You’ve probably heard the saying based on a book of essays, “All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.”
It’s not entirely true for Schiela Peña, but she credits much of her success in life to lessons she learned growing up as an “army brat” and preacher’s daughter.
“Because my family moved to a new city every three years, I learned very early in life how to adapt to new situations, get to know people quickly and build strong short-term relationships,” Peña said. “And I also was taught the value of servant leadership.”
Those important developmental experiences, along with 30 years in banking and a personal connection to the disability community, have prepared Peña for her newest career milestone: being named Disability Services and Outreach manager at Regions Bank.
Though the life lessons started in kindergarten, Peña’s financial services career began 30 years ago when she took a job as a teller. Turns out, it was more than just a job.
A Heart for Service
“I learned so much in that first role – beyond basic job skills,” Peña said. “I began to grasp the importance of truly serving customers and how crucial it is to take time to get to know people, to understand them – all types of people, from all walks of life.”
Peña held several other positions in retail banking and came to Regions in 2009 as a branch manager, “I loved Regions and the culture. I was passionate about the work, and every position I had was fulfilling. But I still hadn’t really decided what I wanted to do when I grew up,” she said.
But she knew she was getting closer when, as a Regions Financial Wellness relationship manager, she was part of a group tasked with rebuilding the financial education program.
Creating Opportunities
“I love financial wellness, and I could talk about it all day,” Peña said. She enjoyed the opportunity to build deeper relationships with customers and helping them reach their financial goals by working toward key life moments such as buying a house and sending their children to college.
She was especially drawn to the financial wellness programs that Regions delivers out in the community, through local nonprofits. “I had a real fondness for community work,” she recalls.
Peña was at a crossroads in her career in 2018 when a Community Relations Officer position became available. Ironically, it was Kathy Lovell, a friend and mentor who was serving as Disability Services and Outreach manager at Regions, who encouraged her to apply.
Giving Back
When she took the Community Relations Officer role, the proverbial light bulb went off. She knew that community-focused work was her calling. With Lovell’s continued mentorship and guidance, she thrived in her work with nonprofits, securing financial support and sponsorships from the bank and coordinating associate volunteer activities.
I can’t believe they actually pay us to go out into the community and help people,” Peña remembers saying.
Peña didn’t pick favorites but found herself gravitating toward organizations that serve people with disabilities. She is a longtime board member and is highly engaged with the Autism Society of Indiana. One factor for this involvement was Lovell’s positive influence, but another comes from personal experience.
Personal Passion
“One of my children was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and we found this resource early on to help our family navigate his condition,” Peña said. “ASI was a life-changer for me. I was able to plug in and find much-needed services and contacts.”
That personal experience fueled her passion for that organization and others that serve a segment of the population that, according to Peña, is often overlooked and underserved.
Fast forward six years to when Lovell, her friend and mentor, made the decision to retire as Regions Disability Services and Outreach manager, a position she held for more than 13 years, where she made an incredible impact in the lives of people with disabilities throughout Regions’ footprint.
The subsequent milestone in Peña’s career journey became clear, and in mid-August it was official. She was named Regions Disability Services and Outreach manager.
In this role Peña will work to secure community partnerships with nonprofits serving people with disabilities across the bank’s footprint, advise bank leadership about accessible products and services, and promote an ADA-friendly environment in Regions Bank branches.
“This position was a natural next step for me,” she said. “It’s not just a professional career move, it’s personal.”
Dream Job
Though it seems like it was meant to be, Peña doesn’t take the promotion lightly.
“It’s my dream job – exactly where I want to be. I’m humbled and a bit overwhelmed, to be honest,” she said. “I have so much respect for Kathy and I hope I can serve with as much grace and compassion as she did.”
Regions leaders are confident that she can.
“Schiela is passionate about the work and knows the importance of building and retaining relationships and creating broad awareness both internally and externally,” said Lajuana Bradford, head of Corporate Philanthropy and Partnerships at Regions.
Every job, every task, every lesson that Peña has learned – even from kindergarten – has prepared her for this role. Learning to understand your customer and meet them where they are, helping people reach financial goals, building relationships in the community – all that and more will be put to use as she leads Regions’ efforts to serve people with disabilities.
And she’s ready.
“Dealing with disabilities can be difficult, not just for the people directly impacted but also for their families,” Peña said. “I know from personal experience that these issues can be hard to navigate, and answers can be hard to find.
“I’m looking forward to working with Regions leaders to ensure all our customers have access to our products and services. And also collaborating with organizations throughout Regions’ footprint that bring people together with resources and education. I want people with disabilities to know they matter. They matter to Regions, to our associates and they matter to me.”
Big Shoes to Fill
As excited as she is about this next step, the transition has been bittersweet for Peña – and the entire Regions team. Lovell had a remarkable 45-year career at Regions. She was highly regarded within the company and well respected in the disability advocacy community.
“Kathy was a leader in helping establish our current ADA program and advocated tirelessly for associates, customers and community members,” said Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Engagement at Regions. “With steadfast commitment and dedication, she worked to ensure that everyone is able to bank independently and on their own terms.”
Abrahams noted that one of Lovell’s most recent accomplishments was spearheading the launch of the Regions MagnusCard, a solution for individuals who are neurodivergent and/or on the autism spectrum that provides audio and visual guidance for everyday banking needs.
Bright Future
As she has started the new role, Peña has become even more keenly aware of the work Lovell did to raise awareness and create opportunity for people with disabilities.
I’m excited to build on the foundation that Kathy laid,” she said. “I’m ready and energized to carry out Regions’ mission to make life better – for every person in our community.”