Her Story
About Sheena
Sheena Leon serves as Senior Equipment Finance Specialist III at First Citizens Bank in Jacksonville, Florida. With over 10 years of experience in the field, she began her banking career in consumer banking roles before transitioning to equipment finance, where she has remained since joining First Citizens Bank. In her current position, Sheena develops daily strategies for her department, supports subject matter experts, manages portal tickets from intake to resolution, assists with customer communications and escalations, and partners with leadership to enhance the portal customer experience. She is currently choosing to participate in the 2026 Executive Council Group, where she contributes to improving business practices, customer experiences, and internal morale. She attributes her success to the strong foundation her parents provided, empowering her to excel both personally and professionally.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sheena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance I received from my parents. My father taught me to stand my ground and not be intimidated in male-dominated spaces, while my mother taught me that asking questions is a strength, not a weakness.
Those lessons have helped me build confidence, stay curious, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Being part of the solution and not the problem has always been a core value for me. The world is full of questions, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. By focusing on solving problems rather than adding to them, we can make a positive impact on those around us. It's a philosophy I carry with me in my work and in every aspect of my life.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to any young woman entering this industry is simple: dont let anyone tell you what you can't do. Believe in your abilities, stay confident, and remember that you have the power to write your own story and define your own success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in equipment finance is the vast amount of knowledge the industry requires. Working in customer service, you need to understand a little bit of everything, from products and processes to customer needs and market dynamics.
However, that challenge also presents a tremendous opportunity. The knowledge you gain allows you to grow professionally, become a trusted resource, and better support both customers and colleagues.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Staying true to yourself and never stop learning are two values that guide everything | do. Being authentic allows you to lead with confidence and integrity, and embracing lifelong learning ensures you're always growing, improving, and open to new opportunities.
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