Binita Shah, Closing Coordinator III on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Banking

Binita Shah

Closing Coordinator III, Provident Bank

Woodbridge, NJ

3Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Master's Degree in Genetic Engineering Cert Coaching Certifications

Her Story

About Binita

I have dedicated over 14 years to the banking industry, where I currently serve as a Closing Coordinator for the Lending Department at Provident Bank, a position I have held for 4 years. My journey in banking began as a Customer Service Representative, and I advanced to become a Field Coach, where I coached employees across 16 branches in the North Central Region. In this coaching role, I focused on answering their questions, building their confidence in products, and helping them understand why certain financial products are important. After COVID, I transitioned into the mortgage closing process. In my current role, I work closely with borrowers on residential mortgages and consumer requirements like home equity lines of credit. I guide them through each procedure, contact borrowers to understand their needs, explain requirements, and facilitate closings once loans are approved. I then ensure mortgages are recorded with the county. What drives me is being a people person - I love educating customers about their financial needs and helping them plan effectively. My honesty, open-book policy, and approachability are what I consider my greatest professional strengths. I am someone people can count on for commitment, and I follow my bank's policies while maintaining strong customer relationships. My ability to speak multiple languages, including Hindi and other Indian languages, has been instrumental in helping diverse customers and contributing to my career advancement. Before banking, I spent 10 years with Macy's, including 5 years as a manager, where I developed my customer relationship skills. I have consistently been a high performer, achieving the highest loan closings in 2024 and being recognized as the top producer in various roles throughout my career.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Binita

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to the satisfaction I get from reaching out to people who really need information and guiding them on their financial requirements and how to plan their financial needs. What drives me is knowing that I have helped educate customers about important financial products like credit cards and what they hold. Being a people person, I find fulfillment in being there for customers who can trust me and approach me with their needs. My commitment to helping others understand their banking needs and providing them with the right guidance is what gives me the greatest sense of accomplishment in my work.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I have received is that I am mastering whatever I put my hand into. People have told me this throughout my career, and it has been meaningful because I was never a banking person to start with - I was a counselor with a master's in genetic engineering, and I used to write books back in India and was a teacher. When I came to this country, I stepped into Macy's because I love the fashion industry and cosmetics, and then I turned myself to the banking industry because I wanted to educate people about credit cards and what they hold. This advice has validated my versatility and my ability to be a critical thinker who can succeed in different fields. I have learned that I can excel in whatever area I choose to pursue, as long as I bring my dedication and commitment to it.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would always advise women - not only single women, but any woman, any girl, any lady - to never, ever doubt yourself. Believe in yourself, and you will see the clarity coming on things. I have lived through challenges as a single mother with two kids, making them study in high-tech colleges and helping them stand on their own legs, which was not an easy job. What I got from my inner self was the commitment that I have to do this, and I gave them wings to fly. I want other women to know that there is always a bright day after a dark night, so have faith. When you believe in yourself and stay committed to your goals, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve what you set out to do.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

In my work life, my most important values are integrity, being with my team, and having a helping hand. My colleagues always say I am very loyal, and my family says I am a workaholic, but I am dedicated and committed. If I know that I have to pursue something within a time, I would never procrastinate, and I will try to finish as much as I can. In my personal life, I value being rooted with my culture and following my path with my spiritual leadership. These values guide both my professional relationships and my personal journey, keeping me grounded while allowing me to give my best to others.

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