A version of this article appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Business Central Magazine. It was edited for length, the full article is below.
Have you ever tried to explain your job to a neighbor, friend or family member? For some, it’s easier to grasp. I’m an accountant, a construction worker, a nurse. For others, it can be harder to explain. In this new section, we will take a look at some of the more “off the radar” jobs around Central MN and learn a little more about the opportunities in our community. So, what’s your job?
Name: Maggie Rivera
Title: VP, Corporate Social Responsibility & Inclusive Growth
What is your previous work experience?
I started as a teller, worked several different customer-facing bank jobs, and was eventually promoted into a community development banking role. Working on revitalizing low to moderate-income communities, the role served as my springboard to the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). I led that function at several different organizations where I advanced my skills in communications, creative services, customer, and employee experience. It all served as the path to my role leading corporate social responsibility (CSR) and inclusive growth strategy at Stearns Bank.
What drew you to your current position?
I’m a huge believer that your professional pursuits and mission must align with your personal values and purpose. I’m the product of a challenging upbringing where my family faced poverty, homelessness, and other obstacles. I know firsthand the power that effective community development and revitalization can make. My role at Stearns Bank is the combination of my community development, DEI, and bank experiences.
What does an average workday (or week) look like for you?
I oversee our community development banking team, client experience, specialty lending, our inclusive go-to-market strategy, and our CSR function. My day includes a mix of interactions with teams, community partners, and executive leadership to monitor the progress of ongoing initiatives and aligning the company’s operations with social and corporate responsibility goals. I also meet with finance and business leaders at the national, state, and local levels to build partnerships, advocate for policy advancements, and align industry resources.
What is something you want people to know about your job?
In a time of increased skepticism and perfunctory corporate allyship, prospective employees and customers are seeking authenticity. Do companies truly walk the walk? Do their internal actions mirror their public statements? Real alignment between CSR and inclusion enriches and empowers the people doing the work, elevating the work itself and magnifying the impact of the work on the communities we serve. All of this requires a relentless and unwavering focus on finding innovative solutions to complex problems, which makes it the greatest job in the world.
What is your favorite part of your job?
It is humbling and inspiring to see the scale and scope of impact that can be made when a diverse group of people leverage their knowledge and talents for a singular purpose. That sense of inspiration is magnified when that singular purpose does so much good for society.
What should someone who is interested in a position like yours do to get started on the right path?
Volunteer at non-profits and community support centers. Pursue a relevant degree in business, urban development, community development, environmental studies, or sustainability. Build a network within the CSR community. Home your skills in communications, change management, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, project management, stakeholder engagement, innovation, and a thick skin. Sign up for related conferences and proactively reach out to professionals in the field. You don’t have to wait to find a job in this field to do great things. Passion, initiative, and perseverance will take you a long way.