In Celebration of International Women’s Day: Get to Know Kate Dame

With so many incredible women contributing to the Jeanne D’Arc team, we’re keeping the International Women’s Day celebration rolling! Throughout the month we will highlight Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Robin Lorenzen, Vice President-Branch Administration, Kate Dame, Vice President-Commercial Lending, Kara Doyle, Vice President Member Contact Center, Anexis Sanchez, Branch Officer, Gaby Regan, Assistant Branch Manager, Runny Huoth, and Operational Risk Specialist, Katherine Rojo as they share with us their professional journey, advice they would give to their younger self, valuable lessons they’ve learn along the way, and more.

Today, we spotlight Kate Dame, Vice President of Branch Administration.

 

What was your journey that led you to join Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union?

Growing up in Lowell, I was always aware of the credit union and its reputation for helping people. The credit union gave my parents a mortgage loan in 1969 to purchase their only home. After graduating college, with a degree in Education, my parents encouraged me to work full-time at the credit union. I intended to continue pursuing a master’s degree in education and begin a teaching career. However, life happened, and I never left to teach children. Instead, I stayed and continued to grow and develop and have a rewarding and successful career at the credit union. I have never regretted that decision.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Life is too short to worry or be scared of what might happen. Your confidence will come after you dare to be brave.

What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

So many! But a few valuable lessons that I learned from managing people over the last 20 years are: Always start with the benefit of the doubt that people are acting with good intentions. Almost everyone is! My second lesson is do the right thing, even when it is hard. You will sleep better at night. Finally, the less you worry about people liking you, the more they will!

Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone personally or professionally who has inspired you.

Yes!  I have numerous women role models, so I would hate to name just one. The amazing women I work with daily are our organization’s “doers, collaborators, motivators, innovators, leaders, etc.”.  They inspire me every day, especially the working moms.  Anyone who can balance the responsibilities of both work and home with grace, poise, and the occasional meltdown has my admiration.