‘I am motivated by my desire to help others’

First Hawaiian Bank vice president and area manager Vickie N. Izuka came to Saipan for work but the minutiae of banking work was not match for her capacity to give of herself. She soon found herself moving not only in the four corners of her office but around the community for worthy causes.

Izuka, who was recently given the opportunity to oversee the FHB branches on Saipan, has been volunteering since high school and has always enjoyed helping others, learning new skills, and meeting people.

“My mother was my role model in volunteerism, and she was instrumental in having me participate in faith-based and sports activities when I was growing up. In high school and college, I volunteered in leadership capacities at school, church, and sports within my communities,” she added.

After graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in B.S. Business Administration and B.A. East Asian Language and Culture, Izuka started her finance and banking career right away. “I have been employed by domestic and foreign banks in wholesale and retail banking. My experience at these companies helped me build my foundational knowledge and banking skills. I am analytical by nature and with the insight and guidance I received from excellent mentors and colleagues, within the bank and also in the community, I am able to approach tasks and projects with confidence that leads to successful outcomes for our customers and the bank,” she said.

Wherever she is, reaching out is always a part of her life. Izuka, who has been in the CNMI for 25 years now, serves as a member of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s education and workforce committee, the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, and MP United Football Club.

“At the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, I have been involved with educational initiatives and the scholarship program to help our youth further their education with hopes of bettering our community. At NMIFA, I am one of the charter members and am very proud of the new opportunities the organization has developed for youth and adults. NMIFA has also built a beautiful facility in Koblerville for soccer activities and special community events. In addition to developing and sending several national teams to compete internationally, NMIFA offers recreational activities for community members of all ages so they can maintain a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

Since becoming an empty nester for the past two years, Izuka said she has more time to focus on work and prioritize new activities. “I am motivated by my desire to help others. In the morning before heading to work, I start the day collaborating and communicating with my colleagues at work, community organizations, social circles, and my family who are in the U.S. mainland. I also participate in an early morning Pilates class a few times a week, which helps me prepare mentally and physically to start the day with positive energy,” she said.

The banking industry took a hit during the pandemic, just like any other organizations in the world, which is why one of Izuka’s goals this year is to continue to provide a safe and caring environment for her clients on Saipan.

“Many of our employees are considered front-liners serving many customers face-to-face daily and we have had to pivot and adjust at a moment’s notice in many different directions with ongoing changes in bank and local government directives the past two years. I also want to continue to foster teamwork and collaboration with our Saipan staff and focus on improving banking experiences for our customers and deepening our community relationships,” she said. “This includes embracing change and thinking outside-the-box to make banking more convenient and beneficial while helping the bank grow. Customers now have many more financial options with active and ever-evolving digital technologies.”

Izuka represents a growing sector of women who hold prominent positions in the finance and banking industry but she distinguishes herself by not turning her bacs when the community needs her help. “I hope that I have made a difference to those I have had the opportunity to work with so that people can see that anything can be done when you put your heart and mindset into it,” she said. Ultimately, I aspire to be a positive influencer by working collaboratively, empowering the team, building trust and confidence, ensuring timely delivery of personal commitments and just helping others whenever I can.”