FirstBank believes in ensuring diversity is represented at each level of the organization. In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month by recognizing and celebrating some of FirstBank’s women in leadership.

Today we’re featuring Kate Liosis, Senior Director of Apps Development

Hometown: Arvada, CO

Years at FirstBank: 20 this November

Other positions held with organizations/boards:

• Literacy Coalition of Colorado– Board Member; Secretary

In three to four sentences, describe your experience getting to where you are today.

I started in the 24-Hour Customer Service Contact Center when I first joined the FirstBank team, which helped me build a strong bank and customer service knowledge foundation. While in the Contact Center, I worked on a few IT projects that impacted our Contact Center technology. This experience helped me realize how interested I was in IT project work, and with the support of several great leaders, I was encouraged to explore this interest. It’s been an exciting journey! I am very grateful to have the opportunity to give back to our FirstBank customers through my passion for leadership and in the fast-paced and evolving technology space.

Based on your past experiences, what is the one piece of advice you would give any woman considering a career in banking or IT?

If someone is considering a career in banking or IT, I will advise them to maintain a flexible and adaptable mindset since both industries are dynamic and continually evolving. These dynamics and the pace of change can be excellent since it allows for various career opportunities depending on an individual’s interest and passion. Maintaining a growth mindset will allow someone to identify these different career opportunities and give them the confidence to explore something new. I would also advise that it is important to surround yourself with individuals who inspire and encourage you, and don’t forget to be someone who inspires and encourages others! 

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

Our banking for good philosophy motivated me from the beginning of my career when I quickly learned how closely it aligns with my values. As we all know, banking services are critically important to our communities, so it is significant to me that I get to work for a company that leverages its span of influence to continually make a positive impact by doing what is best for our customers, communities, and employees. 

Considering March is Women’s History Month, which historical figure/s would you like to meet and why?

Lucille Ball! I have always admired that she often pushed boundaries and norms by portraying her character in ways that women were not typically portrayed on TV during that time. She was an incredibly hard worker, had innovative ideas about the film industry, and eventually became the first woman to own her own production studio. It would be great to tell her what a positive example she set for going after what you want while also having fun and not taking yourself too seriously! 

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