In February, we observe Black History Month by recognizing and celebrating some of FirstBank’s Black and African American employees.

Today, we’re featuring Janiro DeShawn Kennedy, Contact Center Supervisor.

Hometown: Boulder, CO

Years at FirstBank: 8 years

1. In 3 to 4 sentences, describe your experience in getting to where you are today.

My experience getting to where I am today has truly been unexpected. I can’t say that I foresaw where I would be or planned for it. My attitude has always been to go with the flow. Somehow, that flow led me directly to a workspace I enjoy. I feel I’m where I’m meant to be because of a little luck, hard work, and willingness to keep moving.

2. How has FirstBank’s companywide philosophy of “banking for good” impacted your life and your career?

The “banking for good” philosophy has impacted my life in a very positive way. This company embodies values I want to present in my personal life. If you ‘do what’s right’ for your friends, family and community, good things will happen. This philosophy has helped me focus less on the bottom line or my wants, and instead, it’s taught me to care more about the people around me — our customers and my personal relationships. When we serve others with a genuine desire to help, we can always make a positive impact.

3. What is the best career advice you have for the next generation of leaders? What would you tell someone just starting out?  

You never know if you are truly ready for the next step in life until you embrace the change, challenge, and jump. If you can weather that initial storm of getting started, the hardest part is done. It suddenly just becomes a matter of coming to work every day.

4. What is one thing you’re most proud of that you’ve accomplished while working at FirstBank?

I would say I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made. I have developed a willingness to embrace new challenges and take risks, and I have gained the confidence to face things head-on.

5. If you had your own talk show, who would be your first guest?

If I had a talk show, Keenan Ivory Wayans would be the first person I’d want to have on as a guest. I grew up watching the Wayans family, and I love comedy. He would make the perfect guest, mixing the funny with genuine conversation and genius storytelling.  

6. Considering February is Black History Month, which historical figure/s would you most like to meet and why?

These individuals played major roles in the civil rights movement and helped cultivate a sense of pride within the Black community. I love comedy and sports, and these figures represent the best of both worlds. They also showed young boys like me what a positive, strong Black male role model looks like.

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Published: February 3, 2025