What is “A Moment With”? The Women’s Business Development Center is pleased to continue with our series, “A Moment With”, where we periodically highlight some of our greatest supporters and partners, sharing their career experiences and advice. This month, we are highlighting Phylicia Manley, Vice President and Program Officer in Corporate Responsibility at JPMorgan Chase.
Meet Vice President Phylicia Manley: After serving nearly three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Community and Economic Development in rural Paraguay, Phylicia transitioned back home to the U.S. to continue working in neighborhood revitalization and development, including three years with the international nonprofit, Global Communities. In 2019, she joined JPMorgan Chase as an underwriter in Commercial Banking, focusing on impact finance and collaboration with CDFIs. Currently, she is a Vice President and Program Officer in Global Philanthropy, leading the small business pillar in Chicago and guiding grant making in Indiana and Wisconsin.
Phylicia holds a BS in Public Relations and Business Administration from Illinois State University and a MA in Economics and Community Development and Planning from Western Illinois University.
A Lesson
We asked: What inspired you to take the career path you took?
Vice President Phylicia Manley shared: Shortly after my undergraduate education at Illinois State University, I went to Paraguay as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Community and Economic Development sector. My time abroad not only inspired but cemented my desire to work with communities to support revitalization and generate collective impact. The experience provided me the opportunity to learn more about another country, its history, language, and culture, and the importance of people at the forefront of producing change.
A Turning Point
We asked: How do you push yourself to take risks?
Vice President Phylicia Manley shared: I remind myself often that we have such a finite time here. Opportunities come when we challenge ourselves to envision our highest potential. It’s risky thinking, but I know when I try something new and learn a new skill, it also encourages others to do the same and that is even more inspiring. The incredible leaders that have come before us and led us into the future made history by taking risks. I’m encouraged to not only take risks for myself, but for the opportunity to help build a pathway for others in the amazing city of Chicago and beyond.
A Guidepost
We asked: Share with us a mantra you live by.
Vice President Phylicia Manley shared: Each day I try to live by the phrase “remain teachable.” It reminds me to appreciate the experiences that others have to offer and all that I have yet to learn.
Thank you, Phylicia Manley, for participating in “A Moment With”; we are proud to call you a loyal friend of the WBDC.
