Maria Miller
Vice President Business Banker
American Bank of Commerce
How did you get started in the banking industry?
I completed a high school course in partnership with a local credit union, which introduced me to the banking industry. After high school, I decided to work for a regional bank instead of pursuing higher education. This was 30 years ago. I spent many years in retail banking, gaining valuable knowledge from various mentors. Their support encouraged me to return to school and earn a business degree while continuing my role in retail banking. In 2011, I started working at a community bank, where I was introduced to commercial banking, marking an important milestone in my career. Since then, I have gained experience in treasury management, commercial loan support and portfolio management. I am proud of my professional journey so far, as these roles have been key to my growth and have improved my skills as a banker.
What are you most proud of in your professional life so far?
In hindsight, I started banking at a young age without professional experience. I had to work harder to gain my peers’ respect and overcome many hurdles to be taken seriously. This lasted for many years, especially as I began to take on roles with more responsibilities. I stayed focused because I knew what I wanted and was determined. This helped me develop a strong work ethic rather than grow resentment. I had to make a choice, and the choice I made has served me well. However, I didn’t do this alone. I can think of three people in my career who believed in me and took a chance on me, and I will be forever grateful to them.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking?
Banking has taught me many lessons: Never stop learning, be adaptable, act with integrity, stay resilient, maintain discipline and stay goal-oriented. I once had a manager advise me not to compromise my values. It takes years to build your reputation, but only one decision to ruin it. I keep this in mind in all my interactions. Be genuine. People can see when you’re not.
What is your favorite movie or book, and why?
I don’t have a particular favorite movie or book, but I enjoy stories based on real events or documentaries. There are many lessons to learn from others, whether it’s about what to do or what to avoid.
Vinaya Williams
Retail Relationship Banker
BMO Bank
How did you get started in the banking industry?
The Bankwork$ program through the Colorado Bankers Association was my first glimpse into the banking industry, and it turned out to be a phenomenal starting point. I learned not just from the curriculum but also from my peers, the instructors and the industry professionals. My impression of each of them was that this career path was doable, welcoming and rewarding.
What makes your bank unique?
There are two things I really love about BOK Financial, that I think make it unique: our genuine focus on relationships and the emphasis on attracting and retaining top talent. The underlying theme is that BOK Financial invests in people, whether that’s hearing a client and understanding their unique needs, or celebrating employees and making them feel seen and heard. It also shows up in the company’s commitment to community. Not only does the company commit dollars and volunteer hours to local nonprofits, but employees are encouraged to volunteer and serve on boards to give back to the community.
What do you like to do to give back to the community?
I am passionate about forming connections. Sometimes that’s in the form of mentorship and sometimes it’s just facilitating connections between people I know could benefit from one another’s insight and influence. I’m also active with the Downtown Boulder Partnership and the Boulder Area Rental Housing Association and take any opportunity I can to help champion financial education.
What do you geek out about?
I geek about leadership models, their impact and influence, and about organizational structures and workplace intelligence.
Who is one of the most influential figures in your life?
I can’t narrow it down to just one, but the top of the list would be Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa. I’ve also found the philosophies of the Outward Bound schools to be very influential and impactful in my life.
BankWork$: Launching Banking Careers in Colorado
Banking offers more than just a job — it offers a career with stability, benefits and room to grow. In Colorado, aspiring professionals can now access BankWork$, a free 8-week job training program designed to launch careers in the banking industry.
Offered through a partnership between Goodwill of Colorado and CareerWorks, BankWork$ prepares participants for entry-level roles as tellers, customer service associates and personal bankers. The curriculum covers essential banking topics like digital platforms, federal regulations, loans, fraud prevention and business ethics — along with resume prep and interview coaching.
Each program ends with a hiring event, connecting graduates directly with bank partners ready to hire. For Coloradans looking to start a stable and rewarding career in banking, BankWork$ is a proven first step — and it’s completely free.
Colorado Bankers Association is a proud supporter of BankWork$.
For more information, contact Kelly Hargrove at (303) 386-2936 or khargrove@goodwillcolorado.org.
