Witad Awards 2026: Above and beyond award (end-user)—Meera Thacker, Bank of America

How long have you been working in the financial services industry?
Meera Thacker, Bank of America: Curiosity about data is what first set me on this path. During my master’s program at Stevens Institute of Technology, I became fascinated by data mining—how patterns hidden in data can reveal insights and opportunities. That curiosity eventually evolved into a passion for data science and, today, GenAI. I’ve now spent about 15 years in the financial services industry. My journey began with an internship at Credit Suisse. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what working in financial markets meant, but I was immediately drawn to the energy, the pace and the incredibly smart people around me on Wall Street. Interestingly, the connection to finance had always been there—my father is a financial consultant in India, and over time, I realized that many of the conversations I grew up hearing had quietly shaped my interest in the industry.

How did you get into the industry? Was it a conscious decision or did you fall into it?
Thacker: In many ways, I fell into the industry—but I stayed because I discovered how powerful technology and data can be in financial markets. What started as an academic curiosity about data mining quickly evolved into a career focused on using data and technology to solve complex problems. As the industry evolved—from data engineering and analytics to AI and now GenAI—I’ve been fortunate to grow alongside those transformations.

What does your day-to-day role entail?
Thacker: Today, I work as a GenAI product manager driving Bank of America’s Global Markets GenAI platform. My role focuses on identifying meaningful business problems and building AI-driven solutions that transform how our Global Markets business operates. What excites me most is the potential of GenAI to unlock new possibilities—whether it’s helping teams work more efficiently, generating insights faster or enabling entirely new ways of interacting with data. Every day involves collaborating with business leaders, engineers and users to translate complex ideas into practical products that deliver real impact.

The most satisfying moments are when a team comes together to deliver something meaningful. Many of the products and platforms I’ve worked on continue to deliver value years after they were launched, and that long-term impact is incredibly fulfilling

What projects are you particularly proud of?
Thacker: One of the projects I’m most proud of earlier in my career was helping lead the development of a unified data model across more than 50 Global Markets systems. That initiative significantly improved how data could be shared, analyzed and leveraged across the organization. A few years ago, I also made a deliberate decision to move from a pure technology role into global markets. I wanted to be closer to the business and work on products that directly create value. Seeing the platforms and products I’ve helped build being used by research teams, sales and trading desks, and external clients, and continuing to deliver value years later, is incredibly rewarding.

What challenges have you faced in your career?
Thacker: One of the biggest challenges for me was learning to find my voice. I’m naturally soft-spoken, and the fast-paced environment of New York and the financial industry often requires you to take charge, express your perspective clearly and lead conversations. Over time, I learned that leadership doesn’t require changing who you are—it requires confidence in your ideas while staying authentic. Finding that balance between assertiveness and empathy became an important part of my growth.

What motivates you in your work?
Thacker: What motivates me most is solving real problems for users. When you see something you build make someone’s job easier, help them make better decisions, or unlock new insights, it makes all the effort worthwhile. The most satisfying moments are when a team comes together to deliver something meaningful. Many of the products and platforms I’ve worked on continue to deliver value years after they were launched, and that long-term impact is incredibly fulfilling.

Who has influenced your journey?
Thacker: Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by many leaders and colleagues. Often, it’s the qualities I observe in different people that resonate with me—intelligence, humility, authenticity, strong storytelling and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. One of the biggest influences has been my father. He often reminded me: “Always work hard and give your best with honesty. Even if recognition is delayed, your effort never goes to waste—you will see outcomes better than you originally expected.”

How do you continue to develop yourself?
Thacker: I believe strongly in continuous improvement. I recently read Atomic Habits, which reinforced the idea that small, consistent improvements compound over time. I try to apply that philosophy to my daily routine. I start my mornings early—usually around 5:30 am—with exercise and time spent learning something new before the workday begins. For me, growth comes from discipline and curiosity combined.

What advice would you give to young women entering the industry?
Thacker: Focus on building deep expertise in your area and solving real problems. Take time to understand your strengths and interests, experiment with different opportunities early in your career and continuously invest in learning. Even a 1% improvement each day compounds over time. If you stay curious, work with integrity and remain committed to growth, opportunities will follow—and you’ll often achieve far more than you initially imagined.

Do you believe the financial services industry is doing enough to smooth the way forward for talented women?
Thacker: I believe the industry has made meaningful progress in creating more opportunities for women, and it’s encouraging to see organizations actively investing in inclusive opportunity initiatives. Continued focus on mentorship, leadership development and creating environments where different perspectives are valued will help sustain that momentum. Ultimately, when companies recognize talent based on contribution, capability and impact, it creates stronger teams and better outcomes for the industry as a whole.