SOUTHFIELD, MI—Lawrence Technological University’s National Society of Black Engineers, welcomed three senior managers—Victoria Jackson, Terri Field, and Prerana Patel—from Comerica Bank.
The event provided attendees with valuable knowledge from experienced professionals in corporate tech roles, key factors for success in the tech industry—specifically in project portfolio management, business information, credit and lending, retail, and wealth management— and an opportunity to connect and network with influential leaders from Comerica.
“NSBE is committed to providing our members with real-world insights from industry leaders. Events like this are crucial in empowering the next generation of black engineers to succeed in corporate and technical spaces,” said Dasia Jackson, president of NSBE. The following board members were also in attendance: Arriea Bonds, vice president, Ankita Choudhary, co-vice president, Jalen Smith, senator, Sri Peri, treasurer, Ty Faulkner, NSBE advisor, and Sree Bhagya.
This year marks Comerica’s 175th anniversary since it was first founded in Detroit on Aug. 17, 1849 and has grown into one of the 25 largest commercial U.S. financial holding companies. Comerica focuses on building relationships and helping individuals and businesses be successful. The bank has more than 375 banking centers across the country with locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas and continues to expand into new regions, most recently in the Southeast, including North Carolina and Mountain West Market in Colorado. Comerica has offices in 17 states and services 14 of the 15 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, as well as Canada and Mexico.
Victoria Jackson, senior technology manager, credit and lending, is a product of Detroit Public Schools. She has been at Comerica for 39 years and brings over 35 years of financial and technology experience in application development, project management, and portfolio management. Known for her adaptability and willingness to learn and teach, Jackson seeks to understand and make informed decisions with consideration of risk mitigation and management.
Terri Field, senior manager of real estate technology transformation, holds decades of experience in the automotive industry and was a former infrastructure director of Wayne County. Field works closely with corporate real estate partners and various technology teams to ensure the delivery of state-of-the-art technology that is compliant with corporate standards.
Prerana Patel, senior technology risk portfolio manager, has been in the IT sector for over two decades and holds seven degrees. Patel brings diverse expertise from prior work experiences in healthcare, finance, and automotive IT, with strong professional strengths in customer centricity, corporate strategic partnership, system thinking, and continuous learning.
Throughout the sessions, the senior managers elaborated on their journeys to the corporate tech sector and offered advice to the students. Field encouraged students to utilize their college career and develop “grit, tenacity, and critical thinking. Your reputation and willingness to raise your hand and help will be a byproduct of getting advocates. The meaning of life is to know what your gift is, and the purpose is to give it away. Make sure to connect, network, and expose yourself to new ideas.”
Patel’s advice to students was to “work hard, provide results, and opportunities will come as long as you speak up. I had a little zigzag in the beginning of my career, but it took me to a place where I am happy and am enjoying my work. Carrying high empathy and integrity will also be important cards to keep in your back pocket.”
The session concluded with a Q&A where students asked questions about the industry and advice for success upon graduation. All three senior managers encouraged students to join professional organizations. “Take advantage of student mentorship. Know your strength and know what you are good at, and do not put yourself in a box. Critical thinking is what people really look for,” Jackson advised.
“Your dream job will be as much as you make it. Remember you are as good as your team and to lead by example. Don’t waver from who you are because you are building your reputation,” Field added. “Build your brand,” Patel emphasized. “It is the people you work with that make the experience.”
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932, and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU as part of its growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 11% of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10%. U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of best Midwest colleges. LTU is also listed in the Princeton Review’s “America’s Best 390 Colleges 2025,” which includes the nation’s top 15% of colleges and universities. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.
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