The power of one yes: How a leap of faith — and a few strong women — reshaped Megan's career
When Megan graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences, her path seemed clear: she’d become a speech pathologist, just like she planned. For a while, it worked — she found purpose in a transition program helping young adults with disabilities gain independence.
But financially, it wasn’t sustainable. She was working multiple jobs, piecing together income, and trying to figure out what came next. Then a friend told her about a role in financial technology (fintech). Megan had never considered working in tech. But she took a chance — and said yes.
That decision changed everything.
Now, more than a decade later, Megan’s built a career grounded in impact, integrity, and the confidence others helped her find along the way.
Q&A with Megan
Let’s start at the beginning. What led you to your first career path — and why did you change direction
Coming out of school, I knew I wanted to do something that made a direct impact. My mom worked in migrant education as an ESL specialist, and I saw how meaningful that work was — helping students who were the first in their families to go to college. That really shaped me.
I ended up working in a high school transition program for students with disabilities, helping them find jobs and live independently. It was important work. But financially, it was hard. I was babysitting and working catering jobs on the side just to make ends meet.
A friend told me about a customer service role at Simple, a fintech company. I knew nothing about the industry — but she believed I could do it. That encouragement, plus the stability it offered, gave me the push I needed.
I applied, I got the job, and I’ve been in fintech ever since.
What made you stay in this field — and what drew you to ChimeⓇ?
I stayed because I found a whole new world. I loved working at Simple, and I probably would’ve stayed longer if the company hadn’t closed. I moved into risk and compliance, and later spent a few years at Gusto.
What brought me to Chime was a combination of timing, mission, and people. An old manager of mine — someone I really admire — reached out and said, “There’s a role here that’s right for you.” Now I’m part of the Business Control Testing team, working across processes to identify risk, test controls, and make recommendations.
It’s a totally different path than I imagined, but it feels like exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.
Who has helped shape your journey?
Definitely my mom. She showed me that working hard and helping others can go hand in hand. Her impact on her students has always stayed with me.
And then there’s Julia Kahle, a Chimer and one of my former managers. She’s been a huge influence — someone who taught me how to use my voice and stay grounded in my values. She’s a friend and a mentor, and I’ve had the chance to work with her at three different companies now.
Also, my sister. She’s one of those people who tells it like it is, who reminds you of your worth even when you forget. She shows up for me every single day, and is always a voice of reason and support. She is so fierce, and I could never imagine making hard decisions without her input — a built in best friend that I have been so incredibly lucky to have by my side! I feel lucky to have women in my life who challenge me, encourage me, and show up when it counts.
Looking back, what was the moment that changed your path the most?
Honestly, it was the decision to take that first job in fintech. I was scared — I was leaving a field I thought I’d be in forever, and I didn’t know if I was cut out for tech. But a close friend gave me the pep talk I needed. She told me, you can do hard things. You’ll learn fast.
And she was right. I went from customer service to a promotion within six months. It gave me a sense of financial stability I’d never had before — and it opened a whole new career path I couldn’t have imagined.
What are you learning now? And how do you try to pay it forward?
Right now, I’m focused on personal growth. I want to learn piano. I’m planning more solo travel. I’m going to a women’s retreat in France this year — something that’s just for me.
Professionally, I try to remember what someone told me early in my career: Is anyone bleeding? Is the company going to crash? No? Then take a breath. It’s so easy to put pressure on yourself to get everything perfect. But perspective matters, and it’s important to believe in yourself at every turn.
I try to give that perspective to others, too, because it was so valuable to me. We all need someone to believe in us before we fully believe in ourselves. I’ve been fortunate to have people in my corner, so I try to be that person for those around me.
