2022 40 Under Forty Awards
Claudia Rocha, 39
Vice president and commercial loan officer, BayCoast Bank
How has COVID-19 changed your industry? Ultimately, the pandemic taught us a lot about being nimble and responsive to meet the needs of the bank’s customers. Commercial lenders pride themselves on the relationships formed with our network and customers, and we had to learn how to deliver that same personal experience in an impersonal manner. Now we have more options to meet customers’ needs.
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What is the best advice you have ever received? A setback or mistake is not a bad experience, just a learning experience.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Certainly, still working as a commercial lender. I strive to be in a position where I am managing a team of lenders or actively mentoring newer lenders.
What was your first job? I worked in the housewares department at JC Penney in high school and was promoted to being a gift registry consultant – at the age of 18 I was helping couples pick out China patterns and flatware.
What is your favorite Rhode Island food or drink? Sangria with the Parma pizza sitting outside on the plaza at Venda Ravioli.
What was your last streaming or cable binge watch? “This is Us.”
Fox or MSNBC? Food Network.
What led you to pursuing a career in your current industry? I went into college as a finance major, hoping to help others learn to budget and better manage their personal finances. Upon graduating from college, my first job was in commercial banking, and I never looked back.
