Building Bridges: Dragana Jovanovic Joins UCEDC Board

UCEDC proudly welcomes Dragana Jovanovic, Vice President and Business Banking Market Manager at Citizens Bank, to its board of trustees. Dragana’s journey is rooted in resilience and a deep commitment to helping others. Born to immigrant parents from Montenegro, Dragana grew up in Irvington, NJ, where she often had to translate for her family, navigating the complexities of language and culture. This experience shaped her strong sense of purpose—one that she now channels into helping others gain financial literacy and security, particularly small business owners facing similar challenges.

After earning her degree from Montclair State University, Dragana quickly embarked on a career in banking, driven by her desire to serve those who may lack access to the financial tools and knowledge needed to thrive. She understands that many entrepreneurs have a deep passion for their work but often lack the financial expertise to turn that passion into sustainable success. In her role at Citizens Bank, Dragana excels at bridging that gap, translating financial requirements into accessible strategies, and connecting business owners with the resources they need to grow.

Dragana credits much of her professional growth to the leadership and guidance of her senior management team, whose commitment to supporting local communities aligns closely with her values. Inspired by their example, she continues to lead financial literacy workshops and collaborates with organizations to offer meaningful resources to business owners and entrepreneurs.

Though new to UCEDC, Dragana is eager to bring her unique perspective, immigrant background, and passion for empowering others to the board of trustees. She is excited about the opportunity to contribute to UCEDC’s mission and help entrepreneurs achieve financial stability and long-term success.

When she’s not helping businesses thrive, Dragana enjoys spending time with her three senior dogs and her cat, and she finds relaxation in gardening—though convincing her husband to enjoy her homegrown vegetables remains a work in progress. Her commitment to both her personal and professional life reflects her character, and UCEDC is excited to have her expertise on the board.