Photo: Silvana Montenegro
From starting as an intern in São Paulo to becoming an executive in New York City, Silvana Montenegro—Global Head of the Office of Hispanics & Latinos for JPMorganChase—has built a nearly 29-year career shaped by perseverance, mentorship and purpose. In a sit down with Silvana, she shares how to navigate career pivots, what drives successful career moves and opportunities for Hispanic and Latino talent.
How have you navigated career pivots—and what should someone consider when reinventing themselves?
Early in my career, I knew resilience would be essential to my success. Growing up in a country with so much inequality taught me to value opportunity deeply. I was shaped by my grandmother’s community work and by watching my father build his business—experiences that still guide the values I bring to work. Over these 29 years at the firm, I’ve reinvented myself repeatedly. I’ve treated every new role as a fresh opportunity to grow, learn and contribute in a different way.
What’s helped most:
- Consistency builds trust. Delivering with excellence, over and over again, and being a true culture carrier compound over time.
- Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Embrace opportunities that stretch you, even when you don’t feel ready. Trust yourself to learn while actively seeking and listening to different points of view.
- Learn from what doesn’t go right. Own your mistakes, listen to feedback and recognize where you have room to grow. Some of the most valuable lessons come from understanding what you could have done differently.
With almost three decades at JPMorganChase, what are the key factors behind a successful career move?
Successful moves start with clarity—knowing what you care about, naming your core values and using both as a decision filter. It also means being honest about: your strengths, your goals and what motivates you. Then pair that clarity with action:
- Stay curious and keep learning. Growth comes from staying open and adaptable.
- Build relationships early. Be thoughtful and intentional about reaching out to mentors and people who can help you navigate.
- Be patient—but visible. Sometimes it takes time, but it also takes going the extra mile, working hard and being vocal about your accomplishments.
What barriers to career advancement have you seen for Hispanic and Latino employees?
One common dynamic is cultural: many Latinos are taught to work hard and keep their head down. I’d argue the opposite helps: be ambitious, be clear about your goals, be overprepared and speak up. That visibility matters when opportunities open up. It’s also about community—and allies. Your circle shouldn’t be limited to people who look like you. Champions and allies can help open doors and pave the way.
The journey to access and advancement is ongoing— and should be grounded in the facts about who we are as a community. According to Latino Donor Collaborative, Latinos contribute over $4.4 trillion annually in economic output and are projected to make up nearly 28% of the U.S. population by 2060 and 94% of Latinos age 18 and younger are U.S.-born. That means the next generation of leaders will include young Latino professionals—and the support we provide today shapes what our collective future looks like.
What’s next for you in this role and what are some words of wisdom for someone ready for the next thing?
In this role, I’m focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening community and creating pathways for Hispanic, Latino and all communities to thrive—because when our community rises, the benefits extend to everyone. My advice is simple: be clear, get visible and stay ready. Name what you want and ask for it directly. Build relationships that challenge and elevate you. Keep sharpening your skills so you’re prepared when opportunities open up. And don’t wait for permission to grow. Raise your hand, take smart risks and bet on yourself.
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