Solmeris Hernandez – West Michigan 25 most influential Latinos
Solmeris Hernandez
Vice President/Wealth Management Advisor
Fifth Third Bank
Solmeris Hernandez has always been an advocate for investing in Latino communities by providing financial literacy and to that end has worked with different organizations to ensure people are well prepared for the future.
Hernandez said her passion to help others goes back to her days as a 16-year-old immigrant from Venezuela.
“As a new immigrant, I had to navigate a space not knowing the language, while learning the culture,” she said. “That experience inspired me to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves.”
In the past 15 years, she has held numerous positions as a promoter of diversity and inclusion, in addition to her leadership at Fifth Third Bank.
Hernandez was part of the Latino Talent Initiative at Ferris State University, currently known as LEADeres, and served as co-chair for the Welcome Plan in Kent County, a community plan intended to address the top priorities and barriers for New Americans in Kent County.
“These roles and experiences have given me the ability to build a leadership legacy within the bank and in the Grand Rapids community … I am passionate in my advocacy for projects that will lead to positive change and growth.”
She also managed the 20-person bilingual team for Fifth Third Bank for about 5 years, serving clients in English and Spanish and providing translating resources (Spanish) to the different teams within the bank.
Her efforts led to the expansion of a second team in Cincinnati and partnering with other departments to enhance the client experience.
As co-chair of Fifth Third’s Latino Business Resource Groups, one of seven BRG’s the bank has in West Michigan, Hernandez was a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
“I believe that every member of society benefits when our collective efforts forge an understanding world that is inclusive and treats people with the dignity and respect we all deserve,” she said.