What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in banking? My advice to someone just starting their career in banking is to approach it with an open and curious mindset. Many people assume banking is limited to frontline roles like tellers, lenders or branch managers, but the industry offers a wide range of career paths. From compliance and risk management to marketing, operations, IT, financial analysis and wealth management – there are countless opportunities to explore. If you weren’t a banker, what would you do for a living? If I weren’t a banker, I would be an accountant, following in my father’s footsteps. Who or what inspires you? My three children are my greatest source of inspiration. Watching them grow, learn and approach life with curiosity and resilience motivates me to be the best version of myself – both personally and professionally. What is the thing you have done/accomplished, professionally or personally, that you are the most proud of? I’m incredibly proud to be a first-generation college graduate, a milestone made possible by the motivation and sacrifices of my parents. Earning my bachelor’s degree was my way of honoring them, while pursuing my master’s degree was something I did for myself. Both achievements represent hard work, resilience and growth. What are you reading or listening to? I am currently reading “Tides of Fire,” a thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling author James Rollins. I’ve read and enjoyed most of his books. Tell us about something on your bucket list. My bucket list includes vacationing in Africa to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti National Park and visiting Zimbabwe to see the breathtaking Victoria Falls. I would also like to travel to Australia to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. “Diane is the heart of our community engagement, working with our partners and colleagues to create value in the community. She participates in countless community events, and that’s where you’ll often find her – in the community, helping and building relationships. Her kindness, energy and compassion shine through in everything she does.” — Benjamin J. Bochnowski CEO Peoples Bank, Munster November/December 2025 39
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