Heidy starts a new career at BMO Harris Bank

Heidy had to grow up fast and learn how to be a mom at 17. Doors closed on her and people doubted she would finish high school.

“When I got pregnant at 17, people acted like it was the end of the world. They pointed fingers at me because I was such a young girl having a baby.

“But I wasn’t ashamed. It made me grow and mature. A lot of people I knew didn’t graduate from high school, but I still did. To this day, that is one of my greatest achievements.

‘I’ve always worked hard to be able to provide everything I possibly could for my three daughters and my son on the way. My kids are my motivation, the fuel that keeps my engine moving forward. 

“I started my career at a little store close to my house. I was happy to have something to put on my resume, but eventually I had to let go of the job because I was working Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm.

“My mom encouraged me to go back to school, so I took English and math classes, along with some parenting classes at Instituto del Progreso Latino. I got CNA certified, and I was going to work in a hospital when the pandemic hit.

“I worried about being in contact with so many people at hospitals and decided I couldn’t risk it, especially because of my kids. So in order to work with fewer people, I worked as a part-time home care aid in the homes of senior citizens until Instituto del Progreso Latino connected me to Cara.

“When I joined Cara, I learned how to come out of my shell. They introduced me to BMO Harris Bank and the BMORE program, where I interviewed and was offered a position as a Customer Experience Representative. 

“This changed my entire outlook on what’s possible for my career: I never thought I would be able to work full time. My parents are so proud that I work at a bank, and I am so grateful and happy to keep learning and growing in the financial field.

“My new job helps me pay the bills, be more stable, and buy my kids what they need. I will never stop reminding my kids that they can be whatever they want to be as long as they focus in school and put all of their dedication into it. I hope they will be able to go to college when they grow up.”