Her Story
About Selene
Selene Zepeda is a new Private Banker at Arvest Bank in Kansas City, where she helps affluent clients navigate their financial goals through personalized guidance in banking, lending, mortgage solutions, and connections with wealth and investment partners.
With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Zepeda’s career journey is one of perseverance, growth, and continuous learning. She began her career as a receptionist at her hometown credit union and steadily advanced through roles including Loan Officer, Collections Specialist, and Mortgage Assistant. She later relocated across the state to join another financial institution, where she continued expanding her expertise through roles such as Personal Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Branch Manager, and ultimately Merchant Payments Market Manager.
Zepeda initially started studying nursing at Dodge City Community College but soon realized that path was not her calling. She later pursued an online Accounting certification through Universidad de Guadalajara, further strengthening her financial foundation. She also holds an NMLS mortgage license, has completed Latino Leadership programs through McKinsey Academy, and served as a bilingual Credit Smart Instructor through Freddie Mac.
Beyond her professional roles, Zepeda has been deeply committed to community and professional development. She is a former board member of the Kansas City chapter of Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS), former board member of Tenants to Homeowners, and most recently served as Vice President of U.S. Bank’s Nosotros Latino Business Resource Group.
Zepeda attributes her success to embracing challenges, stepping outside of her comfort zone, and continuously seeking opportunities to learn and grow. Throughout her career, she has built a strong personal brand centered on trust, relationships, and providing value—creating a loyal network of clients and partners who continue to support her throughout each chapter of her journey.
Her advice to young women entering the financial services industry is simple: “Never be afraid to learn beyond your essential job duties. The more you understand, the more value you can bring to others.”
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Selene
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. There have been many times where I've been challenged, especially when stepping into new roles, but pushing out of my comfort zone has been key. This has allowed me to build a loyal book of business that follows me from role to role.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Keep Learning, ask questions, dont be afraid to take risks!
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My biggest advice would be don't be afraid of learning. A lot of people get too comfortable just doing their essential job duties.
As a Latina, I come from a background where finacial topics aren’t commonly talked about at the table. I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of financial education can impact people’s decisions and opportunities. That’s what drives me, I want to help others feel informed, confident, and empowered when it comes to their financial decisions.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is earning and maintaining clients’ trust in an increasingly competitive market, where clients expect personalized service, seamless digital experiences, and expert guidance amid changing economic conditions.
I believe trust is earned through consistency, transparency, and following through on every commitment. Throughout my career, I’ve built a loyal network of clients and professional relationships that have followed me from role to role, and I believe that’s a reflection of the personalized service and genuine care I strive to provide every day.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and building genuine relationships based on honesty and respect.
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