Influential Woman · Financial Industry

Loretta Yeboah

Financial customer representative, Fidelity Investments

Durham, NC

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree College Degree from Ghana Degree Health Services Management Degree Degree Master's Degree Cert Cybersecurity Certifications

Her Story

About Loretta

I came to the United States from Ghana with a college degree and started working as a housekeeper at an international home in Virginia. Despite family pressure to pursue other careers, I chose to learn the country gradually and understand the systems here. I earned a degree in health services management while working as a housekeeper in a nursing home for three years, which helped me understand the U.S. healthcare system. When the cost of living increased and I wanted independence from family pressure, I moved to North Carolina and transitioned into the financial industry. This year marks nearly four years in finance, where I work with retirement accounts and speak with 30 to 50 customers daily. I've also earned a master's degree and obtained certifications in cybersecurity, as I'm working toward transitioning into that field. Throughout my journey, I've learned to follow my own path and do what I love, rather than letting others dictate my career choices.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Loretta

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to following my own path and not listening to what others tell me I should do. When I came to the States from Ghana, family members pressured me to immediately pursue nursing or office work because I had a degree, but I knew I needed to learn the country, the laws, and the rules first. I started as a housekeeper and worked my way up gradually, earning additional degrees along the way. I'm really proud of myself for doing it my own way. I've learned that you should follow your heart and know that you can do it, rather than doing something that might lead you into trouble or make you look back with regret. Do something you love, because we only live once, and you want to leave an impact on somebody.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Don't listen to people, just follow your heart, follow your path, and know that you can do it. People will tell you what to do, but you know what you can do best. You don't want to do something that you will look back over the years and regret not doing, or do something you're not good at that can land you in trouble. Do something that you feel like, should you leave this world, you still left an impact on somebody. You did what you love, because we only live once. Be patient with everybody, because you never know where somebody's coming from. And maintain humility and respect, regardless of your status or position, because you started from somewhere before you got to where you are now.

03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me are patience, humility, and respect. I believe that regardless of your status at work and your position, you should be humble, because you started from somewhere before you got to where you are now. Don't act like you know it all, because you don't. When you see people beneath you or below you, don't try to make them feel small, like they don't know what they're doing, because you didn't know what you were doing before you got to where you are now. Be patient with everybody, because you never know where somebody's coming from. And you never know the true people, the good ones, until you really get to know people. I will give you your respect, but I feel like you should also give somebody their respect too. When I see that you're somebody who is not that humble, I don't want to befriend you.

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