Hope Perez joined Synovus in 2019 and has served as a retail market manager and leader. She worked in banking during college. After going to school to be a teacher, she realized that teaching adults in banking was her passion. “I love to watch them develop and grow and truly have an impact on their lives,” she said. “I was with a larger, national bank in Chicago for over 10 years and held every position you can think of—teller, banker, assistant manager, manager, market manager, business banker, group banker, events banker.”

But who is Hope Perez, really?

“I’m just a girl from Chicago, raised by a single mom who never gave up.”

Hope describes herself as a “girl from Chicago, raised by a single mom who never gave up.” Throughout her upbringing, “I can’t” was never an option. In her own words: “I was taught you have to put in the work if you want to succeed.” Hope’s mother was her greatest mentor. “My mom has always been my leader, my cheerleader, and biggest advocate. Even when I think I want to give up, she has always been there to push me to exceed.” As a mother to an 11-year-old son and a 17-year-old daughter, Hope finds inspiration through her own mother every day.

Q: What is your mother like?

A: “She is strong, courageous, never gives up, and is always there for you when you need her. But she pushes you always.”

Q: What are some key lessons she taught you?

A: “Hard work pays off, believe in yourself, and be kind – you don’t know what is on someone else’s plate. God only gives you what you can handle, so push through because he believes in you.”

Q: What are some lessons you aspire to teach other women in your field?

A: “We are strong, we are bold, and we are leaders! We can do anything we put our mind to, and a team of women is a strong army. I teach my team and my own daughter that strong women uplift other strong women to success—so keep pushing.”

Q: What are some lessons you aspire to teach other women in your social circle?

A: “It’s ok to not have it all together. Be kind, work hard…we fill in each other’s gaps. Surround yourself with others that uplift you so that you can reach success as a team.”

Q: What are some lessons you have learned as a woman in your field?

A: “You must set yourself apart, be bold…and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Building your brand is important and delivering on results for respect. You can’t preach something you can’t prove you can do.”

Q: What are some resources that have inspired you throughout the years? (Book, film, public speaker, etc.)

A: As a leader, Dale Carnegie helped me to be bolder in my leadership and meaningful in my delivery.

Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

Q: What some hobbies and interests you enjoy?

A: “I spend most of my time at the softball field or giving back to the community through volunteering. I would say volunteering is one of my hobbies because I spend most of my time at local community events, leading a foster family with their foster children, and being a part of the chamber. My happy place is the beach—always—it’s a main reason why I moved to Florida! The beach is my peace and I go whenever I can.”

Q: Tell us about a time when you have been most proud of yourself.

“I’m the proudest of myself when I help others. When I hear of a need, I can’t let it go; I must figure out a way to help. Whether it’s a young college student that needs furniture for their first apartment or a child that doesn’t have a bike, I find a way to find a solution.

I’m proud every day in my professional role when I help clients achieve their goals, and when those that work for me are in the right role and on a career path for growth. I’ve been honored to be included in the Chairman’s Club, a distinction given at Synovus to top performing individuals, for 2 years in a row at a new branch. And I’m proud to be given the opportunity to promote deserving people.

Personally, I’m proud of the mom I am. While days are sometimes long and tiring, I keep pushing with a smile because that’s who I am!”