- March 2025
- Soila Parra and Hailee Zacariaz
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women throughout history and within our communities. At Premier America Credit Union, we are honored to recognize two remarkable women, Soila Parra, Manager Consumer Loan Underwriter & DMV, and Hailee Zacariaz, Marketing Strategic Partnership Liaison. With 20 years and five years at Premier America, respectively, Soila and Hailee have both made a lasting impact through their dedication and leadership. In this interview, they share their personal reflections on Women’s History Month, the female mentors who shaped their careers, and the importance of empowering women in the workplace.
Soila: Women’s History Month is a time for me to honor the strength and sacrifices of my mother, who came to the U.S. from Mexico with my three siblings. I was the first born in the U.S., and though my mom didn’t have formal education, she had the wisdom and grit to teach us the value of hard work, perseverance, and never giving up. She showed us how to earn what we work for and push through challenges, and those lessons have become the foundation of the values I share with my own children.
My son, Fernando Jr., who’s only 15, has already completed two LA Marathons, and my daughter, Alexa, a 20-year-old Theater major at CSUN, performed her first acting scene this weekend in a production of Romeo and Juliet, and she was incredible. Both of them push their limits, striving for greatness just as I was taught.
When I received my bachelor’s degree in business, I dedicated it to my mom as a small gesture of gratitude for being my inspiration, even through the toughest times.
This month, I reflect on how her unwavering dedication shaped who I am today, and how I now pass those same values on to Fernando Jr. and Alexa, continuing the cycle of resilience and determination that she started.
Hailee: Women’s History Month holds deep personal significance for me, as I have always been surrounded by strong, independent women who taught me the importance of balancing both work and life. My mother, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers were all hardworking women who managed to excel in their careers while nurturing their families. They instilled in me the values of perseverance, ambition, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Their ability to support themselves financially and strive for success empowered me greatly.
I got my first job at the age of 12 at the Jelly Belly Factory, and the independence I gained from supporting myself at such a young age has shaped who I am today. If it weren’t for the courage and resilience of the women in my life, I wouldn't be where I am now. They’ve shown me that with hard work, determination, and the drive to succeed, anything is possible.
At Premier America, I’ve embraced every opportunity and been inspired by women leaders who taught me to lead with respect, encourage my team, and empower others. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of giving back to the community. Growing up with limited resources, I now understand the real impact of helping others. A mentor once asked me not to give her gifts for her birthday or holidays, but instead, to donate to children in need, since they were her passion. That request deeply inspired me, and since then, I’ve made it a tradition to adopt a family each holiday season. For the past 10 years, my children and I have carried on with this tradition, and together with my Premier America family, we’ve been able to help multiple families in need.
I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship and opportunities that have shaped me into the leader I am today. The women in my life continue to inspire me to be a better person and leader every day.
Hailee: A female leader at Premier America Credit Union had a profound impact on my career trajectory. When I first joined the company as a bank teller while majoring in Political Science, I had no idea what marketing even entailed. Then, during a company meeting, I had the privilege of hearing Marci Francisco, our Chief Experience Officer, present on marketing updates. Her professionalism, communication skills, and deep passion for her work stood out to me in such a way that I immediately felt drawn to the field of marketing.
Marci’s ability to lead with confidence, inspire those around her, and break barriers as a female leader in a highly demanding department truly inspired me. I started researching what it would take to be in marketing and, without hesitation, switched my career path. I now hold a degree in Business Marketing and am fortunate enough to work in the marketing department. The hiring team believed in me and took a chance on me, and I am forever grateful for their guidance. Marci not only changed the course of my career but also continues to inspire my individual growth as a leader. Her influence has been invaluable, and I can’t thank her enough.
Hailee: Empowering and supporting women in the workplace requires a commitment to mutual support and understanding. While every woman’s experience is unique, it’s important that we create environments where we can lean on each other and share our challenges. By offering mentorship, encouragement, and recognition, we can create a space that fosters growth and confidence.
We must also ensure that women feel safe and heard in their professional environments. By encouraging open communication and providing resources for personal and professional development, we empower women to reach their fullest potential. Ultimately, when we uplift one another, we all rise together.
We are grateful to Soila and Hailee for sharing their stories and insights. Their dedication, resilience, and leadership inspire us all to continue championing the success of women in our workplace and beyond. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s commit to fostering inclusivity, empowering one another, and ensuring that every woman’s voice is heard and valued.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you personally?
Soila: Women’s History Month is a time for me to honor the strength and sacrifices of my mother, who came to the U.S. from Mexico with my three siblings. I was the first born in the U.S., and though my mom didn’t have formal education, she had the wisdom and grit to teach us the value of hard work, perseverance, and never giving up. She showed us how to earn what we work for and push through challenges, and those lessons have become the foundation of the values I share with my own children.My son, Fernando Jr., who’s only 15, has already completed two LA Marathons, and my daughter, Alexa, a 20-year-old Theater major at CSUN, performed her first acting scene this weekend in a production of Romeo and Juliet, and she was incredible. Both of them push their limits, striving for greatness just as I was taught.
When I received my bachelor’s degree in business, I dedicated it to my mom as a small gesture of gratitude for being my inspiration, even through the toughest times.
This month, I reflect on how her unwavering dedication shaped who I am today, and how I now pass those same values on to Fernando Jr. and Alexa, continuing the cycle of resilience and determination that she started.
Hailee: Women’s History Month holds deep personal significance for me, as I have always been surrounded by strong, independent women who taught me the importance of balancing both work and life. My mother, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers were all hardworking women who managed to excel in their careers while nurturing their families. They instilled in me the values of perseverance, ambition, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Their ability to support themselves financially and strive for success empowered me greatly.
I got my first job at the age of 12 at the Jelly Belly Factory, and the independence I gained from supporting myself at such a young age has shaped who I am today. If it weren’t for the courage and resilience of the women in my life, I wouldn't be where I am now. They’ve shown me that with hard work, determination, and the drive to succeed, anything is possible.
Can you share a time when a female mentor, leader, or colleague made a lasting impact on your career?
Soila: Over the past 20 years at Premier America Credit Union, I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by incredible women who’ve shaped my career and personal growth. One early experience that left a lasting impact was when my manager at McDonald's during high school saw potential in me and promoted me to Closing Manager after just six months. This opportunity taught me valuable leadership skills and gave me the confidence to pursue future challenges.At Premier America, I’ve embraced every opportunity and been inspired by women leaders who taught me to lead with respect, encourage my team, and empower others. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of giving back to the community. Growing up with limited resources, I now understand the real impact of helping others. A mentor once asked me not to give her gifts for her birthday or holidays, but instead, to donate to children in need, since they were her passion. That request deeply inspired me, and since then, I’ve made it a tradition to adopt a family each holiday season. For the past 10 years, my children and I have carried on with this tradition, and together with my Premier America family, we’ve been able to help multiple families in need.
I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship and opportunities that have shaped me into the leader I am today. The women in my life continue to inspire me to be a better person and leader every day.
Hailee: A female leader at Premier America Credit Union had a profound impact on my career trajectory. When I first joined the company as a bank teller while majoring in Political Science, I had no idea what marketing even entailed. Then, during a company meeting, I had the privilege of hearing Marci Francisco, our Chief Experience Officer, present on marketing updates. Her professionalism, communication skills, and deep passion for her work stood out to me in such a way that I immediately felt drawn to the field of marketing.
Marci’s ability to lead with confidence, inspire those around her, and break barriers as a female leader in a highly demanding department truly inspired me. I started researching what it would take to be in marketing and, without hesitation, switched my career path. I now hold a degree in Business Marketing and am fortunate enough to work in the marketing department. The hiring team believed in me and took a chance on me, and I am forever grateful for their guidance. Marci not only changed the course of my career but also continues to inspire my individual growth as a leader. Her influence has been invaluable, and I can’t thank her enough.
What are some ways we can continue to empower and support women in the workplace?
Soila: To continue empowering and supporting women in the workplace, it’s important to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements while promoting diversity in leadership roles and fostering an inclusive culture where all voices are heard. Creating an environment where women can thrive and lead with confidence is essential, and these are values that Premier America is fully committed to upholding.Hailee: Empowering and supporting women in the workplace requires a commitment to mutual support and understanding. While every woman’s experience is unique, it’s important that we create environments where we can lean on each other and share our challenges. By offering mentorship, encouragement, and recognition, we can create a space that fosters growth and confidence.
We must also ensure that women feel safe and heard in their professional environments. By encouraging open communication and providing resources for personal and professional development, we empower women to reach their fullest potential. Ultimately, when we uplift one another, we all rise together.
We are grateful to Soila and Hailee for sharing their stories and insights. Their dedication, resilience, and leadership inspire us all to continue championing the success of women in our workplace and beyond. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s commit to fostering inclusivity, empowering one another, and ensuring that every woman’s voice is heard and valued.