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Cindy Finch
Teller | What inspired you to pursue your current career and how did you get started?
I started working in a family-owned bank in Colby, KS about 35 years ago - out of necessity. I discovered I love working with numbers, reconciling accounts, and customer service. After a couple moves, raising our children, and then pursuing other opportunities, I went back to banking. I spent another nine years working for a bank in Lyndon, KS. When we moved to the Wichita area a few years ago, I sought another job in a financial institution. I joined Skyward in July of 2020. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’ve always said my greatest accomplishment has been raising my children. They inspire me every day to be the best I can be. I always chose to put them first, even before my career. How do you stay motivated and keep pushing forward when faced with setbacks?
My faith, family and friends are my strongest motivators. Not every day will be perfect, but I think there is always something in which to be grateful. Setbacks are hard lessons, but they are lessons, nonetheless. I try to learn from my mistakes and to use them to motivate me to work harder and do better. How do you define success?
Success can be measured in many ways. I have never defined it by monetary rewards. Success is taking pride in your work, bringing light into the world, and treating others as you want to be treated. What advice would you give to women starting their careers today?
=Know your worth. Don’t settle. Stick to your values.
=A four-year degree doesn’t guarantee a career.
=You can have a family and a fulfilling career.
=It is important to find a balance between work and home.
=Take advantage of any retirement/401k plan your employer may offer.
=You are stronger than you think
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Candace Hunt
Lending Specialist | What inspired you to pursue your current career and how did you get started?
I have been interested in the finance industry. I believe in helping people find relief when working with Skyward Credit Union. I got started two years ago looking at financial institutions. I have family that works at Textron that told me about Skyward. I have loved the environment and have continued to work towards personal growth. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Helping members along with being able to volunteer for the community. How do you stay motivated and keep pushing forward when faced with setbacks?
Showing grace not only towards our members but towards myself. How do you define success?
When a member leaves the branch thankful and satisfied with their experience with our Skyward family. What advice would you give to women starting their careers today?
Even if you start at the bottom, continue to work hard. Focus on your personal growth along with your career growth. Your work ethic will not go unnoticed!
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Brenna Agee
Teller | What inspired you to pursue your current career and how did you get started?
I wanted to pursue a career where I could grow as a person and improve my skills. I decided to apply for this job out on a whim and wasn’t expecting to get it. Turns out I was qualified for what they needed, and I’ve learned more and more ever since! What accomplishments are you most proud of?
It’s really hard to pick an accomplishment when no accomplishment is too small; I’m proud to be a mom and to come as far as I have in life! I’m blessed to have my family, a roof over my head, food on the table, and clothes on my back. How do you stay motivated and keep pushing forward when faced with setbacks?
Every day is a new day! Find new ways to meet your goals and ALWAYS celebrate even the smallest wins. Life is too short to stress on the things that won’t matter 10 years down the road. How do you define success?
Success is what you make it; Whether that might be the big promotion, buying your first house, or living to see another day even when it’s hard to. We as humans are such incredible beings and to be capable of even the smallest things, makes us unstoppable. What advice would you give to women starting their careers today?
Never EVER let someone tell you that you are not capable; you are capable of so many incredible things. Homemaker, Doctor, Grocery Clerk, Astronaut, Bank Teller, Teacher, whatever you decide is your choice and NO ONE can take that from you. You are strong, beautiful, and always capable; remember that.
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Daniela Watanabe
Teller
| What inspired you to pursue your current career and how did you get started?
I started working part-time at a bank after I graduated high school, and I instantly loved it. I recognized early on that a lot of people didn’t have a lot of financial literacy, and I knew that staying in the financial world would be really good for me in the future no matter what career I ended up choosing. It’s been 3 years since I worked that bank job and I haven’t left the field since. Working in the financial industry was not something I thought I would be doing, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I moved here in the US when I was 17. I had to leave my life where I was born and raised, and that really scared me back then. It’s been a wild ride ever since I got here, and I am proud to say that I love where I am right now and that is the biggest accomplishment I am proud of. I’ve been pursuing my studies, built my own little family, and friends I love. It’s all the little things in life that turns into the biggest accomplishment that you can be proud of. How do you stay motivated and keep pushing forward when faced with setbacks?
We all have our ups and downs. It’s okay to not to be happy all the time, and it’s okay to have off days. I always try to think about how fortunate I really am when faced with problems. I try not to rush into making decisions when I have a problem. I let it “marinate” for a little bit and not be hasty, so I don’t do something I’ll regret. How do you define success?
Success for me would be the feeling of fulfillment. If I think that I did a good job on something I really cared about I would count that as a successful achievement. It’s something that is something we can’t see, but something we feel. What advice would you give to women starting their careers today?
Shoot your shot. Don’t be afraid of rejection. Not everything is going to work out and that’s okay. Don’t compare yourself to others and focus on yourself. Take things on your own pace and don’t let other people dictate what you can and can’t do.
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Colby Davis
Loan Administrator | What inspired you to pursue your current career and how did you get started?
After several years working for a private business owner, I decided that it was more beneficial for my future to change to a company that provided long term benefits such as 401K, Short-Term & Long-Term Insurance and opportunities for growth and advancement.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Alongside my husband of almost 25 years, I have successfully raised two amazing children who are both on the path to being outstanding members of society. My son is working towards becoming a Foreman at the construction company he works for, and my daughter is just about to graduate from Cowley County Community College with her associate’s degree and then will transfer on to WSU in the Fall. She is studying to be a psychologist and wants to help people with all sorts of mental disorders.
How do you stay motivated and keep pushing forward when faced with setbacks?
I know that every large task will eventually reach full completion. Knowing and reminding myself of that keeps me motivated and focused to accomplish the small tasks one by one until the job is complete.
How do you define success?
I define success as being able to leave the workday feeling accomplished and still having a positive attitude that I can take home to my family. I feel like no matter how the day goes, when you try to keep a positive outlook on things and treat everyone with dignity and respect, you can walk with your head held high. Accomplishing goals and seeing the fruits of your labor is also very rewarding.
What advice would you give to women starting their careers today?
Never be scared to try new things. You are very capable and can even surprise yourself when you step out of your comfort zones. Leading yourself with confidence and integrity shows others that you are a great asset and can be trusted with all sorts of tasks and possibly even advancements within the company. You Got This!
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Sarah Zarich
Branch Supervisor | What inspired you to pursue your current career and how did you get started?
I’ve always been passionate about helping others, and my inspiration to pursue this career began shortly after finishing a physical therapy internship – and realizing that was not the career for me. I had the opportunity to start fresh at Skyward, and it confirmed that this is where I wanted to make my impact. I started by becoming a teller, and from there, I’ve been committed to learning and growing within the field. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
One accomplishment I’m particularly proud of was when I was offered my current supervisor role. It showed me that perseverance and striving for continuous growth can lead to success. How do you stay motivated and keep pushing forward when faced with setbacks?
When faced with setbacks, I try to focus on the bigger picture and break down the challenge into smaller, manageable tasks. For me, maintaining a positive attitude is key. I remind myself why I’m passionate about my work and look for learning opportunities in every setback. I also lean on my colleagues for support and insights, which often leads to new perspectives and solutions. How do you define success?
To me, success is not just about achieving goals, but about continuous growth, learning, and making a meaningful impact. It’s about creating value—whether that’s through solving problems, contributing to a team, or helping others grow in their careers. While I appreciate hitting targets or milestones, the real success for me lies in staying true to my values, constantly challenging myself to improve, and building strong, supportive relationships in my career. What advice would you give to women starting their careers today?
My advice to women starting their careers today would be to always advocate for themselves and take ownership of their career path. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentorship, and go after opportunities—even if they feel intimidating at first. Building a supportive network is key, and remember that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end of it. Stay curious, resilient, and confident in your ability to bring value in every room you are in. |
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Victoria Floyd
Loan Operations Manager | What inspired you to pursue your current career and how did you get started?
For a while now, I’ve wanted to be able to climb my way up the ladder. I started as a teller, a teller supervisor, and then joined the auto/lending team at Credit Union of America. I offered to help other departments such as Account Solutions, the mortgage department, and the audit department. I was always willing to help where it was needed and gain more understanding. From there I went to a different institution as the Training Specialist, but deep down I missed the lending side of things. I took a chance applying with this job as the Loan Operations Manager and was lucky enough to get it! What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m proud my personal growth through overcoming lots of difficult periods in my life. I’ve had ups and downs, but that never stopped me from offering to help others and providing support to others even when I don’t feel like it. I know that it is worth it at the end of the day. How do you stay motivated and keep pushing forward when faced with setbacks?
I try to reframe my mindset and figure out a way to move forward. If you choose to focus on the setback, you will not see a light at the end of the tunnel and overcome the situation. Another thing I do is talk to people who provide me with wisdom and encouragement. How do you define success?
Success is the relentless pursuit of your goals, driven by a clear vision of what you want to achieve in life. For me, success has always been centered around helping others and making a meaningful impact. It’s about setting personal goals, staying committed to them, and refusing to make excuses along the way. True success lies in the journey of fulfilling your purpose and improving the lives of those around you. What advice would you give to women starting their careers today?
Try to connect with people in the same field as you, seek mentorship, stay confident, and know your worth. There will be waves of ups and downs, but don’t forget to set boundaries when you see fit. Never be afraid to say no when you know it’s not the right opportunity for you. The key is to find balance and keep moving forward with purpose, knowing that every step, no matter how small, is progress toward your goals. |
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