Life rarely unfolds in a straight line. My journey led me to Bank of Utah, where I found purpose at the intersection of values, passion, and profession by serving communities as a CRA Officer.
Vanina Estela Fowles · In Her Own Words
I used to brush off praise because I didn't think I'd earned it. What changed was realizing that accepting good things isn't about perfection; it's about letting myself grow into the person others already saw.
How She Learned To Accept Good Things Without Feeling Unworthy
Explore moreHer Story
Vanina Fowles is a seasoned banking executive currently serving as a CRA Officer at Bank of Utah, where she focuses on fostering community growth, building trust, and ensuring financial services are inclusive and impactful. In this role, she combines her passion for technology and process improvement with a dedication to meaningful community engagement, aiming to unlock potential and create long-term prosperity for clients and local organizations. Her work is driven by a commitment to integrity, collaboration, and purposeful growth, making her a valued leader both within her team and in the wider banking community.
Prior to joining Bank of Utah, Vanina spent over a decade at Zions Bancorporation, where she played a critical role in one of the largest software platform core implementations in North America. In this position, she integrated multiple legacy systems, honing her expertise in project management, stakeholder communication, and process optimization. Vanina began her banking career as a teller at Mountain America Credit Union and later gained experience in subprime lending, reflecting her belief in providing financial opportunities to individuals with less-than-perfect credit. Her most notable professional achievement remains the Zions Bank core implementation, a project that strengthened her technical and leadership skills while impacting thousands of customers.
Vanina holds multiple academic credentials, including a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology from BYU-Pathway Worldwide and an Associate’s Degree in Humanities from Salt Lake Community College. She is also certified in numerous IT and Agile methodologies, including SAFe® Practitioner, SAFe® Agilist, Scrum Master, Product Owner/Product Manager, and ISTQB. An advocate for continuous learning, she applies Agile principles across banking operations, emphasizing collaboration, adaptability, and customer-centered solutions. Vanina is a member of the American Bankers Association and continues to pursue opportunities that allow her to merge technology, leadership, and community impact.
Her Interview
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success is attributed to a combination of traits and actions, including passion, discipline, perseverance, a positive and open mindset, continuous learning, and strong communication skills. Developing a clear plan, prioritizing goals, and maintaining a strong work ethic are also key factors that contribute to achieving success in my personal and professional life.
But above all, I owe a great deal of my success to God, whose guidance and grace, have been a constant source of strength and direction throughout my journey. I also deeply credit my parents, whose unwavering support, values, and encouragement laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved. Their example taught me the importance of integrity, resilience, and believing in myself, even when the path wasn’t clear.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never burn bridges. The professional world is far more interconnected than it appears, and paths often cross in unexpected ways. Whether you're transitioning to a new role, leaving a company, or navigating workplace challenges, always strive to exit with grace and integrity. Treat colleagues, supervisors, and team members with respect, even in difficult circumstances, because your reputation follows you. A respectful departure not only preserves relationships but also reflects your character and professionalism. You never know when a former colleague might become a future collaborator, reference, or even your next manager.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
1) Maintain your authenticity: Learn to adapt to cultural norms without losing your originality. Your unique perspective is part of what makes you a valuable professional.
2) Be resilient against negativity: You may encounter bias, but don't let it discourage you. Let your work prove your worth.
3) Become a lifelong learner: Technology changes rapidly, so staying current is non-negotiable. Use online courses, workshops, and industry conferences to keep your skills sharp.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge for the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is that it was designed for a physical‑branch banking world. Today’s financial systems are moving to digital and mobile platforms, leaving major gaps in coverage, consistency, and impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe in the power of genuine relationships, built on trust, empathy, and respect. In both my professional and personal life, I strive to connect with others in meaningful ways, recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity to uplift, support, and grow together.
I value thoughtful decision-making, where context matters as much as data. I aim to approach challenges with clarity and compassion, tailoring solutions that reflect real-world needs and long-term goals.
Family and Community impact is central to my purpose. I am committed to contributing to the well-being of the places I live and work, through service, advocacy, and responsible action that strengthens those around me.
I uphold integrity, professionalism, and kindness in all circumstances, especially during transitions and challenges, knowing that how I treat others reflects my character and shapes my legacy.
Finally, I embrace purposeful innovation, staying open to change while ensuring that every step forward serves people with care and intention.
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