Meet HER: Latosha Woods-Carter

This Women’s History Month, we have been all about celebrating women leaders, giving them their flowers, and being inspired by their stories.

Today, we want to celebrate Latosha Woods-Carter - AVP, Branch Manager III, and her all-women team at First National Bank here in Charlotte.

We spoke with Latosha to learn more about how she got to where she is today and what it means to work alongside an all-women team in the banking industry.

Tell me more about yourself and your journey here - what got you to this position?

I am originally from Sumter, South Carolina, born and raised. I graduated from Lander University in Greenwood, SC, where I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a historically African American intercollegiate sorority. I majored in Business with an emphasis in Economics and Finance. I always wanted to get into finance professionally.

I started working in retail management after college. I was a general manager for Waffle House, Nine West and Francesca’s before I moved into banking as a personal banker. I did that for two years and worked my way back into management as a branch manager. Then, in August 2021, I came to First National Bank (FNB) as a branch manager and had the unique opportunity to open our Uptown Charlotte branch on the ground floor of FNB’s regional headquarters tower.?

What does a typical day look like for you?

In general, I oversee the day-to-day functions of the Uptown Charlotte branch and have conversations with people and businesses to see how I can help them reach their financial goals.

On days when I am in the branch, I start by having a morning huddle with my team to set the expectations for the day and take additional time to sit with my employees and allow for an open dialogue about our needs and what we can improve on. In-branch days also allow time for me to do outreach to obtain new business opportunities for FNB.

Other times I am out of the office doing a lot of networking – an important aspect in FNB’s commitment to community outreach in the regions we serve. I meet with the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce, a local business networking group, and nonprofits we work regularly with including, but not limited to, the Urban League, Academy of Goal Achievers and LEAD.

What are some positives or unique benefits of working with an all-women team?

Working with an all-women team has a unique benefit in that we can better understand the specific challenges that women business owners we serve may encounter.

The culture working at FNB truly supports the team building process and an overall attitude of encouraging each other to be our best selves because we genuinely want to always see each other win. A win for one of us is a win for the branch team and further, a win for the larger Charlotte community.

Our mission at EmpowHERment is to empower a continuous network of girls and women to be leaders in their community through mentorship, talent development, and advocacy. Do you have any mentors who helped shape who you are today?

Yes, when I was a personal banker my manager at the time took me under her wing. She helped mold and prepare me to be a branch manager and when an opportunity opened for me, she encouraged me to apply for it. She was and still is my biggest cheerleader in my professional life and I wouldn’t have the banking knowledge and management experience that I have now if it wasn’t for her.

EmpowHERment supports advocacy and defending her voice through championing positive community action. What does community involvement mean to First National Bank and you as a leader?

FNB believes that doing what is right for our customer starts with making our communities even better places to live and work and that the best way to do that is to get involved — and so do I.

The bank has invested millions of dollars across our footprint into charities, schools, chambers, economic development efforts, nonprofits and more community-based organizations. In the Charlotte market, we support groups like Habitat for Humanity, the Urban League, Latin Americans Working for Achievement, Grace Mar, Junior Achievement, St. Jude, the United Way and other local groups.

My branch specifically has opened accounts for people graduating from job cohorts at the Urban League, participated in events with the Women’s Business Center of Charlotte to support women business owners, offered financial education about saving and budgeting for students, hosted blood drives at our branch and so much more.

Personally, I knew starting with FNB in a new branch meant getting my name and our brand out to familiarize the community with how we could serve them. I believe there is no better way to do that than through service to my community.

Part of EmpowHERment’s mission is to develop her voice through providing resources and environments that develop strengths, skills, and interests. What strengths, skills, or interests do you believe have contributed to your success today?

My greatest strength is being receptive to feedback. After most interactions I love to ask for feedback so I can see how I can improve for next time. One of my top skills would be my communication skills with customers. Coming from a retail background, I know how to be very personable and help people whether helping them find shoes for their first job, an outfit for a graduation or a loan to help them consolidate finances and get out of debt. I love helping people and believe when you put good energy out, it comes back to you.

What advice would you give to young girls?

I have two daughters and every morning before we leave the house I have them look in the mirror and say something nice about themselves. It could be that they are pretty, smart, special – as long as it’s positive. Girls have to believe in themselves before they can expect the world to believe in them and we have to support them in that confidence boost.

My best advice is don’t take no for an answer, ask for feedback, improve and try again. Most importantly, enjoy life! Don’t let the stereotypes of what a woman “should” be dictate your life and enjoy what makes you happy.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

FNB is not only a resource to help our customers achieve financial success but a bank that is passionate about driving greater equality and opportunity in the communities it calls home. I’m fortunate to work for a company with core values that align with mine and I look forward to continuing to serve young girls, their parents, women and the greater Charlotte region as a resource for banking and financial advice.

Thank you, Latosha, for such an inspiring message!

It's a beautiful thing when your values align with your work. Being surrounded by a team that is just as uplifting and hardworking is also a pleasant bonus.

Continue doing the great work that you do. It does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate you all!