Employee Stories: Chelsea Sanchez
February 14, 2022
Chelsea’s Perspective – Community Involvement & Learning
Chelsea is an Electronic Banking Specialist at Heartland Bank. Chelsea’s story with the bank started in 2006 as a Teller. During this time, Chelsea assisted our three Princeton branches and eventually became a Retail Lead in 2014. In 2017, Chelsea transitioned into the Electronic Banking department and is now at our Princeton South Main office.
About Chelsea
Chelsea’s passion for her community is one of the things that makes her a standout employee at Heartland Bank. Those that know Chelsea know that she takes pride in making a positive impact on those around her. When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, Chelsea knew she wanted to help Princeton’s local businesses and charities. As such, Chelsea quickly contacted Woldhuis Nursery in Grant Park, Illinois to collaborate for a fundraiser. Two years later and Chelsea has successfully held the fundraiser twice, raising a total of $2,400.
For the 2021 holiday season, Chelsea coordinated a 12 Days of Giving Fundraiser, earning $3,000 in cash donations and $1,000 in local business gift cards. From there, Chelsea visited local businesses to surprise employees and customers with gifts. After so many successful campaigns, Chelsea now has a Facebook page to follow and contribute to her current fundraisers. Check out Chelsea Gives Back on Facebook to learn more and follow her impact on the Princeton community!
Chelsea's Story
Chelsea is always looking for opportunities to learn something new. After spending nearly 11 years working retail for the bank, she was ready for a new challenge and learning opportunity. Chelsea transitioned into Electronic Banking in May of 2017 and has enjoyed learning something new every day.
Meaningful Work
I am a teacher by nature. I love to learn, and I really enjoy teaching others. In my current role, I can train new Electronic Banking staff and assist our frontline Retail staff. I have always been someone who wants to know everything and how it all works together. In this role, I can be somewhat of a detective that investigates how different devices and applications work for customers. Sometimes these different devices do not work seamlessly together, and it is a good feeling to figure out the puzzle and get everything back to working order for our customers.
Growth and Development
My managers know about my passion for learning. They offer me learning opportunities and the opportunity to learn alongside them. I enjoy being the go-to person in my department, and I feel a sense of fulfillment knowing that my managers and team can rely on me to help them.
Heartland Bank's Culture
Heartland Bank is a community bank that expands across Illinois and into Iowa. I enjoy seeing employees from other branches sharing their community involvement. When I have a fundraiser going on, I know I can count on my peers to help raise awareness, donations, and more. Heartland Bank supports and celebrates its employees for many reasons, including milestones, anniversaries, community involvement recognition, learning opportunities, and more.
Advice from Chelsea
Knowledge is power. When there is an opportunity to grow – take it! Challenge yourself because you never know where an opportunity can take you.
Outside of Work
Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her 5-year-old niece and 9-year-old nephew (while they "still think she’s cool"), running her photography business, and attending the many Princeton events throughout the year with her family and friends.