Business Alum Connects with Sask Polytech Alma Mater

Financial counsellor Mary Castillo makes time to educate students about financial success

Helping others is a passion for Mary Castillo. When she had the opportunity to help students from her alma mater, the Saskatchewan Polytechnic alum jumped at the chance.

Mary graduated from the School of Business with a Business diploma – Financial Services specialty at Moose Jaw campus in 2002 and hasn’t looked back.

“It was an awesome experience,” she recalls. “I loved the small class sizes and the support we received from the instructors.”

With diploma in hand, Mary set off on a career path that would take her into the banking world where she worked as a customer service representative and personal banker which led to her current role as a credit counsellor with the Credit Counselling Society in Saskatoon. Her hard work and caring nature were recognised when Mary was awarded the Consumer Choice award in Saskatoon for six years in a row.

“I get to help people every day,” she said. “Helping people who are under financial stress and setting them up for a better future is life-changing for them. It’s very rewarding.”

In addition to assisting clients who are experiencing financial issues, Mary has also found an opportunity to set younger clients up for success. By reaching out to Sask Polytech, she has met with numerous student groups through the School of Business, Indigenous Strategy and Dental Assisting. She has presented on budgeting, credit, personal finances and debt solutions.

“Education is the biggest part of having a successful financial future,” she said. “Finances can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to be.”

Mary is pleased to have the opportunity to use her education and career experience to give back to the institution that gave her a start. She is a proud Sask Polytech grad, as is her husband.

“We have both used our Sask Polytech education to pursue our career dreams,” said Mary.

We have had many inspiring, talented and interesting Sask Polytech alumni share their stories with us. Do you have one to share? Tell us your story.

March 2023