Combine an unusual background, fortuitous opportunities and a tireless work and volunteer ethic, and you get what Mercy Ameyaw describes as a “completely unexpected” life trajectory.
Born in Ghana, raised in Modena, Italy, and moving to the US at 13, Ameyaw enlisted in the Army after high school in response to the 9/11 attacks. She qualified for a program allowing her to study international affairs at Northeastern University between deployments, and later earned an online master’s degree from American University. After a 17-year career that included service as a platoon sergeant in Afghanistan and working in military intelligence, she was allowed to retire with full benefits due to her combat injuries.
Mustering out in Tampa, Florida, and armed with a resume she says was filled with undecipherable military jargon, she attended a career fair where a JPMorgan recruiter, a fellow veteran, figured out her military intelligence experience was perfect for the bank’s anti-money-laundering program. A year later, her boss and mentor told her about a big AML ramp-up at nearby Raymond James, and quietly made a connection.
Since joining the firm in 2016, Ameyaw has been active in its Veterans Inclusion Network, becoming its co-chair, leading annual fundraisers, spearheading initiatives to help military spouses, and co-running its Mental Health Awareness Month. In addition, she represents the firm as a board member of Girls Inc. of Pinellas, where she was elected president-elect. “For me, it’s always been about giving back,” she says. “How do I pay it forward for all the amazing opportunities I’ve had?”