BMO recognized with Corporate Partnership Award by JVS SoCal for workforce development impact

Through our partnership with JVS SoCal, we have been recognized with a Corporate Partnership Award for our shared work advancing workforce development and expanding access to career pathways across Southern California. 

The recognition honors our work alongside JVS SoCal, a leading workforce development nonprofit that connects individuals to no‑cost, employer‑aligned training and job placement programs. Together, the partnership helps transform training into real careers, particularly in financial services. 

(Left) The Corporate Partnership Award was presented to BMO by Joselyn Cuevas, Retail Market President and BMORE program graduate. (Right) Accepting the award on behalf of BMO, Sandy Walia, Regional President for Southern California, reflected on the role partnerships play in strengthening communities and the economy.

One of the most visible examples of that impact is BankWork$, JVS SoCal’s financial services training program that prepares participants for careers in banking. BankWork$ is part of BMORE, our award-winning approach to workforce development that supports job training and career pathways in communities across the U.S. 

The award was presented at JVS SoCal’s 27th Annual Strictly Business Awards Dinner – an event that brings together business, nonprofit and community leaders to celebrate impact and collaboration – by Joselyn Cuevas, Retail Market President at BMO and a BMORE program graduate. Cuevas shared her personal journey from program participant to banking professional, underscoring how employer‑aligned training and strong partnerships can open doors to long‑term career opportunity. 

“I am living proof of what that partnership can make possible,” Cuevas said. 

Accepting the award on behalf of BMO, Sandy Walia, Regional President for Southern California, spoke about the role workforce development plays in strengthening communities and the broader economy. 

“At BMO, our purpose is to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. That means showing up for our communities, investing in people and supporting solutions that connect talent to opportunity. Our partnership with JVS SoCal brings that purpose to life.”

- Sandy Walia, Regional President for Southern California, BMO 

For more than a decade, we have supported JVS SoCal’s work through hiring, mentorship, volunteer engagement and program support. As we continue to grow our presence in California, partnerships like this help ensure workforce needs are met – while creating meaningful and sustainable career opportunities. 

The recognition reflects a shared commitment between two organizations to build a stronger workforce and a more resilient regional economy. 

Learn more about JVS SoCal and their workforce development programs.