Smash that Ceiling

Advice for fighting the financial industry’s lack of diversity

For women staring up at the glass ceiling in the financial industry, State Street Corporation executive Yvonne Garcia has some advice: see homogeneity as an opportunity.

In March 2017, Garcia (MBA’03), senior vice president and global head of client solutions and PMO, was named to the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) list of the 50 Most Powerful Latinas of 2017.

Men and women lead differently, says Garcia. “The approach of women and Latinas is more collaborative and team focused.” She believes the emotional intelligence of women allows them “to view the issues differently and come up with more inclusive solutions to client and corporate problems.

“The financial sector, because of its lack of diversity, presents a great opportunity to distinguish yourself as a leader and differentiate yourself in a way that will be recognized by top leaders in the organization.”

Garcia, who chairs the 81,000 member ALPFA, encourages aspiring female leaders to begin by asking themselves one important question: Are you leading now?

“Leadership is less about position and more about expression of vision, influence, and drive toward a better alternative.”

She wants women to see that when it comes to leading, they must be well armed. “Leadership requires that you develop a broad set of skills and techniques and combine them with natural abilities,” says Garcia. “The key is ensuring that you draw upon your cultural context and be able to tap into and harness the power of like-minded individuals.”