Phoenix, AZ – Mary Arcilla’s journey to success is a testament to perseverance, self-belief, and the power of community. A graduate of BankWork$ in September 2023, she has been thriving as an Associate Banker at BMO Bank NA. She has even returned to the program, not as a student, but as an inspiring guest speaker at a BankWork$ Graduation at A New Leaf in Phoenix.

Mary’s path to success was far from easy. She faced relentless challenges as a mother of a 4-year-old and a newborn. “I was interviewing left and right, but I was unsuccessful in landing a job,” she recalls. The pressure of securing employment while balancing the demands of parenthood felt overwhelming, but Mary refused to give up. Determined to improve her chances, she enrolled in the BankWork$ program in the summer of 2023.

During her time in the program, Mary found the support and tools she needed to build her confidence and hone her skills. “The resume preparation, 30-second commercial, and interview question sessions helped me narrow down my answers and deliver them the best way possible,” she says. Through BankWork$, she learned how to present herself as a strong candidate and gained invaluable insights into the banking industry.

In September 2023, after completing the BankWork$ program, Mary secured a position at BMO Bank NA as an Associate Banker. Her first year at BMO has been transformational. The bank’s BMOre program provided additional support, helping her adjust to the banking environment and grow in her role. “At BMO, I feel supported knowing that my BankWork$ family and my colleagues are there for me,” Mary shares. “The BMOre program helped me adjust and get to know the bank more; that sense of belonging has been incredibly valuable.”

Today, over a year into her tenure at BMO, Mary has become a shining example of what’s possible with determination and the right guidance. Her success story has come full circle as she returned to A New Leaf in Phoenix as a guest speaker, sharing her experience with new graduates who, like her, are eager to break into the banking world. “Trust the process and know that the knowledge, training, and exposure that BankWork$ provides is beyond helpful. It is truly a blessing,” she told them.

Yazmin Franco Luna’s journey into the world of banking began with a strong determination to overcome challenges and grow. Yazmin embarked on a transformative path through the BankWork$ program, hosted by the local workforce board Employ Milwaukee. Initially grappling with self-doubt and anxiety about her ability to complete the program, Yazmin’s dedication and resilience soon turned her fears into triumphs.  

The BankWork$ program offered Yazmin an introduction to the banking sector by laying a solid foundation with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in finance. She learned the basics of banking, but more importantly, she acquired the ability to build meaningful relationships with her customers, a skill proved to be a cornerstone in her new role. 

The program’s emphasis on pushing beyond comfort zones and addressing personal weaknesses was both challenging and invigorating for Yazmin. Her instructor, Adriene Wright, encouraged her to confront her fears and helped Yazmin develop her confidence. This played a pivotal role in her growth. The experience was transformative, and by the end of the program, Yazmin felt more self-assured and well-prepared to embark on a new career in the finance industry. 

Empowered by her newfound confidence, Yazmin applied to several banks in preparation of the hiring event held at the end of the 8-week program. Yazmin was thrilled to share that she received job offers from every institution she approached. Each offer was a testament to her hard work and the skills she had honed throughout the program. Yazmin chose to begin her banking career at Johnson Financial Group, where she felt an immediate sense of welcome and support during her initial interview. The approachable and supportive environment at Johnson Financial Group made it an easy decision for her. 

Reflecting on her journey, Yazmin offers valuable advice to future participants of the BankWork$ program: “Take the program seriously and be prepared to commit. Your efforts will pay off, and by the end, you’ll find yourself much more confident and ready to start your new career.” 

Yazmin Franco Luna’s story is a powerful example of how determination, a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone, and the right support can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career. 

Yevhen Stanishevskyi’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and resilience. Forced to move his entire family from Kyiv, Ukraine, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2022 due to the impact of war, Yevhen faced a challenging transition to life in the United States. Armed with a master’s degree in banking and previous experience as a Branch Manager, he still struggled to find a position in banking. However, when he discovered BankWork$® at Employ Milwaukee, not only was he able to strengthen his skills in the U.S. banking industry, but also joined a community that became a lifeline, connecting him with dedicated supporters, staff, and fellow participants who provided unwavering support.  

“I was initially skeptical about BankWork$; I couldn’t believe that such a valuable opportunity was available for free. ‘I was so impressed with the diversity of the students in my class,’ Yevhen said. “My Instructor (Adrienne Wright) brought banking experience to her teaching role, and the other staff, (Jovo Potkonjak and Oscar Delgado), helped me find additional resources to help me succeed. My fellow participants in the classroom inspired me the most to graduate. They really helped me with my conversational English skills,” said Yevhen.  

Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country and language, Yevhen’s determination paid off. After graduating from BankWork$, he secured a new career as an Associate Banker at BMO.  

“There is still much more to do, but thanks to this program, I found a new job in a new country, in a language that is not my first. I can rely on myself more and can help others now. This program not only gave me the skills for my own success but also gave me a desire to pay it forward. I love using my knowledge of banking to help others; it’s an experience that’s unusual and gratifying,” said Yevhen.  

As he reflects on his journey, Yevhen expresses profound gratitude toward his team at Employ Milwaukee for their support, including mentorship from Jovo Potkonjak, former Sector Specialist at Employ Milwaukee (pictured above). Jovo retired in December 2023, and we are incredibly grateful for his impact on Yevhen and many of the program participants he’s inspired at Employ Milwaukee. Through BankWork$ and the guidance of dedicated leaders like Jovo, Yevhen has not only found his path but has also become a valuable contributor to his community.  

Learn more about BankWork$ at Employ Milwaukee.  

Patrick Burke’s career journey had been a winding path. Bouncing from job to job to make ends meet, he went from working at a pet fulfillment center to becoming a commercial driver and later a warehouse manager. In January 2023, he stumbled upon an online ad for the BankWork$ Fundamentals program. Although Patrick was intrigued by the idea of working at a bank, he was worried about who would be willing to train him at his age. However, after a personal phone call from instructor Tanya Bashor, he was convinced to take a chance on the program. 

With no prior knowledge of the financial services industry, Patrick was concerned about learning the ins and outs of banking. “Before this class, I had never owned a professional outfit, and I’m thankful this class taught me how to dress professionally and present myself in an interview,” said Patrick. “I was nervous but excited. I had to learn various banking terms and processes, which felt overwhelming at first. But I persevered, and slowly, things started making sense. Banking was a new world for me, but I was able to find connections to all of my previous experiences, especially in customer service.” 

Tanya Bashor, Patrick’s instructor, spoke highly of him, noting his remarkable determination throughout the application process. “Patrick was very communicative about his concerns, but he always approached it with a growth mindset. He knew that this change in his career could positively impact his earning capacity in the future and set him on a path to a new career,” said Tanya. 

After graduating from BankWork$ Fundamentals in June 2023, Patrick was hired by First Commonwealth Bank and began his new role as a Financial Solutions Specialist in July. He shared, “When I started handling transactions, I could recall lessons I learned from class. On days when I’m not busy, I always try to learn something new. There have been a couple of times when I’m sitting in the bank, looking out the window, where I wish I had found such an opportunity earlier in my career because I appreciate the stability and respect that come with this role. I’m a single dad with custody of my kids, and they’ve been able to witness my journey and feel proud of my accomplishments. They got to see me go through the program, and I’m so much happier knowing I made the right choice.” 

When asked for advice for someone in a similar situation, Patrick emphasized the importance of making a list of career options and realistically evaluating each one. He recommended the BankWork$ Fundamentals program as an excellent entry point into the banking industry, highlighting the potential for growth and job security. 

Learn more about BankWork$ Fundamentals.