Hometown: Sarajevo, Bosnia
Alma mater: University of South Florida; University of Florida Levin College of Law; Georgetown University Law Center
In her own words: “I advise the Board of Directors and senior management on all legal and risk matters affecting the company. In my role, I’m responsible for monitoring over $8 billion in financial transactions annually through a company-wide compliance management program designed to prevent and report potential financial crimes to the federal government that pose a threat to the national security of the United States.” This includes potential money laundering, terrorist financing or human trafficking, for example. As a company, we collaborate with federal and state regulators and law enforcement to support the lawmaking, consumer protection and investigative processes.
“I think my profession chose me. My parents, sister and I escaped war-torn Bosnia in the early 1990s to pursue our version of the American dream, eventually becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. Given my exposure to injustice and constant displacement early on, it was inevitable that I would study law and become interested in human rights and national security. My current work in consumer protection and anti-money laundering compliance, which is closely linked to the protection of national security and human rights, was a natural career progression.”
Charitable involvement: “On a local level, I support educational efforts through the USF Alumni Association. My love of learning was born at the University of South Florida Honors College, where I was encouraged by incredible professors and administrators. Their words still linger and continue to inspire me. Supporting each generation of students both financially and through mentorship is critical. I have tremendous hope in the younger generation to shape the world and communities we live in for the better. On a more global level, my passion is international human rights and transitional justice initiatives. This past year, I went back to school while working to obtain my LLM from Georgetown University Law Center in national security law with a certificate in human rights. I strive to stay connected to and support the important mission of the Georgetown Law Human Rights Institute and Center on National Security Law through research, advocacy, participation and collaboration.”
When I’m not in the office, you can find me… “Somewhere outside — biking, hiking, boating, at a music festival, or yoga in the park.”
Mentor: “I try to see every person I meet, regardless of how long or brief the encounter may be, as a teacher. But ultimately, my parents are my heroes. They gave up their lives to protect my future.”
Philosophy: “Stay curious and don’t judge.”
Best piece of advice I’ve ever received: “Be bold!”
Favorite thing about Tampa: “Hyde Park Village. It brings people together for a moment of leisure and conversation in an organic, old world way.”
Favorite book: “‘The Art of Travel’ by Alain de Botton. It makes you notice the extraordinary in the ordinary and awakens a sense of wonder. I recommend this book to any fellow traveler or art lover.”
App I can’t live without: “Pandora radio. There is nothing a good song can’t cure… paired with a glass of wine.”
Dream vacation: “I would love to travel back in time and spend a day in the 1920s. It’s my favorite literary period, and I’d love to hang with the writers of the Lost Generation.”
