Engagement Leader / Age 27
Thrivent
Maria Padilla has worked in banking and economic development, and she took her new role as engagement leader at Thrivent in March. “While my roles have shifted, the core of my work has always been the same: helping people access the tools, knowledge and connections they need to succeed,” she says.
Padilla is particularly passionate about uplifting and highlighting the Latino community, which she says “plays a huge role in shaping our economy, culture and society.” She notes that in 2022, U.S. Latinos generated $3.6 trillion in economic output, yet they “remain one of the most underserved communities, even as they contribute in a massive way to our economy. Imagine how much more they could do,” Padilla says, “with better access to resources, funding and opportunities.”
She says her work at Thrivent is “a mix of business development, mentorship and community impact, and it all ties back to making sure people feel supported and set up for success.”
One of the biggest challenges she’s had to work through “is simply believing that I belonged … growing up, I didn’t see people who looked like me in leadership roles or doing the kind of work I dreamed of,” Padilla says.
Be sure to visit Insight’s Portraits of Success: 40 Under 40 at The Art Garage in Green Bay from May 30–June 1 to see each honoree’s official 40 Under 40 portrait!
insightonbusiness.com/40under40
