Mia Liezel Lao, MBA
Mia Liezel Lao, MBA, serves as the Vice President of Lending Systems Integration at Wings Financial Credit Union, where she has been a transformative leader since joining in June 2021. She was recognized as one of the “Top 50 Women Leaders of Finance” in 2022, 2023, and 2025 by The Women We Admire, reflecting her influence and dedication to advancing the financial services industry. In her current role, Mia leads the integration of consumer lending, first mortgage, and commercial loan systems—a critical initiative supporting Wings’ strategic growth and recent merger with Ent Credit Union. Prior to this, she served as VP of Consumer Lending, overseeing loan originations, funding, and servicing across multiple channels.
Mia’s career spans over three decades in banking, mortgage, and financial services, where she has held leadership roles at institutions including Toyota Financial Services, Toyota Commercial Finance, Fremont Investment & Loan, and Bank of America. Along the way, she earned Kaizen Coach certification and cultivated expertise in operations management, account reconciliation, and organizational leadership. Her work has consistently focused on improving processes while maintaining a strong commitment to people, fostering teams that thrive on collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.
A lifelong learner, Mia holds a Master of Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Science in Technology and Operations Management from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Her journey from the Philippines to leadership in U.S. financial services demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a deep belief in the power of mentorship and community-focused banking. Passionate about leadership development and empowering others, Mia continues to inspire both colleagues and the broader financial industry through her vision, dedication, and unwavering focus on people.
• California State University, Long Beach - MBA
• 2025 Women We Admire Awardee
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the growth and development of the people around me. For me, success isn’t measured solely by completed projects, but by the impact I have in helping others reach their potential. Some of my proudest moments include coaching an analyst to become a supervisor and eventually a manager, supporting team members through challenging transitions, and helping individuals rediscover confidence in their ability to serve members with empathy and care. I approach leadership as servant leadership—listening first, guiding thoughtfully, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from Norm: leadership starts with caring. He led with integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to his team—values that have profoundly shaped the leader I strive to be each day. Joining him in the credit union space changed the trajectory of my career. Norm didn’t just mentor me professionally; he modeled what it truly means to lead with heart, courage, and accountability.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace empathetic, servant leadership. While systems and processes can be learned, the greatest impact comes from developing, supporting, and empowering the people around you. True leadership is about inspiring others to follow you—not out of obligation, but because they feel seen, valued, and supported. That means regularly checking in on your team, especially during challenging moments. I’ve seen how transformative this can be, from leaders prioritizing presence over business obligations to everyday mentorship that helps individuals recognize their potential. I’ve always been passionate about investing in others, helping them uncover their strengths, and empowering them to rise to levels they may have never imagined possible.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life center on servant leadership, empathy, and helping others grow. My greatest professional achievement has been developing people and supporting them as they advance in their careers. I’m drawn to the credit union environment because of its focus on community, collaboration, and a family-like atmosphere.
On a personal level, family is deeply important to me—I’m proud parent to three adult children, including twin daughters, 32, and a son, 34. I maintain homes in both California and Minnesota, which allows me to balance work, family, and personal interests. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, solving Sudoku and word puzzles, and finding ways to challenge myself mentally and creatively.
Locations
Wings Credit Union
Apple Valley, MN 55124