Opportunity Realized: Fatima Avila’s Advancement with Class Act Federal Credit Union

Fatima Avila's ascent to Branch Coordinator is a tribute to her parents' sacrifices in their quest for la oportunidad in the United States. Their journey from Mexico to America was fueled by the hope of providing their children with a better life, and Fatima has embraced that legacy wholeheartedly. Through her experience in Southern High School's iGEN Academy as a student, she discovered a wealth of workforce opportunities.

Now, as the High School Branch Coordinator for Class Act Federal Credit Union at Jeffersontown High School, Fatima is excited to share similar opportunities with students that are participating in the Financial Services pathway. In this role, she's not only honoring her family's sacrifices but also creating pathways for her young employees to discover their own opportunities.

The Journey for “La Oportunidad”

Fatima’s story begins with her parents’ courageous decision to leave Mexico in search of la oportunidad over twenty years ago. “My parents came here to give me a better life,” Fatima reflects, so they moved to the United States to give their young family the opportunities they never had. Fatima’s parents have worked hard to provide for Fatima and her six siblings in Louisville. 

Her father is an entrepreneur who opened and owns La Tropicana, a local grocery store and restaurant. Her mother has worked as a server and now plays a crucial role in the family business. Despite their lack of formal education, they have built a good life for their family. “My parents have sacrificed so much for me,” Fatima says.

The Academies: A Gateway to Opportunities

What her parents envisioned in the United States, the Academies of Louisville delivered—real opportunities for success. Fatima’s parents have always encouraged her academic pursuits, and she excelled throughout high school. "The Academies helped me to network and to broaden my horizons," Fatima explains. "I realized all of the workforce opportunities through the Academies."

Fatima's journey with Class Act Federal Credit Union began at age fifteen when she was inspired by friends to apply for a summer training program. She completed a two-week paid training at the Fern Valley branch and worked on the teller line at the Southern High School branch as a junior, dedicating one class period each day to gain hands-on experience while also working over the summer at the Fern Valley branch. By her senior year, she became CUNA certified, graduating with this valuable credential. Her time with Class Act not only equipped her with practical skills but also opened up a wealth of career opportunities in the financial sector.

After high school, Fatima continued her education at Northern Kentucky University, graduating debt free and with cum laude honors. She was active in Alpha Psi Lambda, a coed Latino fraternity where she networked with other Latinos and helped to charter an associate chapter at Tennessee Tech. When forced to leave campus by the covid pandemic, she returned home and began working full-time again at Class Act while balancing the demands of completing her college courses. From 2020 to 2022, she worked as a Member Relations Officer at a main branch and transitioned to the role of Payment Operations Officer for one year.

“What her parents envisioned in the United States, the Academies of Louisville delivered—real opportunities for success. ”

Paying It Forward: Creating Opportunities for Others

After Class Act opened a branch at Jeffersontown High School in April 2024, Fatima applied for the role of High School Branch Coordinator in June. She now mentors students at Jeffersontown HS, mirroring the support she received as a student at Southern. Grateful for the guidance of her Southern teachers Marilyn Boyd and Tim Laha, as well as Class Act Executive Vice President Tom Anonson, Fatima is eager to pay it forward.

She oversees a program where fourteen students work during the day, gaining valuable experience in financial operations while earning business credits. "I love serving as a mentor to the students, connecting with them, and giving them advice on scholarship applications," Fatima shares. Her role goes beyond teaching financial skills; she's opening doors and revealing a wide array of career possibilities to her students.

Opportunity Realized

As the first in her family to graduate college, she has not only fulfilled her parents' dreams but also built a life for herself and her three-and-a-half-year-old son. In a heartfelt moment that encapsulates her family’s journey, Fatima placed her graduation cap and gown on her parents after her college commencement. This gesture symbolized not just her achievement, but the fruition of her parents' sacrifices and the realization of their dream for la oportunidad.

As Fatima continues to mentor and inspire her employees, she's creating a ripple effect of opportunity. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of the Academies of Louisville and the transformative power of education. Through her work, she ensures that the spirit of "la oportunidad" continues to thrive, opening doors for countless students to realize their own American dreams.

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