Women’s History Month with Jazmin Otero: AVP – Retail Banking at Amplify CU

March is Women’s History Month, and we are celebrating by showcasing some of our amazing team members! We asked women across our organization to reflect on their careers, accomplishments, and what Women’s History month means to them. We’re highlighting their answers on our blog and social media channels throughout the month of March.

Jazmin Otero started as a bank teller with Amplify in 2008, rising through the years to become AVP of Retail Banking. She is an experienced leader, with extensive experience in coaching individuals, building teams, and managing retail operations. She has embraced many different roles over the last twelve years with Amplify, gaining extensive experience in sales, banking, customer service, and contact center operations. Jazmin’s passion for learning, her adaptability, and her team-centered approach are just some of the reasons why she is an invaluable part of Amplify.

Why did you choose your profession?

Honestly, out of necessity. I was looking for a stable job that offered opportunity for growth and I just happened to find it in the financial industry.

What do you love most about what you do?

Having an impact! I love collaborating with my team and other areas within the Credit Union to find solutions to issues or process improvements.

What made you choose Amplify Credit Union?

Although changing jobs is never an easy thing to do, a couple of my co-workers made the switch to Amplify CU back in 2008, and when they could not stop talking about how great the company was and how much they loved their job, I just knew this was a company I wanted to work for! They were right, I immediately fell in love with the culture and everything the organization stands for!

Tell us about a professional success here at Amplify that you’re proud of.

In 2018 I was asked to oversee our Contact Center department in preparation for our core system conversion. I went into this new assignment with absolutely no Contact Center experience, and although I was a little bit nervous, I was also very excited for the opportunity! The changes we made to the department, and the teammates we brought on board in preparation for this major event, helped me successfully lead our Contact Center team through the much-anticipated core system conversion in early 2019.

“Change is inevitable, so we can fight it or we can embrace it.”

What do you think is the key for success in a role like yours?

Being able to quickly adapt to change! Change is inevitable, so we can fight it or we can embrace it! I have definitely found that embracing it makes the job much easier!

Tell us about a woman you look up to and why.

That would be my mother! Like many others before him, the year I was born my father came to the US looking for better opportunities, I am the 6th of 7 kids. I can’t even imagine how tough it must have been for her having to handle all of the responsibilities that come with being a mother, a father, the main provider of such a large family, etc. However, despite all of the added responsibilities that fell in her lap, I don’t ever remember going to school/bed on an empty stomach or not having a clean uniform/clothes to wear. Although my mother didn’t have much of an education, having only attended a couple of years of elementary school, she taught herself how to read & write and tried to better herself to continue to provide for her family! She also made us very self-reliant from a young age and taught us how to work as a team to keep the household running smoothly, she definitely learned to utilize her resources. She is the strongest woman I know, and I owe a lot of my professional success to the work ethic and lessons she taught us from a young age.

“It’s okay to not have all of the answers!”

What do you wish you could tell your younger self?

It’s okay to not have all of the answers! As I’ve grown older and moved into different roles, I’ve realized that sometimes being the “rookie” can have its advantages. Some of those include: providing a fresh point of view, asking questions that have not been asked in long time and/or not being afraid to try new things, because technically everything is new when you’re a rookie.

Any advice to young women who want to succeed in your field, industry, or just in general?

Remember that you’re in charge of your own success, so believe in yourself and don’t give up! When you fall (believe me it will happen) pick yourself up, learn from the experience, and come back stronger for round two!

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

It’s okay to ask for help! I used to view this as a weakness, but now I know that it takes a lot skill and vulnerability to 1) Identify when help is needed and 2) Not be afraid to ask for it.

How are you breaking barriers faced by women in your field?

I don’t like to limit myself or others! I am lucky to have an amazing and very capable group of women reporting to me, so as often as possible, I try to make them feel empowered, I recognize their efforts, and celebrate their accomplishments.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Although it is a time to celebrate the many accomplishments we as a society have made to remove obstacles that women have faced throughout history, it is also a time to remember that we are not finished and we still have a lot of work to do in this area!

Supporting Our Team

Whether you’re starting your career or an established professional, we all have something valuable to learn from every woman at Amplify. As Jazmin said, we are not finished removing obstacles for women, and we have work to do! Join us over the next few weeks as we continue to learn, listen, share, and support these amazing women.