Outstanding Women in Business: Via Bennett De Leon

Published: Worcester Business Journal October 5, 2026

Via Bennett De León is senior vice president of retail banking at Workers Credit Union. With nearly two decades of financial services and leadership experience, she is known for developing people, simplifying work, and leading with integrity and care. A bilingual Dominican leader, she is a DDI-certified facilitator with professional development in AI, strategic communication and influence. Her approach was shaped early by playing dominoes with her grandfather, who taught her to anticipate moves, work with a partner and learn from losses.

What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? I am proud to have advanced from an area manager leading frontline teams to the executive team within five years at Workers Credit Union. Today, I lead nearly 130 employees across retail, deposit operations, the contact center, facilities and physical security, while developing leaders and guiding major operational improvements.

What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My next goal is to become a COO and eventually a CEO in the financial services industry. I want to build strong teams, modernize how organizations work, use AI responsibly, and make financial services easier and more inclusive for customers, members, and employees.

What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome? One of my greatest challenges was finding my voice after immigrating from the Dominican Republic at 2 years old and growing up bilingual. I worked hard to communicate with confidence and represent myself well. That journey taught me to trust my voice, lead courageously and help others find theirs.

How are you involved in the community? As a certified Spanish-English interpreter, I volunteer to help Spanish-speaking people navigate unfamiliar systems and find their voice. I also mentor young people and colleagues and champion the growth of women leaders. I believe service means helping people feel heard, respected, and able to move forward with confidence.

What legacy do you want to leave after your career is over? I want to help people discover their purpose and become leaders who know why their work matters. I hope my legacy shows that courage, integrity, and a personal brand built on treating people well and leading with love can deliver strong results while opening doors for others.