Kara Wiersma, 38
Vice president, learning & development manager
Fidelity Bank, Leominster
Residence: Auburn
Birthplace: Worcester
College: Quinsigamond Community College & Boston University
When Wiersma graduated from college while five months pregnant and working full-time while commuting to class at Boston, it was just a snapshot for her ability to juggle responsibilities, as she still does today as a busy mother of two: Since 2018, she’s been growing Fidelity’s employee training and development program; with her husband, she coaches her daughters under-4 soccer team in Auburn; she works as a QCC student mentor as a way to give back to the place where she earned her associate degree in graphic design; and at Lifesong Church in Sutton, she greets attendees to make everyone feel welcome. None of those other duties kept her from advancing in banking, where she’s worked since her days as a part-time teller at Commonwealth Bank in 2001. Wiersma was passionate enough about banking to take classes on nights and weekends for her bachelor’s degree in management studies, then moving her way up in the field to become an area manager responsible for three branches. Wiersma was then an assistant vice president and area relationship manager for United Bank and a retail training onboarding and development manager for Commerce Bank, before moving from banking services to her job today in helping Fidelity best help its employees succeed. – Profile written by Grant Welker
What is the one meal you could eat for the rest of your life? Salad. It has variety, plus a nice dose of veggies.
Why do you live in Central Mass.? I was born and raised here. It is my home.
What are you proudest of? Where I am today. I have two incredible daughters and a career I love.
