Wilkinson receives banking award

MAUREEN “MO” WILKINSON was recently honored by American Banker with the Community Impact Award as part of the magazine’s 2016 Most Powerful Women in Banking program. Wilkinson, vice president of community education and Community Reinvestment Act officer at HarborOne Bank, directs HarborOne U and oversees HarborOne’s outreach initiatives. The award honors a female executive who has had a significant impact on bettering her community through her work.

How does it feel to be honored as one of this year’s Most Powerful Women in Banking?

Personally, I was surprised and humbled to be recognized as a Community Impact Award winner. The other winners are amazingly talented and accomplished women in the world of finance and banking. Most impressive to me was the fact that the program not only focuses on business accomplishments, but also honors the important work of strengthening and empowering our local communities. I am thrilled to be associated with a program with a like-minded set of values.

What initially led you to choose banking as a career path?

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In high school, my first job was as a teller at a local credit union. This experience inspired me to study finance at college. Upon graduation, I went to work at a credit union in Washington, D.C., and interestingly enough was approached to work for the CIA. However, I enjoyed banking so much I stayed in the field and continued to serve as CEO for three different credit unions before merging NationsHeritage Federal Credit Union with HarborOne in 2009.

What are some of the steps you’ve made with HarborOne to better your community?

As the director of HarborOne U, I have been fortunate to work directly with people who want to find the ways to realize their dreams – from starting their own businesses to owning their own home. Most recently, we developed and launched a multiclass series to equip small-business owners with key financial tools for running a successful business, while also providing access to seed funding. More than 200 business owners have participated in the HarborOne U’s Success for Small Business program. •

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