Associate Spotlight: Janine Mendoza

Always in summer mode, this month’s Associate Spotlight brings an ALOHA state of mind. Wearing many hats at the Bank, Janine successfully uses her 15-year experience at Fremont Bank to bridge the gap between her position as a Manager for the Commercial Process Improvement Department and the countless roles she plays across the Bank for our Employee Resource Groups. Please join us as we get to know Janine Mendoza!

How long have you worked at Fremont Bank, and what do you do here?

This year, I am happily celebrating my 15th year (Wow, where did the time go?) with Fremont Bank. I spent the first 10 years working in Residential Lending Operations (Res Process Improvement, Processing, etc.), and five years ago, I ventured into the Commercial Lending space. Currently, I manage the Commercial Process Improvement Department, and our team supports Commercial Lending Operations. In addition, I am a part of some Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and other fun things … we’ll chat about that in a few!

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Being part of the Commercial Process Improvement Department gives me the ability to contribute to projects that can bring about process and/or technology efficiencies, which allow for time savings for clients and associates. This results in cost savings for the bank. It is exciting to be able to see the impact these projects can make!

What’s your greatest strength as a business professional? 

My greatest strength as a business professional would be that I am relationship driven. Building (and maintaining) strong relationships is important to me, so that people know who I am and respect and trust me. Holding strong relationships in the workplace helps increase collaboration, productivity, morale, and employee retention. Additionally, in many cases it can lead to skill and knowledge transfer, which has helped me learn and grow within the organization. 

ERGs, Events and Mentorships

Throughout my tenure here, I am happy to have been presented with the opportunity to take part in some special ERGs, fundraising events and associate events. I have been involved in helping coordinate some of our Team Fremont Bank fundraisers, such as the Ride to Defeat ALS and the Relay for Life, and most recently I have been the co-captain for our Longest Day Walk (for the past five years). It feels absolutely amazing knowing we are making such a huge contribution to help those fighting these horrible diseases.

As a major contributor to the Livermore Celebrations Committee, I help plan and host associate events such as our annual Holiday Party, Spring and Halloween celebrations, and fundraising events that have benefitted the Open Heart Kitchen, Tri-Valley Haven and Valley Humane Society. 

In 2021, I was asked to be a part of building our AAPIA ERG and bring its mission and vision to fruition. The AAPIA is committed to celebrating and sharing our cultures with associates to learn and understand more about our Asian/Pacific Islander heritage. Most recently we hosted our AAPIA Cultural Showcase, which was a huge success! 

In 2022, I had the honor of being one of 13 associates chosen to be part of the Women’s Protégé Program. In this program, we were tasked with the creation of the Fremont Bank Women’s Mentorship Program, including the program mission and vision, recruitment process, benefits, roles and responsibilities, eligibility, and the selection and pairing process. 

Once the details were finalized, we presented this program to Hattie Hyman, our women board members, and our President and HR Executive for program approvals. I am elated to report that after months of hard work, we were able to obtain all necessary approvals! And the best part of it is that we get to carry on with the legacy that Hattie Hyman founded for the strong women leaders of Fremont Bank. This program is dedicated to you, Hattie! ♥

This year, we are now in our inaugural year of running the Women’s Mentorship Program. I am happy to share that we have received amazing feedback from our program Mentors and Mentees, and we are looking forward to our first graduating class later this year!

What's your superpower?

My superpower is that I live ALOHA.

Living ALOHA is a state of mind, a way of life. I live and love every day with aloha in my heart and appreciate and share what I have with others. I always treat everyone kindly and with respect. I care about and help others to the best of my ability and am grateful for every day I am blessed with. I always try to radiate positivity and sunshine to those around me to make the world a brighter place. Mana up!

What are your top 3 favorite ’90s hip-hop artists or groups? 

Favorite artists or groups from the ’90s … I’d say mid- to late ’90s to early 2000s … 😊 I love me some Beyonce! She is a great vocalist, performer, entertainer … she is also gorgeous, confident, and a powerful woman and leader! I frequently listen to Biggie Smalls + Eminem – both amazing lyricists. But being born and raised in the Bay, I love listening to any music under the Hyphy Movement label. Nothing like Bay Area music!