Her Story
About Audrey
Audrey Parrish is a Commercial Banker with nine years of experience across commercial banking, credit analysis, SBA lending, and commercial real estate. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Price College of Business, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor in Marketing. She began her banking career as a Commercial Credit Analyst at PlainsCapital Bank, where she conducted in-depth credit analysis for C&I and CRE loans and completed the bank’s formal commercial credit training program. She later expanded her expertise in commercial real estate as a Property Administrator with Stream Realty Partners.
In 2021, Audrey joined PeopleFund, where she developed extensive experience in SBA 504 lending and underwriting, progressing from Underwriter to Lead SBA 504 Underwriter and ultimately to SBA 504 Credit Officer and Department Lead. In these roles, she managed the 504 process from prospecting through servicing and helped small and mid-sized businesses access the capital needed to grow. She currently serves as a Banking Officer and Commercial Banker at VeraBank, where she combines financial analysis, credit expertise, and relationship management to support business owners. She also works as a Real Estate Analyst with PPS, Inc., conducting commercial property evaluations, comparable-sales analysis, and income-approach assessments.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Audrey is deeply engaged in Austin’s business and community networks. She serves on the board of the Austin Young Chamber and is a member of the Young Women’s Alliance, reflecting her commitment to connecting and empowering professionals in her community. She has also volunteered with organizations such as Dress for Success Austin and Thinkery and previously mentored at-risk middle school students. Audrey is passionate about helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses, while maintaining a strong commitment to integrity, service, meaningful relationships, and a healthy balance between her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Audrey
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother, my experiences, and the people who have believed in me. My mother inspired me to pursue banking, while the challenges I faced early in my career taught me resilience and strengthened my desire to mentor and support others. Most importantly, I find success in helping business owners turn their ideas into reality and knowing that my work can make a meaningful difference in their lives and communities.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to pay close attention to company culture and choose an environment that aligns with my values. A great salary or title means little if the workplace diminishes your confidence or limits your growth. I’ve also learned not to let difficult experiences define me; instead, I use them as motivation to support and mentor others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to find an organization whose culture aligns with your values and never accept mistreatment as the price of success. Seek mentors, build supportive relationships, and surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you grow. Most importantly, remember that another woman’s success does not diminish your own—there is room for all of us to succeed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in banking is the growing presence of women in leadership and decision-making roles. I believe women can bring a strong relationship-focused approach, particularly when supporting female business owners. The future of banking is about creating an inclusive culture, building genuine client relationships, and providing entrepreneurs with the partnership they need to succeed.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are family, integrity, service, authenticity, and community. I believe in being fully present in both my professional and personal life and maintaining a healthy balance between the two. For me, true success is not only about what I accomplish, but also about the people I support, the community I serve, and the positive impact I can make.
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