february Member Spotlight

Joena Bartolini Mitchell

What 3 pieces of advice would you give women in this industry?

Ask for what you want. No one can read your mind.

Be prepared for the next opportunity before it presents itself. It is too late to start preparing when the opportunity is imminent.

Establish your own “board of directors” made up of individuals you trust to provide honest and constructive feedback, even when it is hard to hear.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

My current role is the result of years of intentional preparation. I went to school at night for both my Masters and J.D. When I applied for law school, I knew that I likely never wanted to work as a practicing attorney. However, I saw a value in the skillset and the education that I thought would be a differentiator. Convincing others to see that value was a challenge. I had to advocate for myself and was told “no” often, but eventually I created a position for myself that nicely married the years I spent in sales and relationship management with my education. I feel very fortunate to have been the architect of my own career.

What has been your greatest professional challenge?

Allowing myself grace when I fail, or at least fail to meet my own expectations, is my greatest challenge. Anxiety frequently looks a lot like high achievement, but it’s not great to be around. I try to remember that and cut everyone some slack. And sometimes…I am successful…

SWIFS February Lunch and Learn

Kerry Finegan Zinn spoke on the topic of “Challenges With Financial Services and Cannabis” geared toward financial institutions who operate or wish to operate in the cannabis industry