Alexander Noda leans on family strength to build life, future in U.S.

“Es mejor buscar la fuente que seguir la corriente” is one of Alexander Noda’s favorite quotes from his maternal grandfather that carries him through life. It translates as “It is better to seek the source than to go with the flow.” Noda is a Synovus retail market manager in Miami, Florida. And he attributes the source of his success to a large act of seemingly inherited courage from his family that indeed interrupted the flow of their lives. Noda’s start in America was filled with love, fearlessness and dedication. These are all characteristics he’s applied in his client-facing role at Synovus and as the Aquí Nos Employee Resource Group (ERG) leader. 

Noda’s road to Synovus was paved with bravery, hope and innate leadership. Every step moved him closer to his family’s dream, life and career, and making his family, colleagues and community proud. His journey grants him insight into how to connect with others, Latino or not, and how he could lift himself up and adjust to a strange land with a different culture. But it all started with an opportunity that brought a lot of uncertainty within his family.

In 2006, Noda and his father won a travel Visa “lottery,” allowing them access to cross the Straits of Florida from San Cristobal Pinar del Rio, Cuba, to make a life in Miami for their family. Instead, Noda’s father suddenly had to stay behind with his wife and two young daughters and send his only son and eldest child to live with a loving aunt in Miami.

Sending a teenage child to an unfamiliar country with little to no knowledge of the language is understandably brave. His aunt became his sole guardian, and his life shifted. Noda’s incredible American story began with the work to fit in a world that didn’t always understand or make him feel welcome. But he was determined to do his best and not let his parents’ sacrifice be in vain, working hard to build his life and leave a proud legacy for his family.

“I committed to learning because my aunt told me to become someone for the ones I had left behind,” Noda shares. “I only listened to the radio in English, took English classes, worked at Burger King and forced myself to practice the language. Eventually, I picked up English.”

Since 2022, Noda has led the company’s Aquí Nos ERG. Aquís Nos translates to "Here we,” which can hold a place for multiple sayings, such as “Here we get together,” “Aquí nos reunimos,” or “Here we have fun,” “Aquí nos divertimos.” The group is full of diverse Synovus team members who share a deep love for their rich Latin heritage and history. “I’m most proud of the ERG’s growth,” Noda shares. “We have more than 150 members. But I’m also proud to bring everyone together for opportunities to learn, grow and develop professionally and personally.”

In the community, the Aquí Nos ERG’s work includes sharing financial education for Spanish-speaking communities, volunteering with nonprofits such as Junior Achievement and participating in recruiting activities.

Noda strives to ensure Hispanic team members feel a sense of inclusion and belonging in the Synovus family without losing the core of their heritage. A part of achieving that includes introducing all team members to different Latin cultures, people and opportunities. It’s about appreciating differences and fostering inclusion.

Check out more stories about Synovus team members helping people reach their full potential [add link to newsroom] and learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion at Synovus.