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.