GISELA MEJIA
VP, Business Development Officer, Banco Si! �
Gisela Mejia was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States at age 10. She arrived in Arkansas in September 1995. Gisela is married to Melvin Cruz, and they have five children.
Education: Rogers High School graduate
When did you know what you wanted to do? I always knew I wanted to work with people. I’m a people person. I love getting to know people, listen to their life stories and learn about other people’s culture and backgrounds. I started my career in banking at the age of 18 as a part-time teller. Within my first two weeks of training, I was offered a full-time teller position. I knew then that I wanted to stay in banking. I’ve been in banking for 21 years and have held different positions throughout my career.
Quality you admire most in women: I’ve always admired women who are compassionate, resilient and treat others with respect.
What organizations are you involved with and why? I’m currently the treasurer and a board member of the Beaver Lake Fire Department, paid/volunteer fire department. Four years ago, my youngest daughter and I were involved in a horrible accident. I remember how caring all the paramedics and firefighters were to us. I felt in my heart that volunteering my time to this organization was a way for me to give back to my community.
What do you do for fun? Any hobbies? I love to watch movies at home as a family on Saturdays. During the summer, we spend our weekends at the lake.
Biggest inspiration: My parents are my biggest inspiration. They worked hard to give my brothers and I a better life. They left their home country, family and friends in search of “the American Dream.” They sacrificed so much to give us the best they could.
Personal Mantra: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.” - Maya Angelou
Best advice you’ve ever received: To never let other people’s negativity affect me. In life you will always run into negative people that are always complaining about everything, and that can be soul destroying.
Thing you’re most proud of: My beautiful family. My kids are my world, and I’m very proud of them. They are all different in their own ways but have a heart of gold.
If you won the lottery, what cause or organization would you support? Hub of Hope NWA. I’m learning about this organization, and I’m working on getting involved as a volunteer soon. 38