We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tracie Cordeiro. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tracie below.
Tracie , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Growing up, I was fortunate to inherit a robust work ethic from my parents, who instilled in me the values of responsibility, diligence, and equality. In our household, being an integral part of the family extended beyond mere presence; it meant actively contributing to the well-being of our home. What set my upbringing apart was the belief my parents held that tasks were not confined by gender roles. As a little girl, I was encouraged to mow the lawn, shovel snow off the driveway, and engage in various chores typically associated with masculinity. This upbringing not only fostered a sense of equality but also taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the shared responsibility that defines a thriving family unit. Today, as I navigate the professional world, particularly at Friendship Bridge, I carry with me the invaluable lessons learned in those formative years, where every task was an opportunity for growth and a testament to the strength derived from shared efforts.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Nearly a year ago, I assumed the role of President and CEO at Friendship Bridge, a nonprofit organization that creates economic opportunities for low-income women in Guatemala, with offices in both Colorado and Guatemala. Friendship Bridge offers small loans to women who wouldn’t be able to get a loan from a traditional bank—on average, $400 per loan. In most cases, women borrow money as a group to ensure they’ll be able to make their loan payments.
With a focus on continuing our mission and fostering a positive impact, I’ve dedicated extensive time to actively listen to my colleagues, understanding their needs to support their growth within the organization. Collaborating closely with our operations and credit teams, I’ve made adjustments to our credit policies, aligning them more closely with our mission. One of the joys of this role is the ability to drive positive change, even in subtle ways. I’ve urged our leaders to reflect on gender stereotypes, challenging them to break barriers within our organization as well as their own families and communities, ultimately empowering women in Guatemala to lead better lives. Additionally, I’m passionate about steering Friendship Bridge toward environmental sustainability, incorporating organization changes as well as providing non-formal education sessions to our clients on simple lifestyle changes they can make to have a positive impact on the surrounding environment.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My journey as a female professional has been profoundly shaped by three pivotal skills that have not only shaped my career but also helped define my identity.
First and foremost, I would not be where I am today both personally and professionally without being bilingual in both English and Spanish. After leaving the small town of Green Bay, Wisconsin, my life took a pivotal turn during my junior year in high school, creating a sliding doors moment that would shape my future in unimaginable ways. Eager to challenge myself, I enrolled in Advanced Spanish classes at my new school in Tucson, Arizona, as I had already taken Spanish classes in Wisconsin for a couple of years. However, I found myself in a classroom where the majority were native Spanish speakers, making the course incredibly challenging. Feeling overwhelmed, I attempted to withdraw, but my determined teacher, recognizing my potential, refused to let me step back. Instead, she became my mentor, guiding me through the complexities of the language. Little did I know, this seemingly difficult situation would lead to a lifelong passion for Spanish. I continued to study the language, eventually minoring in Spanish at Arizona State University. This proficiency in Spanish became my ticket to an internship with KPMG in their Barcelona office, marking the beginning of a six-year adventure working and thriving in Spain. It was there that I met my husband, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, as the President & CEO of Friendship Bridge, I draw on my Spanish skills daily, connecting with my incredible colleagues and our clients in Guatemala and leading with a global perspective—all because of that one determined teacher who saw potential in me.
Second, acquiring proficiency in accounting was instrumental in navigating the complexities of various business landscapes, contributing significantly to my roles in the US, EMEA, Asia Pacific, and ultimately Friendship Bridge in Guatemala. Accounting knowledge offers a universal advantage, transcending industry and geographical boundaries. The skill of understanding and interpreting financial information is highly transferable, allowing professionals to contribute meaningfully in diverse professions and across different countries. In any sector, whether finance, healthcare, or technology, a solid grasp of accounting principles facilitates informed decision-making, strategic planning, and effective resource management.
Lastly, growing up competing and socializing with my brother and his male friends cultivated resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to thrive in diverse social settings, qualities that have been invaluable in my leadership journey. Also, participating in activities traditionally associated with boys’ play helped break down gender stereotypes, promoting a more egalitarian mindset in me and our family. I learned that interests and abilities are not bound by gender.
Collectively, these skills have empowered me to break through barriers, foster meaningful connections, and lead with a global perspective in my current role.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
One of Friendship Bridge’s programs, Health for Life, facilitates access to healthcare services where clients receive life-saving detection and treatment for non-communicable diseases as well as other health complications. In partnership with Maya Health Alliance (Wuqu’Kawoq), a local healthcare service provider, clients receive culturally sensitive health services provided by home or mobile clinics that travel to their villages. Through these services, which include prevention and early detection of diabetes and cervical cancer, as well as access to family planning, women can stay in the workforce, keep household expenditures low, and increase their position in their family, community, and society.
Friendship Bridge is seeking grant partnerships playing a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion and operations of the Health for Life program. Additionally, this will provide crucial support to sustain the Health for Life program in our existing branch locations. Anyone interested can contact my colleague, Chief Development Officer Nicole Eubanks: [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.friendshipbridge.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendshipbridge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/microcreditplus/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/friendship-bridge
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Friend_Bridge
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmXKOkwjuWYo1YfagqUqz9g
Image Credits
Credit for 1st headshot of Tracie in Navy Blue only: Photo: Anna Sutterer All other photos: Courtesy of Friendship Bridge
