Jadira Hoptry

When Jadira Hoptry tells her story, it’s clear she approaches every decision with intent. From presenting her father with a business case that she should leave her native Puerto Rico and attend college at the University of Florida to choosing roles where she can make the most impact in her community, the First Merchants Director of Community Lending and Development’s career is marked by a deliberate balance of high performance and commitment to helping others.

After earning her degree in Business Administration from University of Florida, Jadira began her career in restaurant management. In her spare time, she served as a “budget counselor” for friends and coworkers, and soon recognized a real need for financial education in her community. Shortly thereafter, she made the move into the banking industry–in part because she believed it was where she could have the most significant impact.

Within a few years, she had managed three banking centers in low- to moderate-income (LMI) areas. At each one, she improved profitability, assisted in the development of mortgage products, and built a diverse and thriving small business portfolio. Finishing as top performer in serving businesses and individuals for multiple years opened the door for Jadira to transition to Community Development, where she launched initiatives for regions under her purview to create profitable LMI banking centers and to earn an Outstanding Rating.

It was this stage in her career that Jadira calls her professional turning point.

“I have always found the greatest joy in helping under-served individuals improve their economic standing,” she said. “But I take a lot of pride in seeing my work as a viable economic mobility driver not only for our communities but also for the bank. I have been able to develop plans that elevate LMI areas and minority populations and are driven by true business opportunities.”

Jadira came to First Merchants in late 2020 and was excited to focus on growing the home lending piece of the company’s community development commitment. Since then, Jadira has expanded the community lending team from three to nine people and helped expand both community partnerships and the Next Horizon Mortgage program for first-time homebuyers across the bank’s footprint. She also wasted no time getting involved in the Indianapolis community—she is a board member and Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for Prosperity Indiana – an organization advocating for affordable housing, and holds leadership positions with Bankable, powered by the Flagship Enterprise Center, the Indiana Latino Institute, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and United Way.

Recently the Indiana Bankers Association honored Jadira’s accomplishments naming her their 2021 Woman of the Year. The award recognizes female professionals who demonstrate professional excellence, community service and a passion for supporting other women to reach their full potential—whether in banking or other fields.

First Merchants Bank’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility compels us to invest in our communities by finding ways to reduce inequalities, improve the quality of our neighborhoods, and promote positive economic mobility through our five community pillars: Employee Empowerment; Community Investments and Charitable Giving; Financial Wellness; Community Home Lending; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This series features First Merchants teammates who embody the spirit and impact of the company’s Vision: “to enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.”