The 2021 Women Leaders In Consulting: Stella Mendes

In addition, Stella provides advisory services on regulatory responses, anti-money laundering training to banks and other financial services firms and gives webinars on regulatory compliance best practices. She also assists clients with fair lending, CRA, UDAAP, TILA, Regulation O, and other regulatory compliance matters.

Her work is perhaps best showcased by her integral part of originating, leading, and/or delivering on multiple large regulator-appointed independent monitorships. She was instrumental in the investigation of large financial institutions' business practices, helping find the root causes of improper sales practices, identifying preventative actions and rebuilding customer confidence. She recently led an independent reviewer of a global bank's sanctions compliance program in response to a regulatory mandate. Their detailed findings informed the regulator of weaknesses in the bank's program and provided the bank with prioritization of noted deficiencies to enable bank management to focus remediation efforts on critical gaps and weaknesses.

Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Ms. Mendes served as President and Chief Operating Officer for First National Bank of NY (FNBNY).

Stella is active in numerous professional organizations including, Hofstra Women in Leadership, New York Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association and The Cancer Center for Kids. She also serves on the Board of Trustees at Hofstra University.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

"One of my greatest personal achievements was graduating from college as a non-traditional student. I wasn't able to attend college after high school because I had to work. I enrolled in college after I was married and had children. I worked full time so I went to school at night or on the weekends and was able to graduate in 4 years. I will always remember the moment that I walked out of my last class, I sat on the staircase and was so proud of what I had been able to achieve."

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?

"My advice would be to be yourself and play to your strengths and keep working on areas where you are less strong and keep working. Be willing to raise your hand and try something new."

What excites you most about your consulting career?

"Consulting is a second career for me, prior to joining FTI I was in banking for over 25 years. It has turned out to be a great career for me. I truly enjoy working with a diverse group of clients, problem- solving and building relationships. I also found myself working with some of the smartest people, people that are not only great colleagues but great friends."

What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received? The best advice I ever received was from my dad, who always told me that my life and future are my responsibility. I am the only one that can control my choices, energy, and happiness. This advice has served me well in my personal and professional life.

What does being honored as a Woman Leader in Consulting mean to you?

"I have been lucky throughout my career to have great examples of what leadership should be, and have always worked to set the same example and to be the kind of leader that brings out the best in people. To be honored as a Woman Leader in Consulting is a proud moment. I am humbled and grateful."