Esther Cardenas - Jaldon

VP Digital Transformation Officer Stearns Bank

Esther Cardenas Jaldon is an accomplished digital transformation leader with more than 15 years of experience driving large-scale innovation in the financial services industry. She has successfully led complex initiatives in digital banking, core banking modernization, and AI adoption that have delivered measurable ROI, operational efficiency, and improved customer experiences for major financial institutions.

Before joining Stearns Bank as Digital Transformation Officer, Esther spent over eight years consulting with top global firms including Accenture and PwC, where she led multi-million-dollar transformation programs for some of the largest banks in the U.S. and abroad. Her work has included launching digital platforms, automating critical banking operations, and leading cross-functional teams to accelerate modernization efforts.

A passionate advocate for women in technology and finance, Esther actively supports initiatives that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech sector. She is committed to empowering the next generation of women leaders driving the future of digital transformation in banking.