Alejandra Stefan

Competitivity, Solvency, and Financial Inclusion Director at Honduran Bank Association

I am based in: Tegucigalpa

I was born and raised in Honduras, a small country in Central America.  I attended a bilingual school, where I was blessed to have learned English, and graduated with a high school degree in addition to our local diploma.  My dream since starting high school was to be able to attend university abroad, which I knew my parents couldn''t afford.  So I set out to work hard and reach my goal.  Four years and many long nights later, I won a complete scholarship to attend Louisiana State University in the United States.  I still remember that feeling when I opened the acceptance letter…. the importance of learning to work hard to achieve one''s goals and dreams is one lesson I''ll never forget and hope to pass along to my children.

Coming from a large extended family background, I grew up always thinking “family first.”  So when the time came to choose whether to find a job in the thriving financial sector in the United States of America or venturing back home, my choice was clear.  I must say I''ve never yet regretted my choice to return home.  Honduras is a beautiful country with so much potential, so one is never bored here.

Throughout my sixteen years working at the Honduran Bank Association (AHIBA), I''ve been able to experience many areas within the financial sector.  I started out working to promote corporate training within the Banks, and am now in charge of expanding our work in sustainability and financial inclusion.  I´m sure my time at THNK will allow me to focus and dive into this new challenge, which I hope will bring forward great and positive impacts not only for our members but for also for our country.