Employee Spotlight: Sonia Guadiana

Sonia Guadiana, Vice President of Retail and Branch Operations at North Shore Trust and Savings, began her remarkable journey with us in 1993 as a teller. Over the years, she ventured into various departments, most notably mortgage lending, playing a pivotal role in assisting first-time home buyers to achieve their dreams of homeownership. Her dedication and hard work led her to the retail department, where she initially served as a branch manager. Today, she oversees retail operations across our three offices. Sonia’s tenure in the banking sector has allowed her to cultivate invaluable customer relationships and build cherished friendships. Her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service has earned both her and our institution immense loyalty and respect. More than just a leader, Sonia sees herself as a quintessential team player, taking pride in collaboratively navigating daily challenges and fostering a work environment that is both pleasant and invigorating.

Sonia’s passion for her role is evident when discussing customer assistance. She thrives on addressing the diverse banking needs and challenges that customers face in today’s evolving banking landscape. This often means going the extra mile, demystifying complexities, and offering tailored assistance. To Sonia, she’s not merely a banker – she’s a personal banker to every customer. She derives immense joy from guiding the younger generation, melding modern banking tools with traditional wisdom. But what she considers the crowning jewel of her job is empowering her team to grow both personally and professionally.

Outside the bank, Sonia actively engages with the community. Whether attending chamber committees or sponsorship events, she’s a familiar face at various gatherings, including golf tournaments and social mixers. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Sonia values the opportunity to serve her community and customers in their primary language.

Away from work, her family takes center stage. With her roots in a large family, there’s seldom a dull moment, with gatherings frequently on her schedule. Yet, she also cherishes her moments of solitude. Many see Sonia as a social butterfly, known to chat at remarkable speeds – and no, she doesn’t need caffeine for that! A fun tidbit? When Sonia says she’s on a diet, it might be best to take it with a grain of salt!