Yolande Matthew ’05 came to the United States as a teenager with mixed emotions—excited for the opportunity but wistful for her home in Grenada. She ultimately made her way to Brooklyn College, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance, leading to a successful career in banking. For more than 19 years, she has concentrated on financial inclusion, with a passion to help people from all backgrounds access services and build wealth and financial confidence.

Here, she talks about finding her purpose, why she gives back to her alma mater, and her advice for today’s students.

Tell us about your background.

There is no me without Grenada; I was born and raised on that little island in the Caribbean. While growing up there, my values were shaped to make me who I am today. Family and community were a key part of my upbringing, and this aligns with my career choice.

In 1998, at 16, I moved to the United States. For the first few months, I was excited and terribly sad at the same time. I missed my home country and wasn’t sure about my future or purpose. What was I going to do with opportunities that came my way? How would I acclimate to the culture? They were some of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced—and although I was still a child, I grew up really fast.

I knew that to make it in America, I had to lean into my purpose and rely on the community. I made it a priority to help my family in Grenada and future generations to come. Opportunities meant finishing high school and going to college.

Why did you choose Brooklyn College?

Brooklyn College was not my first college experience; I began at Baruch College (CUNY). I was excited to be there and wanted to study business, but I struggled with the new environment and was advised to start with a community college. So, I transferred to Kingsborough Community College (CUNY); it was a wonderful experience!

Along with the education, there was a beach next to [Kingsborough] that reminded me of Grenada—it turned out to be an excellent foundation for my college years. My ultimate goal was to earn a bachelor’s degree at a school where other Caribbean students and a good mix of different cultures could come together in a diverse environment. I knew that would help me grow and evolve. Brooklyn College had all of that! It’s one of my favorite memories, and a great experience in the U.S.

What made you decide to pursue banking as a career?

I went into banking because I wanted to help others, especially those in my community, with financial education. During my senior year, I went to the Magner Center for career advice and a résumé review. I thought my résumé was pretty good until Natalia [Guarin-Klein] looked at it! She saw me right away.

Around the same time, Citibank came to campus to recruit students for a management associate program. I was headed home, passing students in suits on campus. I asked them where they were going, and they said that Citibank was there to recruit. I was dressed casually but decided to check it out. I sat in the back and watched as the Citibank executive was introduced. I applauded loudly—I was so excited—and he noticed. He said, “That looks like somebody who will get the job.”

The next day, I told Natalia I wanted to interview for the program. The company only hired one student each year. And I knew this was the right fit for me; I would learn and grow and build my career. After four rounds of interviews with Citibank, with Natalia coaching me along the way, I got the call from the program manager—I was the one student selected from Brooklyn College.

You stayed with Citibank after completing the program.

After graduation, I began the two-year Management Associate program at Citibank and then became a bank manager in a predominantly Caribbean community in Brooklyn. That branch was underperforming, but I was able to boost its success through community engagement and building a high-performing team. I felt like I was giving back to the community and helping the company.

Based on my success, my manager challenged me to take a role leading Citibank’s headquarters branch. After six years of leading teams and driving success, I was chosen to lead the Citibank client experience engagement program supporting the branches.

You currently work at Truist. Is your current job role similar?

I’m a financial inclusion executive at Truist, and a lot of my work draws from my previous experiences. We help clients in our communities build financial confidence regardless of where they are on their journey. Just like I needed Natalia to coach me during college, I believe everyone needs a financial coach for advice and guidance to live a life of financial wellness.

Every day, I get excited that my team and I have the opportunity, through community outreach, to engage with small businesses, colleges, employers, and employees to share banking solutions, deliver financial education, and connect clients with bankers focused on their success. We also work with great partners like Operation HOPE, which helps provide one-on-one coaching as an extension of our work.

Your own philanthropy extends to your alma mater.

I donate to Brooklyn College because I am where I am because of Brooklyn College, specifically the Magner Center. The center played such a pivotal role in my life.

When I think about college students and the opportunity to invest and give back, I remember where I came from and how it started. Low income does not mean low potential. And if I could give even just one dollar, it makes a difference.

I live in North Carolina, so I can’t come to the campus as much as I’d like to, but I can help financially. That can change a student’s life–like the support I received. It all comes down to waking up in the morning and asking, “What am I going to do today to make a difference and live my purpose, or how can I improve myself?”

What is your advice for today’s students?

Ask for help and remember you’re not alone. The person sitting next to you in class or the person you’re walking next to on campus may be having the same thoughts or experiences that you’re having. Don’t be afraid to share your story, like I’m doing right now. Take time to network and build relationships, especially with people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, as this accelerates your growth and prepares you for the world. Finally, when you understand your purpose, what I call “your why,” lean into it, do the work, and persevere. You’ve got this, and you, as you are, are enough!