Garcia: Role Model in Banking
Annette Garcia, AVP and personal banking officer at American State Bank, is proud to be a role model for her children, nieces and nephews. She feels blessed to be able to help her community and the growing Hispanic community. She finds it satisfying to help people and to leave them feeling good about their banking experience. “In addition, being fluent in more than one language, in my case both English and Spanish, allows me the opportunity to assist in different areas of the bank including opening new accounts and processing loans from start to finish,” she added.
Her favorite quote is, “Be yourself and the rest will fall into place.” This goes hand-in-hand with her advice to new and young bankers. Garcia would remind this demographic to know their worth and to determine their own career path. Because even if they are not confident in themselves, they can be confident in their work.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
I’m proud to be a role model for my children, nieces and nephews. I feel blessed to be where I am in my career journey – I can help my community and the growing Hispanic community.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Know your worth and don’t let anyone but you determine your career path. Even if you are not confident in yourself, you can be very confident in your work. How you handle yourself matters.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
I enjoy banking because I know my customers leave feeling great about banking with me and my team. It’s satisfying to know they will let their families and friends know about their experience. In addition, being fluent in more than one language, in my case both English and Spanish, allows me the opportunity to assist in different areas of the bank including opening new accounts and processing loans from start to finish.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
I appreciate the ability to network with and learn from others at IBA events. I am able to ask questions and know that there is a good chance others are learning as much from me as I am from them. The various IBA schools and seminars have really been helpful.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I am not at work, I love being with my family and dogs to make memories. I also enjoy doing volunteer work.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Be yourself and the rest will fall into place.