Cristina Avalos
Location: Kansas City, Missouri |
Why did you choose to work at Commerce Bank?
When I started looking for a career change, I wanted to find a company that valued me and my work. Commerce is known for its strong culture. That was the most appealing aspect for me.
What do you like most about working at Commerce?
The flexibility! I am a single mom of two girls that attend two different elementary schools. I can get them on the bus in the morning and be there when they get home from school every day. I can volunteer for class activities and parties or bring takeout for lunch. Those moments are important to me because I love seeing their faces light up when I walk into their classrooms. The flexibility helps create a healthy work/life balance for me.
What do you find to be most rewarding about your work?
Collaborating with the various departments around the bank. There is a lot that goes into the projects that I’m involved with for the business lines I support. I may be waiting on a deliverable, or someone may be waiting on me for a deliverable. We ensure that we are all aligned with those expectations and deadlines.
What has been the biggest or most pleasant surprise working at Commerce?
The friendships I have made while working here. We’ve stayed in touch throughout the pandemic even though we may or may not have been working with each other. We get together outside of work for birthdays, promotions, Friendsgiving, etc. That speaks volumes for the type of people that work here and the culture that has been built here.
Tell us about your career journey and how did Commerce prepare you for it?
I’ve worked here for almost 5 years. I started out as a Compliance Advisor within the second line of business. At the beginning of 2022, I transitioned to the first line of defense as a Risk Manager for consumer credit cards and indirect lending. What prepared me the most would be all the individual contributors that helped me along the way. I am a visual person; and I ask a lot of questions. Everyone knows that about me, but everyone has supported me along the way.
What would you say to someone who is considering working at Commerce Bank?
We understand our employees are the biggest asset we have as a company. Commerce has built a strong culture that is inclusive of all individuals in various walks of life. We want to see each other succeed and grow professionally and personally.
