Vanessa Payan Lopez, Chief Administrative, Finance & Strategy Officer at Valores Mexicanos, won the Crystal Ladder Award at Markets Media Group’s inaugural Women in Finance Latin America Awards, which was held in Mexico City on March 6.

Markets Media caught up with Lopez after the event to learn more about her background and career.

Briefly outline your career path.

I have built a 25-year career in financial services, progressing from entry-level roles in financial planning and operations to executive leadership in digital transformation and strategy.

I started as a financial planning intern at Gillette in 2001 before joining J.P. Morgan in 2003, where I advanced through various roles, and lines of business across LATAM, Mexico, and New York; also leading cross-functional teams. I became Co-Head of the Mexico Private Banking Onshore Business in 2020.

In 2021, I transitioned to Valmex Casa de Bolsa as Managing Director and Chief People Officer, Operations, Finance, and Digital Transformation Strategy.

Throughout my career, I have led business transformations, optimized operational efficiency, and driven innovation. My expertise spans strategy development, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and talent management.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Management (Cum Laude) from ITESM Tec Monterrey and additional certifications in impact investment and data analytics.

What career or personal achievements are you most proud of?

One of my proudest professional achievements was leading the transformation and expansion of Onshore Mexico Private Banking business. This project encompassed talent development, technology, products, services, and enhanced capabilities.

Another significant milestone was my first international project, where I was responsible for establishing a Hub in India. I led the migration of critical functions across North America and EMEA, ensuring a smooth transition and operational efficiency.

On a personal level, my greatest achievement is being the mother of a loving, creative, and kind 10-year-old daughter. She challenges me daily to become a better version of myself.

What have been challenges in your career, and how did you overcome them?

One of my toughest challenges was closing the business that I had spent 10 years working on expanding and developing. To move forward, I joined a different firm, stepping into a new corporate culture and rebuilding my professional network—one that I had cultivated over 30 years. Additionally, I took on the largest team I had ever managed, spanning HR, Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Digital Transformation Strategy.

Another challenge was relocating to New York to work with the offshore Emerging Markets team. Even though it was within the same firm, it was a completely different, multicultural environment that required me to develop new skills and improve my communication abilities.  It was in 2007 in the middle of the financial crisis which needed me to be able to successfully navigate a complex environment.

Just as I felt my career was taking off, personal circumstances led me to return to Mexico. What initially felt like a setback turned into one of my greatest achievements—leading the Private Banking business expansion project.

In every challenge, I embraced new experiences and adapted my working style. I developed resilience, acquired new skills, and built a support network to help me navigate these transitions successfully.

What motivates you to achieve excellence in your job?

I am driven by the impact that transformation and change can bring to a business. I find fulfillment in building motivated, high-performing teams and fostering a strong team spirit. More than anything, I am inspired by the opportunity to make a positive impact on people and to leave things better than I found them.

As a woman, have you faced any career challenges that a man might not have encountered?

At the early stages of my career, I had no female role models to mentor me. It was difficult to envision my future and understand how to succeed in an environment predominantly led by men.

My first real exposure to female leadership came when I moved to New York. It was a completely different experience, and I initially struggled to understand how to seek mentorship and sponsorship in this new setting.

Do women in Mexico and Latin America have good opportunities to pursue careers in finance? What are the challenges?

I am starting to see more women in leadership positions who can serve as role models and are willing to mentor and sponsor others. Organizations like Mujeres en Finanzas (MEF) are playing a key role in this progress.

However, challenges remain. Women still face cultural and systemic barriers, including limited access to leadership positions and unconscious bias in the workplace.

What advice would you give to young women either just starting, or considering a career in finance?

You are the CEO of your own career. Be open to opportunities, keep learning, and never hesitate to ask questions.

Never stop learning. Participate in impactful forums. Don’t forget the power of positive networking at every stage of your professional career.

Take risks—say yes to new challenges, even when you don’t feel 100% ready. And equally important, learn to say no to opportunities that do not align with your purpose.

What does the future hold for you?

I plan to continue developing the necessary skills for the digital age and AI to become a more effective leader and create a greater positive impact.

Additionally, I remain committed to driving initiatives that promote the growth and leadership of more women in the financial sector, contributing to a more equitable and diverse industry.