Her Story
About Joana
Ylli Tahiraj is a Relationship Manager in Technology Banking at a global bank, where she has worked for approximately seven years after accumulating 11 to 12 years of total experience in the field. She started her career straight out of college as a credit analyst in a two-year training program at Silicon Valley Bank, which sparked her interest in technology banking. Tahiraj progressed to portfolio management and underwriting roles for about three years before moving into relationship management, drawn to the direct client interactions with CFOs, founders, and treasurers. In her current role, she serves as the primary point of contact for the finance teams of mid-market global tech companies, handling needs related to debt, treasury, and transaction banking while also organizing events to build community and networking opportunities among clients and investors. Tahiraj earned a Bachelor of Science in finance and mathematics from St. Mary's College in the Bay Area and pursues ongoing certificates in sales support, AI advancements, and Excel modeling. Looking ahead, she aims to expand into people management to mentor the next generation of associates while growing her client portfolio.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Joana
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Rely on connections and focus on the people first. The world is really small so the people you know and relationships you build are extremely important. Every job and deal introduction comes through networking and connections.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It is very male-dominated. Of 20 people there's 3 women total. It's hard to stick with it and keep growing as it's demanding. Biggest opportunity is access to rooms with big tech CFOs, founders and investors that I wouldn't otherwise get.
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