Embracing Fearlessness at Capital One

After nearly a decade of working with and managing teams responsible for the day-to-day operations of loans at Capital One, Grace was itching to try something new. She wanted to move into sales, where she could bring products to market and work with product managers, business analysts and data teams. 

While Grace was scared, she wanted to pursue the opportunity. She thought of screenwriter Jennifer Lee’s quote, “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire,” which is all about growing out of times during discomfort. With that in mind, she applied for and attained a sales position—senior manager of client development for Financial Services—in 2021.

“I’ve learned that growth and development happens most in my career when I lean into my fear and go for something that makes me uncomfortable,” Grace said. 

Embracing career changes

Grace followed her manager from a mortgage company to Capital One. That manager had continuously supported Grace’s growth, pushing her to complete numerous leadership trainings and process management programs. 

Once Grace got to Capital One in 2012, she realized her manager was one of now countless leaders who identified growth opportunities and gave her the space to pursue them. She completed Capital One’s Hispanic Leadership Development Program and Hispanic Leadership Coaching Program, both of which provide leadership training and executive coaching to help associates influence, problem solve and manage difficult conversations. She completed courses on mentorship, building business plans and process management. 

“I’ve noticed that there’s always a culture of giving back,” Grace said. “My leaders have gone through some incredible experiences, and they like to provide us the same access. They’re pushing me—with a lot of encouragement—to succeed.”

Because of the confidence and skills Grace gained, she was able to take on her current role and assist with the launch of Capital One Navigator, a tool that makes car buying easier by allowing users to pre-qualify with no impact to their credit score, shop for cars and see financing options before heading to the dealership. Grace worked directly with dealers to have them test the platform before launch and communicated feedback to product and sales teams. 

“It was an absolutely amazing experience working on a project that size in a field that was vastly different from what I had experienced in my career up until that point,” Grace said. “I’ve discovered there’s no end to how far I can go.”

Building Hispanic communities

Grace’s investment in her communities has grown alongside her career as she’s taken on leadership positions within HOLA, our Business Resource Group for Hispanic associates and allies.

She organizes times for associates to read bilingual stories to children in Mi Escuelita, a nonprofit that increases English vocabulary for preschool-aged children. She’s helped collect items for hygiene kits to donate to Samaritan Inn, a Dallas-Fort Worth nonprofit that helps the houseless. 

“I love Capital One because I get to lift up others alongside other colleagues who are encouraging, motivating and truly inspiring,” Grace said.

Grace shines a light on her colleagues through organizing HOLA’s Cafecito series, where associates network with and hear from Capital One’s Hispanic leaders. Cafecito exemplifies what Grace loves most about HOLA: A space to celebrate her heritage and develop Hispanic talent. 

“My experience at Capital One proves that I can develop the tools to achieve my full potential while working in an environment that values my differences,” Grace said. “I know that I’ll grow because I’m a Latina woman, not despite it.”