“In the winters of your life, get wiser, get stronger, get better.” - Jim Rohn
Selflessness and perseverance are the hallmarks of Rasheeda’s personal and professional life:
Professionally, Rasheeda started her career in banking in the late 1980s and in that time has learned that listening and paying attention to the needs of each individual is the only real way to build relationships.
This philosophy was put into practice when, in 2011, she protested the overselling of products and services to customers who neither wanted nor needed them. She decided to email the CEO when she realized that those questionable practices were not only being allowed but also encouraged by upper management -- a decision that would eventually end up with her being fired from that company. (Rasheeda’s story was featured in the Financial Times, and referenced on Capital Hill as proof that there was wrongdoing happening at that company as early as 2011).
On top of that, while everything was unraveling at the bank -- and after 20 years of marriage -- she was also faced with a bitter divorce. However, instead of giving up or giving in, she channeled her energy into completing an MBA, facing each new day with a smile and by making the decision to grow stronger in that winter of her life.
Rasheeda’s selfless actions at work contributed in a small way to changes at the bank and to the broader banking industry that would make working conditions better for the employees and more transparent for customers. Her perseverance at home created a stable environment in which she raised her son and set an example as to how one might approach difficult situations.
Rasheeda is currently serving as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager for First Commerce Bank in Englewood where she continues to put the needs of customers first. She resides in Englewood and has recently adopted two cats Bruno, a Bombay cat, and Max the Gentle Maine Coon. She has one son and a beautiful daughter-in-law.
