When she couldn't figure out a way to make a living in theater, Lourdes Cortez, knew pretty early on she wanted to be able to make a difference in people's lives.

"Although I knew I loved to speak to people, I realized as I was growing up my younger dreams of breaking into show business wouldn't be easy since at the time you really needed connections," said Cortez, who is president/CEO of North Jersey Federal Credit Union in Totowa, N.J. "So I started look at other career opportunities. I was a teller, but I was interested in other aspects of the business. I started to aspire to be a part of the executive team, someday, but at the time I never thought I'd get to where I am today."

Cortez started working at the credit union in the early 1980s to put herself through school. She started as a teller and worked in every department, gaining familiarity and experience with the nuts and bolts of running a credit union. She credits many mentors along the way who not only encouraged her to continue her education but took her under their wing helping her recognize, build and further develop skill sets in her leadership toolbox.