Interview with Kanita Lipjankić
Ajla Dizdarevic
Kanita Lipjankić is the vice president of construction finance at Celtic Bank. She studied anthropology, international studies, and German literature as an undergrad at the University of Utah before pursuing her MBA at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. During her career, Lipjankić has worked as an academic advisor, director of operations, and analyst, among other roles. She is the founder of BAPA, which she created to address the needs of Bosnian-American working professionals and students.
Can you describe your occupation, including your title, industry, duties, and the impact that your actions have in your field?
I have been with Celtic Bank for close to twelve years. In my current role as vice president of construction finance, I oversee 200+ construction projects in various phases of our loan cycle. Alongside a team of portfolio analysts and managers, I analyze construction lending risk.
How did you get your start in your industry?
At Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, I earned my Master of Business Administration in finance. The network I cultivated there proved to be crucial in connecting me with a hiring manager at Celtic Bank at a time when they had a critical need for new talent.
What steps have you taken over the years to advance in your industry?
I have worked in three different departments at Celtic Bank. Serving in a diverse array of roles at the same institution prepared me for the title I currently have. Most recently, I completed a year-long Executive Development Program with the Utah Bankers Association, further developing my soft and analytical skills.
How do you maintain your connection to the Bosnian community?
I enjoy mentoring young Bosnian professionals entering and growing in this industry.
What aspects of your industry have you made more accessible to the Bosnian community?
The power of BAPA’s network transcends national and international borders. When founding BAPA back in 2012 with a group of close friends, I couldn’t have imagined what BAPA would grow into and the global impact it would have.
What has been a memorable project for you, and what did it teach you?
As the founder of BAPA, the first annual BAPA forum held in Salt Lake City, Utah, is incredibly memorable to me. Our first forum was held in 2014 as part of the Utah Humanities Book Festival, which focused on Bosnian-American writers. It was incredible to plant the seeds of future forums and witness what a few individuals can accomplish when collaborating with numerous organizations whose goals overlap with our own.
What advice do you have for Bosnian-American professionals who want to join your industry and succeed like you?
Have a growth mindset! Keep learning, and stay connected to your network.
