BankWork$ graduate Joselyn Cuevas is thriving in her career as a Sales Regional Manager at BMO Bank. She consistently outperforms her goals, supports her colleagues, and works diligently to care for the underserved in her community. But this wasn’t always Joselyn’s reality —a few years ago, she was alone, unemployed, and fearful for her future.
Joselyn is the daughter of immigrants who came to the U.S. without money or resources. She says she gets her work ethic from her father, who started a gardening service when he arrived to put food on their table and a roof over their heads. And he continues to work full-time to support his family and future generations.
“He reminded us to be grateful,” said Joselyn, “and he taught us that you only get out what you put in.”
When she first began working, Joselyn applied that work ethic to sales and administrative jobs but never pursued a career. When she married and found herself taking care of a stepson, she stopped working altogether. She hadn’t anticipated things would ever go wrong, yet four years later, she found herself alone.
Then one day, Joselyn’s sister Mayra gave her a flyer for BankWork$—a no-cost career training program offered by JVS SoCal.
Joselyn quickly enrolled, sailed through the program, and began interviewing for jobs before she even graduated. She couldn’t wait to get started.
“BankWork$ taught me what I needed to know about banking and to treat every day like an interview. Whether you’re going to work or to the store, prepare and be at your best. Be your interview-self,” she said.
JVS SoCal employer partner, Bank of the West (acquired by BMO in 2023), recognized Joselyn’s potential and quickly offered her a position. “I met Joselyn at a BankWork$ graduation, and I knew immediately she had leadership presence,” commented Marty Tourville, a Market President SVP at BMO. “BankWork$ brought it out. It gave her confidence and knowledge. It helped her shine in that room,” he added.
Joselyn was soon promoted and formed a support network at Bank of the West with other BankWork$ graduates, including Edith Garcia (BankWork$ 2019) and Jared Guerra (BankWork$ 2021). “She reminds us to remember the lessons we learned from BankWork$,” said Edith. “It’s important to master the job you’re doing today and train for the next job… the one you want,” she added.
Joselyn’s supervisor also took notice of her undeniable passion and became a loyal BankWork$ supporter. “Joselyn explained the BankWork$ program to me, and I’ve since become a big advocate. I’ve seen the caliber and quality of individuals coming out of the program,” said Mike Maritzen, SVP Market President at BMO.
“Joselyn’s taken every step, from Teller to Universal Banker, to Relationship Banker and Branch Manager. She’s a team builder, and she’s gone above and beyond to give back to the community,” he added.
To this day, the training Joselyn received from JVS SoCal’s BankWork$ program continues to inspire her. She has made it part of her mission to help the people in her community—the City of Compton—get the banking services they deserve by offering financial literacy training and working with entrepreneurs to support their success.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back and share what I’ve learned,” said Joselyn. I can’t thank JVS SoCal enough—and all the donors who support people like me to start from JVS SoCal’s BankWork$ program new careers.”
She has also been an alumni speaker at various BankWork$ cohorts in the last few years, sharing her experience as a former student and motivating course participants.
If you’re inspired by Joselyn’s story and would like to help someone else achieve their dream, please donate today.