International Women's Day 2023
International Women's Day is a special day to honor and recognize the social, cultural, economic, and political achievements of women around the world. We want to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the women within The Bank of Austin team who inspire us with their strength, resilience, and dedication. As we celebrate the experiences shared by women across the globe, we've asked some of our female partners to share their own words of wisdom and lessons learned from their own experiences.
Amanda Bernal
Officer, Branch Operations Manager
If you could have dinner with 3 inspiring women, who would they be and why?
- Billie Jean King – an inspirational woman who broke barriers for female athletes. She defied the odds, and was instrumental in the passage of Title IX – the reason I got to play soccer in both high school and college.
- Kendra Scott – A young and very successful businesswoman that started out of her home. She now has a jewelry empire headquartered right here in Austin, Texas. She gives back to her community often and has had opportunities like being a shark on Shark Tank all while making family come first.
- Katherine Johnson – A brilliant and innovative woman that paved the way for young females in mathematics. She is the focal point of the movie Hidden Figures due to her ground-breaking accomplishments.
Who inspires you?
My mother – a person who overcame unimaginable odds and broke social norms and expectations.
My mother – a person who overcame unimaginable odds and broke social norms and expectations.
What is mission-critical for entrepreneurs and leaders to do to achieve their goals and grow?
Find your voice and use it often – listen when needed. Walk with confidence and dress accordingly. Find others to pass along the knowledge another once gave you. Believe in yourself.
What are the top three words that describe you?
Tenacious, assertive, and ambitious
What are your favorite hobbies?
Watching sports, being outdoors, and traveling
Bobbie Bishop
Senior Vice President, Treasury Management Sales
If you could have dinner with 2 inspiring women, who would they be and why?
Mother Theresa, for so many reasons. She had to be the closest thing to what God wants us all to be. Barbara Bush, a strong woman, mother, and First Lady.
Who inspires you?
Hard working individuals with big hearts. Those who are happy with who they are, good to others, independent, strong, and humble.
Hard working individuals with big hearts. Those who are happy with who they are, good to others, independent, strong, and humble.
What is mission-critical for entrepreneurs and leaders to do to achieve their goals and grow?
Life is too short not to stop along the way to enjoy where you are and what good you have done. Always keep people before profit and the rewards will come. No matter what you chose enjoy the journey.
What are the top three words that describe you?
Personable, caregiver and independent
What are your favorite hobbies?
Livestock, volunteering, reading, and quiet time on the farm (when I can get it).