Leading with heart and purpose
 

From her early days as a summer intern to her current role as assistant vice president in State Street Investment Management’s Client Coverage Group, Brankely’s journey is a testament to how culture and professional excellence work together to drive meaningful progress.

With a trio of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) credentials – Series 7, 63 and 24, she commands the compliance landscape with precision. Whether she’s steering broker-dealer licensing coordination or vetting marketing materials for high-stakes initiatives like ETF launches, Brankely’s work is critical to the firm’s success. But her impact reaches far beyond her day-to-day responsibilities.

As co-chair of the Latin American Professionals Network (LAPN), Brankely is a driving force for cultural connection and community engagement. Last year, while co-chairing the Volunteer and Outreach Committee, she led volunteer initiatives with nine local organizations, inspiring collaboration across employee networks and elevating the visibility of LAPN and Hispanic voices in finance.

“Leadership doesn’t require extroversion,” she acknowledges. “I’m an introvert, but with the right support and a desire to succeed, you can lead boldly and authentically.”

Brankely’s Dominican heritage is at the core of her leadership style. Arriving in the US as a teenager, she brought with her a deep sense of community, resilience and purpose. Today, she strives to create spaces where colleagues feel they belong and are encouraged to thrive. Places that, as she put it, feel like “la familia” – welcoming, empowering and inclusive.

For her, honoring heritage means inspiring action and leadership. As State Street celebrates the impact of our employee networks and their 25-year legacy, she encourages Hispanic colleagues and all employees to build strong connections – both within the workplace and the community – and to embrace challenges and new opportunities.

“Sometimes the most rewarding things come from stepping outside your comfort zone.” She reminds us that with the right support, resources and mindset, “You can thrive.”

Whether she’s working on strategic initiatives or rallying volunteers, Brankely leads with vision, authenticity and, above all, heart.
 

Commitment rooted in culture and collective success
 

Alex’s journey at State Street is a powerful example of how leadership can be shaped by heritage, humility and an unwavering commitment to success. As vice president and program manager within the People Transformation team of Global Delivery, Alex has spent more than a decade driving impact across Operations and Risk Management initiatives.

At the heart of his leadership style lies a deep connection to his roots.

“Hispanic culture teaches us that the group’s success is more important than the individual,” he shares. “That ‘we, not me’ mindset guides how I build relationships and collaborate across teams.”

This philosophy enables Alex to create inclusive environments where ideas flourish and people thrive. “By raising others up and letting them shine, we bring new ideas to the table and foster the next generation of leaders,” he says.

Inspired by the famous line attributed to John F. Kennedy, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” Alex is dedicated to empowering, advocating for, and spotlighting the successes of his team members and peers. At the same time, he encourages Hispanic colleagues to be bold and resilient – embracing new challenges, responsibilities and roles, and pushing beyond their comfort zones to unlock growth.

As co-chair of LAPN alongside Brankely, Alex’s involvement with the network has fueled his own professional growth and transformation. Through LAPN, he has built cross-functional relationships, developed new skills and expanded his leadership toolkit. “It’s helped me engage with professionals outside my primary business lines and build relationships and friendships that have greatly enriched my State Street experience,” he explains.

Alex believes employee networks are essential for innovation and growth because they create spaces where people feel seen and accepted. “When employees feel safe being themselves, they’re more likely to challenge the status quo, escalate risks and offer creative solutions. And that’s how we evolve our business and continue to attract top talent.”

He sees this month as a pivotal moment to reflect and focus on the path ahead.

“We’re at an inflection point. It’s time to actively pave the way to the future we want.”

That future is built on connection, inclusion and shared purpose, and our employee networks are leading the charge. With 20 networks and more than 100 chapters worldwide, these communities foster belonging and drive meaningful change.

By partnering with them, we move beyond imagining a better future – we're actively building it together.

We encourage all employees to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month events, engage with our networks and share their stories. Together, we honor our past and inspire our future, building a State Street where everyone belongs and every voice is heard.