Wendy Bojorquez
My career journey has been built through resilience, adaptability, and a passion for helping others grow. Before joining Arizona Financial Credit Union, I spent 7 years in healthcare working as a patient sitter and patient transporter, where I learned compassion, patience, and how to support people during difficult moments. From there, I transitioned into the financial industry, gaining experience in underwriting before continuing to grow within banking and eventually finding my home at Arizona Financial Credit Union, where I have now been for about 4 years.
Over the last year, I stepped into my role as a Learning and Development Specialist, a position that has challenged me in ways that have strengthened both my confidence and leadership skills. My team and I manage the onboarding experience for new hires across the organization. We prepare training materials, support onboarding processes, and help ensure every new employee feels prepared and supported from day one.
What makes this role especially meaningful to me is the opportunity to support Training Mentors throughout the credit union in their development and growth. I help provide guidance, resources, encouragement, and support to help them become more confident in training and developing others.
In addition to my professional responsibilities, I am actively involved in WOW (Women in the Workplace), an employee engagement group focused on empowering women within the organization. Through this group, I help support initiatives that encourage connection, personal and professional growth, leadership development, and creating a supportive environment where women feel seen, heard, and empowered. Being part of WOW has allowed me to continue growing my leadership, communication, and community-building skills while building meaningful relationships across the organization.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced throughout my career has been learning to believe in my own voice and leadership, especially stepping into spaces where I did not always see myself as a leader. Transitioning industries, taking on new responsibilities, and supporting others in their development pushed me outside of my comfort zone many times. There were moments of self-doubt, moments where I questioned whether I was experienced enough, confident enough, or capable enough. But through growth, mentorship, and continuous learning, I realized leadership is not always about having a title — it is about the impact you make on others.
The most fulfilling part of my career is seeing others succeed, grow in confidence, and realize their own potential. Knowing that I can play even a small role in helping someone believe in themselves and thrive professionally is what continues to inspire me every day.
• Young and Empowered Women Cohort 12
• Group chat facilitator for 22 women in Young and Empowered Women community
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give other women is this: if you can be willing to help others with no recognition, no title, and no spotlight attached to it, then you are already becoming the kind of woman and leader you are meant to be. Being able to genuinely support, uplift, and pour into others from the heart says so much about your purpose.
At the same time, never forget about yourself. That’s something I had to learn personally. For a long time, I poured so much into everyone else that I forgot to fuel my own tank. Once I started giving myself the same care and attention I gave to others, everything began to feel different — I started feeling better, growing more, and truly enjoying life again.
I also believe self-compassion is something many women struggle with. We are often so hard on ourselves. In my culture especially, there’s this expectation that women have to carry everything — the kitchen, the laundry, the responsibilities, all while continuing to show up for everyone else. But sometimes we need to slow down, ask for help, and give ourselves grace without feeling guilty for it.
And most importantly, we have to practice self-love. We deserve the same kindness, patience, and compassion that we so freely give to everyone else.
Locations
Arizona Financial Credit Union
Phoenix, AZ