Lexington, KY - It would be difficult to find anyone in Lexington with more community involvement than Elisa Bruce. But then, her job is outreach. As Assistant Vice President and director of the Latino Development Program at Fifth Third Bank, Bruce plays a large role in Central Kentucky's growing Hispanic community.
With two bachelor's degrees from universities in her hometown of Baranquilla, Columbia, Bruce is well prepared to assist Fifth Third in setting priorities for market competition and educating the Hispanic community on financial matters. She conducts a weekly radio show on Radio Vida (1440 AM) and both hosts and produces the first Spanish-language television program in Central Kentucky, Insight Para Ti.
Bruce represents Fifth Third and the Hispanic community on various Boards and community organizations, including The Lexington Public Library, The Lexington Hispanic Association (AHU), Migrant Network Coalition, Partnership for Workforce Development/Commerce Lexington, Community Action Council, Women Leading Kentucky and more. She's also been recognized for her contributions. The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights acknowledged her "Öexcellence in serving immigrants in the Commonwealth" in 2008, and the Lexington Young Professional Association (LYPA) presented her with a Rising Star Award in 2005.
She describes her family as unique: "It is the fusion of three different cultures." Her mother was from Spain, her father from Nazareth, Columbia, and she grew up in Baranquilla. "Even though we speak the same language, there were many cultural differences, and I have brought those flavors into my household with my 15-year-old son, Sebastian." Bruce has great admiration for her mother and godmother, saying that her mother "gave me the wings to dream and explore," and her godmother, "a positive attitude toward life." She explains that her mother and godmother were best friends and taught her the importance of friendship.
Her busy schedule slows down on weekends, when she cooks, watches movies and explores the back roads of the Bluegrass while listening to Michael Buble, Taylor Swift or Jaci Velasquez. "Sundays are my favorite days because we usually meet with friends after church andÖreconnect before the busy week begins again." Most people don't know about Bruce's cooking talents. She has learned to combine Spanish, American and Latin flavors and swears "Öa little cilantro added to an American meatloaf or a bit of azafran, to beef stew" makes a gourmet meal.
With her many accomplishments, Bruce believes her career at Fifth Third has been the most rewarding. "I was hired as a customer service representative and moved up to my current position where I can build the Hispanic Initiative Program of Fifth Third, which is a prototype for four other states." Since moving to the United States, she says her life has changed considerably: "First of all, I had to learn to multi-task! I'm very grateful, in retrospect, for the life I had growing up and have a new respect for American women who are successful on their own."
She expresses concern about the current economic climate "Öwith new challenges presenting themselves on a daily basis. We need to stay focused on what we can control and not on the things we cannot. It's easy to lose sight of long-term goals in the face of short-term challenges. We can onlyÖcontrol our commitment to doing the things that ultimately drive value for ourselves, our shareholders, customers and the community."