Women’s History Month is a time to come together to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of women throughout the years. For this Women’s History Month, we sat down with Alicia Wilson, Head of Regional Philanthropy for North America at JPMorgan Chase to learn about her career journey, what motivates the work she does and how you can take charge of your career and finances.
- What has been key to your success throughout your career?
- God. Trusting him to direct my career has been central to my success. This has allowed me to focus on not just doing the best job I can do, but to help make a significant impact to those I’ve been able to touch in my more than two decades in the workplace. Growing up in Baltimore I’ve always wanted my career to impact my community, so I’m conscious of how I can use my platform, position and the opportunities around me to help make a difference.
- Looking back, what is one thing you wish you knew when you were first starting out in your career?
- I wish I knew that your career journey is about taking advantage of every single opportunity, and that no experience in your journey – good or bad – is a waste. Today, I try to take everything with a grain of salt and lean into any opportunity that is presented to me to learn and grow, even if it may seem scary. With a bit of dedication and hard work anything can be possible.
- What are some tips for women to take charge of their career and finances?
My three tips are:
- Start wherever you are and take charge of your finances and career. Do not think it’s about lost time, or what you could’ve done when you were in your 20s. You’re the only person that can drive your growth and success.
- Get advice from people that are doing well financially and career-wise. While we might want to go to our “comfort circle” to get advice, it’s actually about going to the “circle of discomfort” – the people that are going to be critical advisors and help you move your career and finances forward.
- Be willing to take risks in your career. The people who are willing to take risks ultimately have the sort of career that they’ve been wanting and working towards. So start now!
- How has your local community shaped you?
- Everything about who I am, how I lead, and what I do is inspired from the rich upbringing that I had in Baltimore. I still live in the same neighborhood I grew up in, and that’s by choice. Baltimore is a city of grit, passion, brilliance and authenticity, and this is what I try to bring to everything I do. Every single investment that I get to be part of and help craft, I’m reminded of what communities are in need of on a day-to-day basis. When I talk about philanthropy and impacting communities, I talk from a sense of felt-need versus observed-need because I’ve witnessed the challenges and it gives me a lot of joy to be a part of the solution.
What woman organization has inspired you and your career?
- My community has been a lifelong collective network, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a historically African American sorority, founded by college-educated women dedicated to public service with an emphasis on programs that assist the African American community. This organization has been a positive, motivating force in my life. I’ve been blessed to meet so many women that I can call on daily to get encouragement, council, advice and uplifted, and that I know are of service and scholarship who care deeply about the community.
- How can people get involved to celebrate and support women at work?
- I regularly participate in the JPMorgan Chase’s internal employee Business Resource Groups, Women on the Move, Black Organization for Leadership Development and Black Executive forum which enable employees to share ideas, grow professionally and connect with colleagues who have similar interests. These employee initiatives are very powerful tools to helping people not feel alone but supported at work and beyond. If your company has a similar program I encourage you to get involved.
For more inspiration, whether it’s to help advance your own career or support women in your field, explore JPMorgan Chase’s Women on the Move initiative by visiting jpmorganchase.com/impact/people/women-on-the-move.
Alicia Wilson manages JPMorgan Chase’s local Philanthropic plans across more than 40 markets in North America. She works with senior leaders in corporate responsibility to ensure the firm’s footprint is creating meaningful impact in Canada and the United States, and is based out of Washington D.C. and lives in Baltimore, MD.
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