The First Coast and its business community are shaped by a number of women whose leadership across law, real estate, transportation, nonprofits and other sectors have helped their organizations and the area grow.
This year, we are celebrating 20 of those leaders, spotlighting the work they have done to help build a better Jacksonville. These women were selected from an outstanding pool of nominees based on their professional success, community involvement and impact on the region. Read more about Jacksonville’s Women of Influence below:
Name: Monica Hernandez
Company: Bank of America/First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Title: Vice President of Global Markets Asset Services at Bank of America / President & CEO of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Career
What has been your biggest accomplishment over the course of your career? Achieving Vice President was a huge milestone for me, one that I had worked for many years, however, Learning to love myself, my whole self through the process of preparation and working towards my vice presidency was indeed my biggest accomplishment. Learning my strengths, weaknesses and partnering with others to compliment them have made a huge difference in my career journey. Additionally, the success I’ve had has also been due to the support that I’ve received from corporate leaders, board members and colleagues around me.
How do you show leadership through your job? Empowerment. Through my journey, I have quickly learned how important it is to empower those around me (employees, staff). The growth and change we’ve been able to accomplish both at the chamber and the bank within the team, really has been by listening and empowering people to share with me the good and the not so good. Allowing people to be themselves and recognize the value each of them bring to the organization which they belong. Additionally, able to listen and incorporate good ideas to my plan of action.
Community
How are you involved in the community outside of work (board memberships, volunteering, etc.)?
•. President of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber
• Board member at the University of North Florida Student Affairs council
• Hightower Fellowship board member- Jax Chamber
• Member of the Global Diversity and Inclusion committee- Bank of America
• D&I council member- Jacksonville Symphony
• Chair of Professional Development- HOLA Bank of America
• Truist Advisory committee member
What about the First Coast are you proudest of? The growth we continue to see and the diversity. Additionally, I greatly value the sense of community we have in Jacksonville.
What (if any) aspects of the First Coast would you like to see change or improve? Given my role with the First Coast Hispanic Chamber, I’d like to see more resources available for Hispanic business owners. While we continue to see progress, more is needed. Ultimately, continue to see growth of the small business community in NEFL.
Mentoring
How do you help the next generation of leaders? Through mentorship and partnerships, I’ve been able to help others grow within their fields and their personal journey. Participating in initiatives that drive change and allow me to continue to give back and meet others.
Thinking back on advice you have received, what had the most impact on you? The importance of protecting your brand and knowing the legacy you want to leave behind.
What advice would you give to people, particularly other women, entering your field? You’re not a lone in this journey. Love and trust the journey. Fully understand the value you bring to the company, business or non-profit that you belong to. Important to look for an ally and a mentor that will support and guide you through the journey.
Source: bizjournals.com
