Crossing Oceans, Building Bridges
.png)
In the vibrant landscapes of Haiti, a young girl was developing the skill that would one day define her career—the art of building meaningful connections. That girl was Gigi, and her journey would take her across oceans and industries, weaving a tapestry of relationships that would become her professional signature.
At fifteen, Gigi found herself transplanted from the familiar rhythms of Haiti to the bustling streets of Atlanta. While her parents held Canadian citizenship, she chose the American South—drawn by both its cultural heartbeat and a strategic aversion to northern winters. Her sights were set on Spelman College, though her educational path would ultimately lead through Clayton State University and later, a master's degree from the University of West Georgia.
With a background in political science and international relations, Gigi's early career seemed destined for diplomatic halls or policy chambers. Her fascination with people, cultures, and leadership initially pulled her toward education—specifically in leadership development and policy formation.
But life had different plans. The world of financial technology beckoned, and Gigi found herself drawn to its dynamic intersection of innovation and human connection. American Express became the stage for her transformation, where she evolved from account manager to client manager, handling impressive portfolios ranging from $70 million to $1 billion.
"I started with Amex and went from an account manager to client manager with bigger accounts," Gigi recalls. "One of my managers advised me to pursue my MBA, and I'm so glad I did because it opened up so many more opportunities."
For eight years, Gigi flourished at American Express, building her expertise in partnership development and client relations. Each role reinforced her natural talent for understanding needs, fostering trust, and creating value through authentic connections.
Success, however, didn't prevent Gigi from making a bold choice when motherhood called. Following the birth of her son, she stepped away from the corporate fast track to embrace a new role—that of mother.
"I lived in Costa Rica for nine months, just to enjoy motherhood away from the fast-paced corporate world," she explains, her voice softening with the memory. "I really wanted to cherish every moment with my son."
This wasn't just a career pause; it was a deliberate choice to invest in what mattered most to her at that moment. The warm shores of Costa Rica provided the perfect backdrop for this chapter of connection and presence—values that would continue to shape her professional approach when she returned.
When Gigi was ready to re-enter the professional world, the path led naturally to Blend in March 2022. The transition felt seamless, almost like a homecoming.
"Joining Blend was amazing because my team from American Express had already made the switch. It felt like coming home," Gigi recalls with warmth.
Today, at Visa, Gigi brings her wealth of fintech experience to bear on new challenges. What began as an implementation role has evolved into post-implementation and technical support—a position that leverages her unique combination of technical knowledge and relationship expertise.
"I've gone from implementation to post-implementation and tech support, where I work with bank issuers like Wells Fargo and Royal Bank of Canada," she explains. "I'm using all the skills I've learned throughout my career, especially relationship-building, to make sure my clients get the best solutions."
At the heart of Gigi's success lies her exceptional ability to foster strategic relationships. It's not just a professional skill but a personal philosophy—one that has served her in every aspect of life.
"Relationship-building has always come naturally to me," she reflects. "I've always been the type of person who is warm and empathetic, always looking to make people feel better and understand their perspectives. I think that skill is essential, whether you're in politics or fintech or education."
This natural warmth combined with strategic insight makes her a trusted partner for clients and colleagues alike. For Gigi, every interaction is an opportunity to create value, solve problems, and strengthen connections.
.png)
When aspiring consultants seek her guidance, Gigi emphasizes the unique advantages of the consulting path. "Consulting allows for continuous learning, exposure to different industries, and the ability to tailor your career to your strengths and interests," she advises. "If you're service-oriented and enjoy helping others, consulting is perfect for you."
Her approach to consulting embodies this service mindset: "It's all about creating value for others and helping them see the benefits of what you bring to the table."
Gigi's travels—from her Haitian roots to her Costa Rican sabbatical and beyond—have enriched her perspective and deepened her appreciation for diverse viewpoints. Each cultural experience has added another dimension to her understanding of human connection.
Looking forward, Gigi envisions a future that brings her career full circle—integrating her passion for education with her expertise in relationship-building.
"I've always loved education," she shares with enthusiasm. "I think there's a huge opportunity to bring relationship-building skills into education reform, particularly for younger generations."
This vision represents more than a career goal; it's a mission to share her most valuable skill with those who need it most. Whether navigating the complexities of fintech or contemplating the future of education, Gigi's journey continues to be guided by the principle that has served her so well: meaningful connections create meaningful change.
From the shores of Haiti to the corridors of global finance, Gigi's story reminds us that some skills transcend industries and borders. In a world increasingly defined by digital transactions, her success proves that the most valuable currency remains human connection—a lesson she continues to share, one relationship at a time.
Crossing Oceans, Building Bridges
In the vibrant landscapes of Haiti, a young girl was developing the skill that would one day define her career—the art of building meaningful connections. That girl was Gigi, and her journey would take her across oceans and industries, weaving a tapestry of relationships that would become her professional signature.
At fifteen, Gigi found herself transplanted from the familiar rhythms of Haiti to the bustling streets of Atlanta. While her parents held Canadian citizenship, she chose the American South—drawn by both its cultural heartbeat and a strategic aversion to northern winters. Her sights were set on Spelman College, though her educational path would ultimately lead through Clayton State University and later, a master's degree from the University of West Georgia.
With a background in political science and international relations, Gigi's early career seemed destined for diplomatic halls or policy chambers. Her fascination with people, cultures, and leadership initially pulled her toward education—specifically in leadership development and policy formation.
But life had different plans. The world of financial technology beckoned, and Gigi found herself drawn to its dynamic intersection of innovation and human connection. American Express became the stage for her transformation, where she evolved from account manager to client manager, handling impressive portfolios ranging from $70 million to $1 billion.
"I started with Amex and went from an account manager to client manager with bigger accounts," Gigi recalls. "One of my managers advised me to pursue my MBA, and I'm so glad I did because it opened up so many more opportunities."
For eight years, Gigi flourished at American Express, building her expertise in partnership development and client relations. Each role reinforced her natural talent for understanding needs, fostering trust, and creating value through authentic connections.
Success, however, didn't prevent Gigi from making a bold choice when motherhood called. Following the birth of her son, she stepped away from the corporate fast track to embrace a new role—that of mother.
"I lived in Costa Rica for nine months, just to enjoy motherhood away from the fast-paced corporate world," she explains, her voice softening with the memory. "I really wanted to cherish every moment with my son."
This wasn't just a career pause; it was a deliberate choice to invest in what mattered most to her at that moment. The warm shores of Costa Rica provided the perfect backdrop for this chapter of connection and presence—values that would continue to shape her professional approach when she returned.
When Gigi was ready to re-enter the professional world, the path led naturally to Blend in March 2022. The transition felt seamless, almost like a homecoming.
"Joining Blend was amazing because my team from American Express had already made the switch. It felt like coming home," Gigi recalls with warmth.
Today, at Visa, Gigi brings her wealth of fintech experience to bear on new challenges. What began as an implementation role has evolved into post-implementation and technical support—a position that leverages her unique combination of technical knowledge and relationship expertise.
"I've gone from implementation to post-implementation and tech support, where I work with bank issuers like Wells Fargo and Royal Bank of Canada," she explains. "I'm using all the skills I've learned throughout my career, especially relationship-building, to make sure my clients get the best solutions."
At the heart of Gigi's success lies her exceptional ability to foster strategic relationships. It's not just a professional skill but a personal philosophy—one that has served her in every aspect of life.
"Relationship-building has always come naturally to me," she reflects. "I've always been the type of person who is warm and empathetic, always looking to make people feel better and understand their perspectives. I think that skill is essential, whether you're in politics or fintech or education."
This natural warmth combined with strategic insight makes her a trusted partner for clients and colleagues alike. For Gigi, every interaction is an opportunity to create value, solve problems, and strengthen connections.
When aspiring consultants seek her guidance, Gigi emphasizes the unique advantages of the consulting path. "Consulting allows for continuous learning, exposure to different industries, and the ability to tailor your career to your strengths and interests," she advises. "If you're service-oriented and enjoy helping others, consulting is perfect for you."
Her approach to consulting embodies this service mindset: "It's all about creating value for others and helping them see the benefits of what you bring to the table."
Gigi's travels—from her Haitian roots to her Costa Rican sabbatical and beyond—have enriched her perspective and deepened her appreciation for diverse viewpoints. Each cultural experience has added another dimension to her understanding of human connection.
Looking forward, Gigi envisions a future that brings her career full circle—integrating her passion for education with her expertise in relationship-building.
"I've always loved education," she shares with enthusiasm. "I think there's a huge opportunity to bring relationship-building skills into education reform, particularly for younger generations."
This vision represents more than a career goal; it's a mission to share her most valuable skill with those who need it most. Whether navigating the complexities of fintech or contemplating the future of education, Gigi's journey continues to be guided by the principle that has served her so well: meaningful connections create meaningful change.
From the shores of Haiti to the corridors of global finance, Gigi's story reminds us that some skills transcend industries and borders. In a world increasingly defined by digital transactions, her success proves that the most valuable currency remains human connection—a lesson she continues to share, one relationship at a time.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Sit sit vel eu sed proin. Arcu bibendum in mauris urna erat magna volutpat eget. Lectus commodo consectetur egestas quis ut lobortis nunc.
.png)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Sit sit vel eu sed proin. Arcu bibendum in mauris urna erat magna volutpat eget. Lectus commodo consectetur egestas quis ut lobortis nunc.
