When people are young, their dreams often feel certain and clearly defined. They imagine careers that fit neatly within what they know at the time — teacher, doctor, engineer, astronaut, something they can picture. Yet life has a way of revealing other paths.

For Tasnim Ahmad ’21, MBA ’26, that moment of realization came when she reconsidered her long-sought passion to serve in healthcare. On a whim, Ahmad chose to study finance in college instead—a path initially unforeseen but now treasured.

Now a Commissioned Safety & Soundness Bank Examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, she works at the intersection of finance, technology, and community impact. Ahmad even staked her writing chops for Community Banking Connections earlier this year, a national publication of the Federal Reserve System that addresses financial stability and regulatory trends.

For her, her position and body of work have been proof of how far she has come from those early, tentative steps at CU Denver Business School.

Where It All Began

As with many, Ahmad often credits the people who raised her for her drive.

Her family is her greatest source of strength and groundedness in who she is and what matters. Growing up, she learned from her parents and siblings that education was key, as they believed it was one of the most reliable ways to gain independence. This was then replicated by her older siblings, who showed her what was possible. Witnessing them navigate their own studies made her believe she could do the same.

Ahmad discovered early on that she had a gift for math. Problem-solving was easy, but she liked helping others do it best. Her teachers encouraged her to tutor students, and she enjoyed seeing them grow more confident as she passed on what she knew.

That same enthusiasm remains today. Her family frequently comes to her for financial guidance, affectionately calling her their go-to banking guru. It is a gesture that brings a smile to her face, reminds her of how much they trust her, and that she takes with quiet humility into each new challenge.

Redefining What Success Means

Ahmad’s venture into finance was a surprise, with a little prodding from CU Denver’s Business Career Center. She enrolled in a course on career development, resume writing, and networking as an undergraduate. She never expected it to have such an impact.

“That class was a wake-up call,” recalled Ahmad. “It showed me how many opportunities were out there if I just took the initiative to reach out and connect with people.”

By going through the process, she learned to effectively promote herself, close the gap between academic distinction and professional competence, and pursue finance more heavily. Classroom instruction quickly gave way to professional connections that led her to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, where she now works at the intersection of finance, technology, and community engagement.

“If you truly are the smartest person in a room, then you need to go find another room.”

Tasnim Ahmad ’21, MBA ’26

Arriving at the Federal Reserve was exhilarating and daunting. Ahmad quickly realized that going from student to professional would challenge her in ways she hadn’t experienced before. “It was the first time I wasn’t the smartest person in the room,” she said about her first weeks at the bank. “I had to get comfortable with that, and it taught me how much more there was to learn.”

But rather than pushing her away, it compelled Ahmad to rethink how she collaborated with her. She began to notice that most of the criticism stemmed from a desire for her to succeed, and that relying on the people she trusted could make the bad days less bad.

She later came to realize humility as a positive trait rather than a negative one. “If you truly are the smartest person in a room, then you need to go find another room,” she asserted.

It’s an attitude that has served Ahmad well through significant milestones, including her acceptance of a commission as a Safety and Soundness Bank Examiner, and, more recently, her pursuit of an MBA at CU Denver Business School.

Purpose in Practice

As her career progressed, the meaning of impact changed. She redefined impact as the quiet confidence that what she did contributed to something greater. Each exam and report is like a contribution to the faith that individuals have in financial institutions every day. And, while the effects may not be visible all the time, their impact still rings within them. Families saving for their first home, small business owners planning their next stage, and students opening their very first accounts all rely on a system that is stable and fair.

Ahmad’s values never wavered. Faith and family continue to guide how Ahmad works and defines success. “My family is always at the forefront of my mind in the way that I do things,” she stated. “They’ve been there through every stage.” The hard work and humility she acquired at an early age now guide her leadership and service, both in and out of the workplace.

That same foundation inspires the kind of legacy Ahmad wishes to leave. “I hope to leave behind a legacy of mentorship and support,” she asserts. “Fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and positive impact for others is crucial to a healthy organization, which, by extension, becomes a sustainable one.”

The Work of Becoming

As a newer professional,  establishing her place in the world, Ahmad sees her life as an ongoing journey.

She often catches herself wondering how easy it is to mistake “progress” for “arrival.” She aims to maintain her groundedness amid the unknown and trusts that every turn has its purpose in the bigger picture. That understanding has shaped the vision that she now shares with the world.

Her advice to students who are making their own paths is simple. “Don’t be afraid or discouraged if you are an outsider,” she encouraged. “You should never have to compromise your values to fit into any professional path or working environment. Even in times when the job market is uncertain, keep searching for the opportunities that best reflect who you are and what you want to become.”

Ahmad believes the path to growth is rarely straight and that detours often reveal what truly matters. “Trust that things will fall into place over time,” she added. “Patience and persistence will pay off. Keep going, and once you’re up the ladder, make sure to lift others who may still be struggling.”