Her Story
About Stacie
I work in financial crime investigations, where I review alerts submitted by various lines of business to ensure every referral is thoroughly investigated and that risks are appropriately mitigated or escalated. My responsibilities include conducting OFAC checks.
I also assist with updating and creating procedures, developing investigative tools, drafting and filing SARs, and escalating cases that may require “do not do business” or “do not market” decisions. Furthermore, I assist in protecting the integrity of our financial system by identifying suspicious activity and ensuring regulatory compliance measures are properly followed.
What I find most rewarding about my work is protecting people within the financial system and helping prevent crimes such as human trafficking and elder financial exploitation. Elder exploitation is especially important to me because it occurs far too often, and many people do not fully recognize the severity of its impact. I take pride in identifying these situations quickly, bringing immediate attention to them, and helping ensure vulnerable individuals receive the protection they need.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stacie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I was raised around many strong women, including nuns and other influential women in my life. Watching what my mother went through inspired me to strive for something greater, because I know she wanted better for me. The women placed in my life continuously encouraged and supported me, and I never wanted their guidance and sacrifices to be in vain. That has been a major source of my drive and motivation.
One lesson that has stayed with me since high school is that consistency and persistence lead to success. I do not allow closed doors or setbacks to completely discourage me from pursuing my goals. Instead, I continue pushing forward and climbing each ladder placed before me. My journey has not been easy, but it has been worth it. I am deeply passionate about creating a better future for myself, and I refuse to quit simply because obstacles exist. I will continue moving forward no matter the barriers I face.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to never assume you know everything and to always be willing to listen. There is wisdom in listening, learning, and remaining open to the knowledge and experiences of others. Never hesitate to ask questions, raise your hand when you need clarification, and take every opportunity to learn.
Do not be afraid to volunteer, step outside of your comfort zone, or speak up when something does not seem right. In this field, it is our responsibility to identify and report concerns, and having the courage to do so is important.
It is also essential to accept constructive criticism and feedback with professionalism and maturity. Growth comes from being teachable and willing to improve. Your ideas may begin as your own, but once you share them, you never know where they may lead. Speaking up and contributing can create opportunities for greater responsibility, increased exposure, new projects, and valuable experiences that will continue to build your knowledge and shape your career path.
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