Her Story
About Vanessa
Vanessa Coelho is a Branch Manager II at Regions Bank in Wesley Chapel, Florida, where she has built a successful career in financial services through leadership, customer service, and relationship management. She joined Regions Bank in 2022 as a Financial Relationship Consultant and advanced into branch leadership following a promotion in 2026. In her current role, she oversees branch operations, coaches team members, develops client relationships, conducts financial reviews, and supports customers in achieving their financial goals. Her Spanish-language skills also enable her to serve a diverse range of clients and strengthen community relationships.
Before entering banking, Vanessa gained extensive experience in customer-facing leadership roles, including serving as a Retail Store Manager with Sprint and a Customer Service Representative with Verizon. Her professional journey was shaped by an early interest in criminal justice and law enforcement. She earned a bachelor's degree in Criminology from John Jay College (CUNY), following an associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Hillsborough College, with aspirations of becoming a homicide detective. After a car accident changed the direction of her career, Vanessa transitioned into banking, where she discovered opportunities to apply her skills in areas such as fraud prevention and financial crime investigations.
Vanessa is guided by loyalty and respect, values she considers essential in both her professional and personal life. She places strong importance on earning clients' trust, building lasting relationships, and creating a supportive environment for her team. Her appreciation for Regions Bank is also deeply personal, particularly because of the support the company provided to her family during her mother's battle with cancer and during Vanessa's own experience as a working mother. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her young son and creating meaningful experiences through travel, while continuing to pursue opportunities for professional growth and service to others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vanessa
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that the worst someone can say is “no.” I’ve learned to ask, take opportunities, and not let fear of rejection prevent me from moving forward.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to try, apply, and believe in yourself. We often second-guess ourselves, but don’t let fear or the perception that leadership is male-dominated hold you back. Progress takes time, effort, and perseverance, and you have to be willing to start at the bottom to reach the top. Take the opportunity, see where it leads, and never count yourself out.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is earning clients’ trust when they already have established banking relationships. Building rapport and creating meaningful conversations about their finances takes time and consistency. I also focus on managing my time effectively, prioritizing what truly matters, and coaching others in a way that inspires them while keeping them focused and accountable.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are loyalty, respect, and integrity. I believe in standing by the people I work with and care about, and when loyalty and respect are mutual, I will always go to bat for them. These values guide me both personally and professionally, especially in maintaining the trust and integrity that are essential in banking.
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