is to always continue learning in the industry.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are work-life balance, communication, accountability, and trust. These are really three key components you must carry in both sectors of your life. If I burn myself out at work, what am I teaching my children? That you need to seek approval and validation in order to be worth something? That's not the message I want to send. You need balance in both areas, and the same principles of communication, accountability, and trust apply whether you're leading a team at work or leading your family at home. Teams really start at home - your home is your foundation.