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In this week’s NextGen to Watch, we’re showcasing Joselyn Matamoros, who is an international banker at JPMorgan Chase. In her role, she supports the US-headquartered middle market companies as they expand internationally. Matamoros was born in El Progreso, Honduras, and has lived in New York City since she was four.
Who inspired you the most in your life growing up?
My mom is my biggest inspiration. She is courageous, compassionate, and resilient. Her strength is truly admirable, and I can only hope to be half the woman she is.
As the oldest of six, my mom was one of the first of her siblings to migrate to “El Norte” to achieve the American Dream, leaving me behind when I was six months old. Her goal in mind was to provide a better life for me and the rest of our family. She worked relentlessly and endured many hardships to provide a different life for me. I migrated to the US at the age of four with my uncle and aunt through a different path.
She worked various jobs and faced many hardships and, nevertheless, she was there for all who called on her and even those who didn’t. But her kind heart pushed her to help others, and she instilled the same onto me.
I am so proud to be a Catracha (a term used to describe a person from Honduras) and to know my culture. The food, the language, the history, and the people. I grew up having the privilege to go home every summer to spend time with my amazing grandparents and be surrounded by family and our cultura. My grandparents would teach me Spanish through Nacho books, and in turn I served as their translator.
I am ever grateful for all the sacrifices she had to endure, which provided the privilege of a different life for me, one where I could chase my dreams. I am so proud of her, especially as she became a realtor in the past few years—a field where only 13 percent of realtors are Hispanic/Latino!
What lesson did you learn early in your career that still serves you today?
As a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to enter the corporate world, I sought to seek mentors who could help guide me in my career. This has been so pivotal to where I am today. I obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting and thought that I had to enter the world of accounting. I had various internships throughout college, which helped me understand what I enjoyed and what I didn’t. I found an interest in pursuing a career in finance, but I had no idea what front office, middle office, or back office meant.
My mentors guided me through this and helped me understand the different areas I could pursue, and I landed in a client-facing role that I’ve truly enjoyed and challenges me every day!
How can Latino professionals better advocate for themselves?
Advocating for yourself can be extremely difficult, especially in a culture where you may be taught to be humble and put your head down. In many instances, they may be the first or second generation in their families to obtain a degree, enter the corporate environment, etc.
For this reason, I think Latino professionals must take control of their careers and manage them as if they were CEOs.
That is, understanding what their goals are and creating an operating committee throughout their career journey. Seek mentors, sponsors, and peers of whom you can receive guidance from. Because like a CEO, you do not have to do it alone.
Whether it’s within your line of business, outside of it, or both! One way to start is by joining business resource groups or professional networks and begin attending events.
What podcast or life hack can you not live without?
My favorite podcast is Yo Quiero Dinero by Janesse Torres. I’m a financial literacy advocate and seek to build intergenerational wealth. Janesse talks about personal finance and brings various speakers who have created businesses, purchased real estate, investors, among many others.
What behavior or personality traits do you attribute to your success?
I am passionate, driven, and resilient. Passion truly drives me—I carry the hopes and dreams of other Catrachos and Latinos on my shoulders. Navigating the world of financial services as a first-generation college graduate has come with various challenges. However, I am so grateful to have found organizations, mentors, and opportunities that have allowed me to be where I am today. When I was in high school, I was a part of the National Academy of Finance and that led me to an internship at KPMG during the summer of my junior year.
Which causes are you passionate about?
I am passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and an advocate of financial literacy. When I was in high school, I served as vice president of student government and that propelled me to look for ways to give back to my community through community service. When I entered college, I founded the Women in Business club on my campus and was a founding member of DALE, a club that promoted Latino culture and provided a safe space for our community. During my time in college, I was a part of various organizations like the Women’s Bond Club, Prospanica, and ALPFA. I’ve continued to be involved throughout my professional career. Currently, I have the honor of serving as cochair of Adelante Tri-State, JPMorganChase’s Hispanic and Latino business resource group.
I found the world of personal finance when I graduated college during the pandemic in 2020. I began to read books, listen to podcasts, and follow content creators on social media. This inspired me to create an Instagram page to share information that I learned and to highlight my financial achievements in hopes of inspiring others. I’ve had the pleasure of hosting various financial literacy sessions at universities and to organizations.
What is one nonwork-related goal that you would like to achieve in the next five years?
I would like to run a marathon! This is an aspirational goal for me as I’ve only recently embraced running. I started going to Orange Theory classes last year, and it helped me to appreciate running. Previously, I could barely run a mile on the treadmill. When I was in high school and in college, I was a volunteer at the New York Road Runners TCS marathon and helped runners with directions and by serving water. I would love to be on the other side of that. By participating and seeing others endurance, I’ve been inspired to take charge of my own health.
What is your theme song?
“Rise Up” by Andra Day! It’s such a powerful song that reminds me to continue to persevere.
Connect with Joselyn Matamoros on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram.
