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Annette Wanchena: Lessons to my younger self

The Ann Bancroft Foundation welcomes Annette Wanchena as a board member in 2026. Annette offers three lessons to her younger self.
  1. You shouldn’t be expected to know what you want to do for the rest of your life when you get out of high school.  You’ll develop skills, and your interests can evolve as you grow in your career. In addition, priorities will change as you age.  Your trajectory may not be a straight line, but it has lots of twists and dips in it. 
     
  2. Work on your strengths.  It’s great to try different roles and tasks, but pay attention to what gives you energy.  Not everyone is meant to be a manager or own a business, but you can be a leader in your own right when your strengths shine.
     
  3. Not everyone will like you.  It’s important to respect differences and treat others equally, but you can’t make everyone happy.  Find your “people.” Love on others. Do the best you can.
Annette Wanchena
Board Member
Royal Credit Union

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