Megan Umberger
Sr. Manager, Early Careers Talent Acquisition Sourcing
Visa
Winner of The Pathfinder Award
The Pathfinder Award honors the individuals or teams who are boldly expanding the horizon of what’s possible for early career talent. This award recognizes initiatives that help bridge the awareness gap—connecting Gen Z with opportunities they may not have known existed, or may not have realized they were qualified to pursue. Whether through innovative outreach, inclusive programs, or reimagined career pathways, Pathfinder Award recipients are the changemakers ensuring that potential isn’t left on the table simply because someone didn’t know where to look.
The Initiative: Why this Winner Stands Out
To be considered for the Pathfinder Award, individuals had to describe a standout initiative that helped Gen Z candidates discover what’s possible at their companies. By sharing the goals, execution, and outcomes of their efforts, applicants demonstrated how they’re driving awareness and access to under-the-radar opportunities.
Visa Fintech Foundations
“The Visa Fintech Foundations program was introduced as groundbreaking initiative that redefines how we engage with emerging talent. This program offered an immersive experience that went beyond traditional recruitment tactics, focusing on financial inclusivity, sustainability, and current industry trends to captivate the interest of Gen Z students. Leveraging creative strategies by collaborating with professors and with Visa leaders across multiple departments to deliver a curriculum that was both dynamic and relevant. By incorporating mentorship and interactive, in-person sessions across a six-week program, I fostered a learning environment that was deeply engaging and impactful. This approach not only provided students with practical insights into the fintech industry but also showcased Visa’s commitment to nurturing future leaders. One of the key innovative strategies was the integration of real-world projects, culminating in students presenting their capstone projects to Visa leaders at Visa Headquarters in San Francisco. This hands-on experience empowered students and transformed their perception of career paths in fintech, making them feel more connected and valued in the process. By modernizing our early career recruiting through this program, I significantly improved the candidate experience, positioning Visa as a forward-thinking leader in talent development. We are setting a new standard for how organizations can effectively connect with and inspire the next generation of professionals.”
Congratulations to Megan for placing as the winner of the Pathfinder Award, part of RippleMatch's 2025 Campus Recruiting Choice Awards!
View all winners by clicking the button below:
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