WESTBOROUGH, MA. _ As an area vice president at Sovereign Bank, Carol Sexton has seen her share of changes with women in the workforce. She is an active member of the Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce and plays an instrumental role on the School-to-Business Committee of the Chamber. Recently, she was named to the Advisory Board for the new Female Leadership Interest Council (FLIC).
FLIC is a non-profit organization founded on the principles of female leadership, mentoring and the belief that when you can help someone else succeed, you personally grow and prosper. The Council’s mission is to provide educational instruction to women to assist in developing their capabilities in the business world, which will increase the likelihood that their successes will benefit the community.
“I am pleased that Carol has accepted her nomination to the Advisory Board of FLIC,” said Deborah Penta, founder of the new female leadership organization and CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc. “Carol has a tremendous commitment to those organizations that she supports, has accomplished great results and has made a difference in our community. She has also serves as a great role model and mentor for women in the banking industry and in the community.”
Sexton has been in the banking business for well over 25 years, 15 of those at Sovereign Bank and 12 years before that at Bay Bank. According to Sexton, she was interested in banking starting at a very young age.
“My mother was in banking when I was growing up. In my opinion, my mother was a pioneer. The majority of mothers at the time were not working. Back in those days there weren’t many latchkey kids,” she said.
It was her mother who inspired her to pursue a career in the banking industry.
“In second grade, I wrote a story of how I wanted to be a bank lady,” she laughed.
Sexton said that early in her banking career it was a “man’s world,” but that over the years things have improved for women.
“Women can now (and do) take on senior roles,’’ she said. “ Women and men need to mentor more and help each other out to keep this on an upward trend.”
As an advisory board member for FLIC, Sexton said she feels her role in the banking world is one that can help through the mentoring of young women.
“I think this (mentoring) is such a valuable part of things. I’m really looking forward to it,” she added. “I’d love to mentor young women and help them through both business and personal challenges.”
“FLIC will be fortunate to have Carol in a leadership capacity. She will truly help to make a difference in getting young women engaged in our MentormatchTM
Program and in helping to inspire women of all ages to recognize the value of mentorship,” said Penta.
Sexton said there are still those people who do not take women as seriously as men.
“We still have to work a little harder to gain trust,’’ she said.
Sexton sees herself playing a key role in mentoring young women with any issues that involve finances and banking, but also in helping with college challenges and personal issues.
“Without question, it is tough juggling everything you (as a woman, mother and wife) are looked upon to do,” she said. “It is very challenging, but it’s also the most rewarding. Luckily I have a great job and great kids.”
Sexton said it is through Sovereign Bank that she was afforded the opportunity to grow professionally.
“It is a great place to work and all the benefits have helped to advance my career. Sovereign Bank has been wonderful,” she said. “Being involved in the Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce and now with FLIC is so great --I wouldn’t trade it for a minute.”
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