2022 40 less than forty price
Claudia Rocha, 39 years old
Vice President and Head of Commercial Lending, BayCoast Bank
How has COVID-19 changed your industry? Ultimately, the pandemic has taught us a lot about agility and responsiveness in meeting bank customer needs. Commercial lenders pride themselves on the relationships forged with our network and customers, and we’ve had to learn to deliver that same personal experience in an impersonal way. We now have more options to meet customer needs.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? A setback or a mistake is not a bad experience, just a learning experience.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Certainly, still working as a commercial lender. I strive to be in a position where I manage a team of lenders or actively advise new lenders.
What was your first job? I worked in the housewares department at JC Penney in high school and was promoted to gift registry consultant – at age 18, I was helping couples choose porcelain designs and flatware.
What’s your favorite Rhode Island food or drink? Sangria with Parma pizza sitting outside in the square of Venda Ravioli.
What was your last streaming or cable watch? “It’s us.”
Fox or MSNBC? Food network.
What led you to pursue a career in your current industry? I went to college majoring in finance, hoping to help others learn how to budget and better manage their personal finances. After graduating from college, my first job was in commercial banking and I never looked back.
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