LaShonda Garnes , Senior Vice President & Director of Inclusion, Equity and Diversity
Fidelity Bank
LaShonda Garnes, a Chicago native, is a Senior Vice President, Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity at Fidelity Bank.
LaShonda is the mother of three children: Bria, Briaja, and Trinton and her first grandchild, grandson Nico Elle.
LaShonda leads the long-term planning and execution of Fidelity Bank’s enterprise-wide effort to foster a culture of inclusion. Her department is part of the bank’s Office of Culture and Talent, a division that seeks to align the experiences of customers and employees with the bank’s mission, vision and values.
Share a piece of wisdom you received or learned that substantially changed your work-related path.
Progress is always better than perfection. Striving for perfection often leads to disappointment, stagnation, burnout, and missed opportunities. When I accepted that perfection wasn’t the goal and learned how to give grace to myself and others, I became a more effective and well-rounded leader. This mindset has allowed me to take on challenging assignments, learn from others, and welcome constructive criticism.
Most paths up the corporate ladder aren’t straight paths. What are some of the criteria you consider when making a career move?
I always assess how the position aligns with my purpose, values, and potential for both my personal and professional growth. I evaluate the organizational culture and reflect on how the position supports the greater good and enhances the organization’s mission. This process helps me determine whether I can make a meaningful impact by stepping into the role.
Luck, hard work, or connections?
Hard work has been the cornerstone of my career. The three elements – hard work, relationships, and timing (luck) are deeply connected. Hard work lays the foundation, relationships open doors, and timing (luck) often determines when opportunities arise, especially the unexpected ones.
What advice would you give a young professional starting out on their career?
It’s crucial to approach your career with an open mind, a growth mindset, and the willingness to flex your agility muscle. Be open to diverse perspectives, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours – it may not be a straight line but one full of twists and turns. Regardless of the path, embrace the ride, remain self-reflective, and recognize there’s a lesson in every experience. Stay curious, nurture relationships, and practice patience and persistence. Career success rarely happens overnight.
In what organizations and in which ways do you give back to the community?
Wichita Community Foundation Board Member and Board Secretary
Newman University Board of Trustee
Wichita Habitat for Humanity Board Member
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Chamber Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Complete the following sentences:
Be open to … constructive feedback and different perspectives.
As a kid I wanted to be … a teacher and an accountant.
In five years I’ll be … a doctoral graduate from WSU.
Wichita or Kansas needs … a grocery store in downtown Wichita.
I’ve been known to binge watch … “Scandal.”
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and snuggling with my first grandson, Nico Elle. When not hanging out with family and friends, I enjoy traveling and experiencing new things and creating memories.