Women in Banking Q&A Series: Erica Parker
Triad Business Bank has a robust team of talented female professionals, all of which have unique and compelling stories worth telling. This Q&A series will shine a spotlight on the amazing women at Triad Business Bank as they share their industry experiences, professional advice, and personal interests.
This installment in our Women in Banking series is focused on Triad Business Bank Director of Small Business Banking, Erica Parker. In her current role, Erica has the opportunity to effectuate her passion for helping small business owners gain access to the capital they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses. Read more below on Erica’s journey to her current role and her commitment to supporting small businesses in our community.
Q: Did you grow up in the Triad? If not, how did you end up in the Triad?
Erica: Yes. I was born at the old L. Richardson Hospital, right here In Greensboro. I am a proud graduate of James Benson Dudley High School.
Q: What are your main hobbies & interests outside of work?
Erica: I enjoy traveling, and spending time with my family. With both of my girls away in college, I cherish the moments when we are all together.
Q: What causes are you passionate about?
Erica: I am passionate about the fight against food Insecurity, and the need for safe, warm and dry housing for those in our community.
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
Erica: I enjoy all genres; however, R&B and gospel are my top two favorites.
Q: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Erica: I wanted to be a politician.
Q: Tell us about how you got into banking.
Erica: I was a peak time teller at a local credit union while earning my BA In political science from North Carolina Central University. Unfortunately for me, there was a freeze on all State Jobs the year I graduated. My director at the Credit Union, suggested I apply for the lending program the credit union offered to new graduates. I applied and was elated to land the job. I have been in the financial Industry since that time.
Q: What led you to your current position in banking?
Erica: As I began to grow in my banking career, I grew extremely passionate about working with small business owners, helping them to gain access to the capital needed to start, grow or expand their business. This focus allowed me to learn and utilize the SBA loan programs to assist clients when needed.
Q: What is your ultimate career goal in banking?
Erica: To continue helping business grow to their fullest potential.
Q: What are some aspects of the career that you enjoy?
Erica: Working with the business owners. I love their passion and tenacity. Their energy Is Infectious.
Q: What are some challenges or obstacles you feel you have faced as a woman in banking, and how did you overcome those?
Erica: The biggest obstacle has been not having a mentor who was vested in seeing me grow as a banker. I learned as much as possible from those who were willing to share their knowledge.
Q: What woman/women impacted you most in your career?
Erica: Robin Hager, our President and COO. She has been a trailblazer for women in the banking Industry.
Q: Where do you see the banking industry headed in the future?
Erica: The industry Is moving away from the small community bank environment to a larger bank focus.
Q: What are some trends you’ve noticed?
Erica: The lending decisions are no longer being made on a local level by the bankers who live work and play in the community where the businesses exist.
Q: How can the industry be more welcoming or inclusive of women?
Erica: Be open to mentoring and grooming women for major leadership roles.
Q: What words of wisdom do you have to encourage younger generations to pursue careers in banking?
Erica: Learn all aspects of the industry and then Identify your niche and become the Subject Matter Expert.
Q: What life lesson have you learned that you think will be beneficial to others?
Erica: Culture eats Strategy for breakfast. – Peter Drucker