Every era of business has its defining force. In the industrial age, it was scale. In the tech boom, it was innovation. Today, in a world flooded with choices and instant access, the true differentiator is trust—earned not through promises, but through presence, insight, and unwavering commitment.
As industries shift and consumer expectations climb, one truth has become clear: the most successful businesses aren’t those that simply transact—they build relationships that last. This is especially true in finance, where decisions are deeply personal, and confidence can’t be manufactured—it must be cultivated.
At the intersection of empathy and strategy, a new kind of leadership is emerging. One that listens before it speaks, solves before it sells, and elevates the client experience from a service to a partnership.
It’s within this evolving paradigm that Jenna Williams is making her mark. As a Relationship Manager at BMO, she’s not only navigating change—she’s helping shape a more human, more connected future of banking in America.
From Humble Beginnings to Financial Leadership
Every extraordinary journey begins with a single step, often taken long before success is even a thought. For Jenna Williams, that first step came at 18, not in a boardroom, but in the hustle of the restaurant industry. It was there she discovered her natural gift for sales and client connection. Her strong performance and work ethic quickly set her apart, planting the seeds for a future in business. She moved on to Silicon Maps, Inc., sharpening her skills in customer service and project management, followed by a role at Inter-Tel, gaining valuable insights into the communications sector.
After stepping back to raise her family, she returned to the workforce entering banking in 2007 with Wells Fargo, where she held various roles that deepened her financial expertise and reinforced her reputation for trust and results.
In 2021, Jenna entered the world of community banking, joining Fremont Bank as a Relationship Manager, specializing in commercial lending and SBA loans. Her work supporting small businesses aligned with her passion for impact-driven finance.
In September 2023, after surviving a stroke with heart failure and taking space to recover and heal mind body and soul, Jenna returned stronger and more focused. She soon joined BMO as a Relationship Manager, drawn to the bank’s client-first values and commitment to empowering entrepreneurs—values that mirror her own mission.
About BMO: A Trusted Financial Institution Empowering Growth
BMO is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services providers. With over 200 years of trusted experience, BMO serves more than 12 million customers across personal, commercial, corporate, and investment banking. The bank is widely recognized for its commitment to innovation, community engagement, and customer-centric solutions. In the United States, BMO has built a strong presence, particularly in community and business banking, offering tailored financial strategies that support the long-term growth of small and mid-sized businesses.
Within this dynamic institution, professionals like Jenna Williams play a critical role in advancing BMO’s mission of boldly growing the good in business and life. As a dedicated Relationship Manager, Jenna embodies the bank’s values of integrity, accountability, and client advocacy—serving as a trusted partner to small business owners and entrepreneurs navigating their financial journeys.
A Modern Leader Redefining Relationship Banking
At BMO, Jenna Williams brings her wealth of experience and personal philosophy to the forefront of relationship banking. As a Relationship Manager, she serves as a key bridge between business owners and the financial solutions they need to grow and thrive. Jenna’s approach is not transactional—it’s transformational. She takes the time to truly understand the unique goals of each client, tailoring strategies that align with their vision while offering insights that empower long-term success.
Her role goes beyond lending; it’s about building confidence, trust, and sustainable partnerships. Jenna’s authenticity, coupled with her deep financial expertise, has earned her the respect of both her clients and colleagues. She is known not just for getting results, but for how she gets them—with empathy, integrity, and a relentless focus on doing what’s right.
Her presence at BMO is more than professional—it’s purposeful. Jenna exemplifies the bank’s values in every interaction, championing inclusivity, education, and accessibility in financial services. In doing so, she continues to make a meaningful impact—not only on the businesses she supports, but on the broader banking landscape that’s evolving to be more client-centered and community-focused.
In Jenna’s words “I am a Commercial Banker with a heart. I work as the dedicated contact for a focused group of clients that collaborate with me on their money blueprint. If I can’t directly impact the desire, I will harness my network of trusted connections and supply their dream team to achieve it”
Lifting Women, Leading Change
Jenna Williams is not only a leader in finance—she’s a tireless advocate for women in the industry. Through her active involvement with Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), she’s taken on key leadership roles including DEI Director, Programs Committee Member, Membership Committee Member, and Golf Chair.
In each of these roles, Jenna has worked to create spaces where women can connect, grow, and lead. Her approach is grounded in action—organizing inclusive events, mentoring rising talent, and championing diversity with purpose.
“I believe that when one woman rises, she should reach back and pull others up with her,” she shares.
Jenna’s efforts go beyond advocacy—her focus is to build a lasting legacy of empowerment and opportunity for future women leaders in business.
Honors That Speak Volumes
Jenna Williams’ exceptional contributions to banking, small business advocacy, and women’s empowerment have earned her widespread recognition from some of the most respected institutions in the industry. Her work continues to set a standard for integrity, impact, and innovation. These honors not only validate her leadership but also underscore her role as a fearless force driving meaningful change in financial services and beyond.
- Featured in Marquis Who’s Who of Professional Women
- Continental Who’s Who
- Top 50 Fearless Leaders IAOTP
- Top 5 Female Icons to Follow 2025-Magnate View
- 2024 Woman of the Year Top 100 Registry
- Finalist, Empowered Woman Award
- Honored by IAOTP as Top SBA Specialist of the Year (2024)
- Selected for IAOTP’s “Top 50 Fearless Leaders” Publication (results will be announced on December 2025)
- Cover TIP (Top Industry Professionals) Magazine
- Recognized for leadership in diversity and women’s advancement through CREW Network
These honors aren’t just milestones—they are markers of a career built on purpose, passion, and impact that continues to shape the future of finance.
Vision with Purpose, Legacy in Motion
Jenna Williams has already built a career marked by distinction; her journey is far from complete. With her sights set firmly on the future, she continues to push boundaries—both personally and professionally. Her current mission remains rooted in helping business owners access the financial tools they need to succeed, but her ambitions extend far beyond her day-to-day responsibilities.
A savvy real estate investor, Jenna is actively building a diverse property portfolio across the West Coast, with a long-term goal of owning more than 20 properties by retirement. For her, this isn’t just about personal success—it’s about financial independence, generational wealth, and setting an example of what’s possible when passion meets planning.
Yet Jenna’s greatest investment is not in assets—it’s in people. Whether she’s guiding entrepreneurs through complex financial decisions, mentoring women in the industry, or championing inclusive leadership through CREW, she leads with intention, integrity, and heart.
Her legacy is one of resilience and purpose. From humble beginnings to being recognized among the most fearless leaders in finance, Jenna has shown what it means to rise with grit—and to bring others with her. She has not only shaped a remarkable career, but also ignited a path for others to follow.
As she continues to write new chapters of growth and impact, Jenna Williams stands as a beacon for what leadership truly looks like in today’s world: empathetic, empowering, and boldly driven by purpose.
Redefining Finance with Passion
Behind every outstanding career lies a spark—something deeper than ambition. For Jenna Williams, that spark has always been passion. Her journey from hospitality to high finance wasn’t just driven by a desire for success—it was a pursuit of purpose. With each role, each client conversation, and each challenge overcome, Jenna has turned her passion for helping people into a powerful professional philosophy.
Her rise in the financial sector is not defined solely by promotions or accolades, but by the consistent impact she’s made on the lives and livelihoods of business owners. Jenna’s story is one of grit and growth, marked by moments of reinvention, personal sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. She believes that integrity, lifelong learning, and relationship-building aren’t just strategies—they’re standards.
Today, her journey serves as a roadmap for aspiring professionals in finance, especially those seeking to align personal values with career goals. Whether through client advocacy at BMO or her leadership roles within CREW, Jenna’s professional identity is inseparable from her deeper calling: to empower others, foster financial confidence, and make every interaction a meaningful one.
The Leadership Code Jenna Lives By
Jenna Williams’ amazing journey is guided by strong values and real-life experience. Over many years, she has learned important lessons that shape how she leads and succeeds. Some of the most important lessons from her career are:
1. Honesty Matters Most
Jenna’s work is built on trust. She believes that no skill or degree can replace a good reputation earned by being honest and reliable.
“Your word is your brand,” she often says. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”Jenna’s life motto is this quote by Maya Angelou
2. Let Passion Guide You
Jenna’s love for finance is more than just facts and numbers—it’s personal. She enjoys solving problems, making things clear, and helping clients reach their goals. This passion motivates her to work hard, even when things are tough.
“When you really care about your work, it’s more than a job—it becomes your mission.”
3. Always Keep Learning
Jenna never stops growing. Whether it’s through getting new certifications, investing in real estate, or learning how to be a better leader, she believes learning is a lifelong process.
“The moment you think you know it all is when you stop growing,” she says. “Stay curious and humble.”
An Open Letter to Ambitious Professionals Seeking Purpose and Balance
Dear Ambitious Professionals,
In today’s high-pressure world, especially in industries like banking, it’s easy to lose sight of balance. I want to remind you: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your well-being. Make time for what brings you joy—be it hobbies, family, or goals outside work. For me, real estate investing and golfing have been both a passion and a path to personal fulfillment.
Equally vital is the power of relationships. Genuine connections—built on respect and mutual support—are what truly open doors. People may forget your title, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.
Set ambitious goals. Dream big, but also plan. Success is built on consistency, not luck. And as you climb, don’t forget to give back. Support your community. Be a mentor, and seek mentors. The wisdom shared and the lives impacted—those are the true milestones.
Lead with purpose. Strive with heart. And always, stay grounded.
Jenna Williams
Relationship Manager, BMO
How Jenna Williams Is Redefining Relationship Banking Through Purpose and Presence?
1. Trust Is the New Currency in Banking
Jenna Williams champions a human-first approach to finance—where relationships, not transactions, build long-term value and client confidence.
2. Empathy + Strategy = Impactful Leadership
By combining emotional intelligence with financial expertise, Jenna redefines leadership as a service-oriented, client-empowering journey.
3. Resilience Fuels Reinvention
From personal setbacks to professional comebacks, Jenna’s story is a testament to how grit, growth, and vision shape a truly fearless leader.
4. Purpose-Driven Success Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Jenna’s mission extends beyond her role—investing in real estate, mentoring women, and leading DEI initiatives all reflect her passion for empowering future generations.
5. Lifelong Learning Is the Foundation of Influence
Jenna views growth as a mindset, not a milestone. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement defines her as a modern-day role model in finance.
