Jacob Slaton

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Daniela Allen
Bank Lender, Signature Bank
Age: 29 | Hometown: Fayetteville | Alma Mater: University of Arkansas

Upon earning a degree in sports management from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Daniela Allen developed a keen interest in the financial operations of businesses. Her ideal career turned out to be in the banking sector, where she found dynamic challenges and opportunities to assist diverse clients in reaching their financial objectives. 

“My higher education provided me with a solid foundation in critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills, which are essential in the banking and finance industry,” Daniela said. “While my bachelor’s degree in sports management may seem unrelated at first glance, it taught me how to analyze data and understand market trends. The coursework emphasized teamwork and leadership, which are important when working with customers and colleagues in finance.”

Crandall Streett, the chief administrative officer at Signature Bank, serves as Daniela's financial mentor. Daniela was initially drawn to Crandall because of her ability to simplify and explain complex financial concepts. Thanks to Crandall's intelligence and industry experience, Daniela now has a solid foundation for a career she unexpectedly discovered a passion for.

“My favorite part of the job is building relationships with customers and helping them achieve their financial goals,” Daniela said. “I enjoy taking the time to understand their unique situations and crafting solutions that can positively impact their businesses.”

Daniela was pleasantly surprised by the significant customer interaction her job entails, a stark contrast to her initial expectation of a more analytical, number-focused role. She has particularly enjoyed developing strong relationships with customers, who come from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences. 

“The constant learning that comes with adapting to different financial scenarios and market changes has been a pleasant surprise, as it allows me to grow continuously in my career,” Daniela said.

Daniela encourages students interested in this career to master these skills: Analytical skills, the ability to analyze financial information, is crucial for making informed decisions for customers. Communication skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, are essential for explaining complex financial concepts to customers who don’t know or understand the lingo. Problem-solving, a natural aptitude for identifying issues and developing creative solutions, is vital to go far in the financial industry. 

“[A] misconception about my job as a lender is that it’s all about looking at numbers and processing loans,” Daniela said. “In reality, my role involves building relationships with customers to understand their financial needs and helping them find the right solutions.”

Let's Talk Money

What was your first job? 

“Cashier at Harps Food Stores. I learned how to handle cash and credit transactions accurately and provide good customer service.”

What is the worst money mistake you ever made? 

“Buying a luxury car in college. I spent a lot of money on high maintenance costs, major repairs and paying for premium fuel. I wasted a lot of money when I could have saved money if I bought a more realistic and reliable car as a college student.”

What was the best money decision you ever made? 

“Opening a savings account for emergency funds. I saved money for unexpected costs so I wouldn’t fall into debt.”

Go-to advice? 

“Create a budget and track income and expenses. Open a high-yield savings account and deposit a certain amount every paycheck that fits your budget and earn interest funds. I saved money for unexpected costs so I wouldn’t fall into debt.”