VBA Dynamic Workforce Efforts
VBA Dynamic Workforce Efforts
The VBA can assist members in building a more dynamic future leadership.
Women in Banking Initiatives
The VBA piloted the Women’s Mentorship Program in 2019 for banks that want to provide senior-level employees the opportunity to mentor high-potential women in their own banks. Since then, the program has evolved into a 10 month experience that includes in-person and virtual training, networking opportunities and asynchronous exercises completed with the mentor to better understand the “how” and “why” of their bank, build self-awareness, understand core values and strengths , and develop/strengthen a personal brand that allows them to bring their best self to work and support the bank’s mission and brand.
The group also helped create a new communication for this demographic. In March 2021, in conjunction with Women’s History Month, the VBA developed and distributed a new e-newsletter, ELEVATE, a quarterly publication for women in banking and those who support them. Sign up for ELEVATE here. Access the latest issue and links to previous issues here (under the ELEVATE dropdown).
Our Women in Banking Conference takes place each December. We have been hosting a Women in Banking Conference for more than ten years, which brings together more than 100 women for a day of motivation, engagement and learning.
Every year, we also have a virtual event celebrating International Women’s Day featuring a fireside chat moderated by a member of the Executive Women in Banking Peer Group. Past guests have included:
- Nicole Elam, President & CEO of National Bankers Association
- Cathy Nestrick, ABA Senior Director, Women’s Leadership Initiative & DEI
- Liza Mickens (great, great-granddaughter of Maggie Walker)
- Janet Currie, Bank of America and 2024-2025 Chairman of the Maryland Bankers Association
Recruitment Solution Through BankTalentHQ
VBA’s career center partnership with BankTalentHQ includes access to America’s Job Exchange (AJE) to make connecting with dynamic talent even easier for your bank.
Questions? Contact Amy Binns.
NEW: Virginia Banking Fellows Program in Partnership with the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education
In our newest effort, the VBA Education Foundation has partnered with the Virginia Foundation for Community Colleges to offer a statewide scholarship opportunity. The Foundation initially committed to support 12 total students over the next two years to be a part of this new program but thanks to the support of seven VBA member banks, we supported 13 students in the first year, as well as 13 more students for the 2022-2023 year.
Virginia Banking Fellows each receive a $10,000 scholarship, have the opportunity to take banking industry online training courses and possibly be connected to internship opportunities at VBA member banks.
Please contact Monica McDearmon for more information about this partnership.
Additional Resources
- American Bankers Association’s webpage and resources