Leveling up: A BMORE success story

In 2020, BMO partnered with Cara Collective to launch BMORE, a skills-based program that creates a path to jobs in financial services for those who might not otherwise consider the industry. Over the past five years, BMO has committed more than $500,000 in grants, enabling partner organizations to increase capacity, improve impact reporting, and ultimately help more community members. The BMORE program has opened doors for over 250 associate bankers across Chicago, Denver, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Madison and Phoenix, aligning with our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. 

One of those hires is LaKeita Burns, Chicago Associate Banker and a 2024 BMORE graduate. She is now building a rewarding career at BMO, enabling her to do what she loves most – helping people. 

LaKeita’s story

LaKeita began her career in education and loved every minute of it. But when she started a family, she found herself wanting to be fully present at home. At that point, she made a choice to pause her professional journey to raise her children and give them a safe, loving home. 

For a decade, her world revolved around her family. Those years were deeply meaningful to her, but as her children grew older and more independent, LaKeita felt it was time to relaunch a professional career. 

LaKeita was already successful – she was the first in her family to graduate from college and ran her own businesses from home. She had a great deal of knowledge and experience to offer, and thought returning to the workforce would be easy. It wasn’t. 

Instead, she spent seven months building spreadsheets of job applications, paying professionals to rewrite her résumé, and reaching out to contacts – but the callbacks were few and far between. Even when interviews came, they led nowhere.  

One day, she opened a community newsletter from Austin Coming Together and came across Cara Collective and the BMORE program, which she joined in March 2024. By the end of the program, she had received the Founders Award, a peer-nominated special honor for her display of leadership.  

Shortly after graduation, LaKeita joined BMO. 

“Every day, BMO empowers individuals with the tools and confidence to shape their own futures. I’m honored to be a part of a team that turns vision into impact and creates pathways into the financial industry. We don’t just work—we lead change. Together, we’re promoting stronger communities where inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality.” 

-LaKeita Burns, Chicago Associate Banker and 2024 BMORE graduate 

Today, LaKeita walks into the BMO financial center each morning knowing that she belongs. She meets dozens of clients daily, helping them reach their financial goals and navigate their lives. She no longer questions whether there’s a place for her – she knows there is, at BMO. 

Read more about Cara Collective.