Progress May Be Slow, But It Is There in Banking Industry

For Latrecia Carroll, operations manager and senior vice president at Stone Bank, the obstacles women have traditionally faced in the banking industry are real but not something that cannot be overcome.

Sometimes, one just needs a guide to reveal the path. That is why representation matters in the banking industry, she said.

Latrecia Carroll

“I’ll never forget meeting a young girl at a community financial literacy event several years ago. She approached me after my talk, eyes wide with excitement, and said, ‘I didn’t know someone like me could do what you do,’” Carroll said. “In that moment, I realized how important it is for young girls to see someone who looks like them succeeding in this field. If my journey can light the way for the next generation, then every challenge I’ve faced has been worthwhile.”

Women have always had their place in the banking industry. Unfortunately, for far too long, that place was at the teller window. In 2025, things are looking up for women in the field, but that does not mean those who reached the industry’s C-suites did not have to work longer and harder to get there. Even with the example set by Carroll and others, obstacles remain. After all, old practices can take root.

Is the climb any easier for women in banking these days?

“I’m not sure it’s ever easy to advance as a woman,” said Natalie Bartholomew, community president for northwest Arkansas at First Community Bank. “I think the better way to answer this question is that there is more awareness, advocacy and support for women to succeed than there was.”

Natalie Bartholomew

Indeed, while many in the industry face the same obstacles that have always hindered women, pathways that were once closed are opening up. Carroll said opportunities for women in banking are expanding, and each day brings new possibilities — but progress remains slow.

“The conversation around gender equity has grown louder, and organizations are more aware of the value of diverse leadership,” she said. “While the road hasn’t always been easy, doors are opening, and more women are walking through them with confidence and purpose. Although the journey toward true equity continues, it’s inspiring to witness more doors opening and women stepping boldly through them. The increased focus on gender equity and the recognition of diverse leadership has sparked meaningful change, making the path forward brighter for everyone.”

Hillis Schild, executive director of Arvest Bank’s Arvest Opportunity Fund, sees that focus resulting in progress.

Hillis Schild

“Leadership roles can still be male dominated, and some amount of pay disparity still exists, but I believe that women have lots of opportunities in banking, and if we apply ourselves to constantly improving our banking skill set, we can go very far in the banking industry,” she said.

Although the U.S. banking industry employs more women than men, the old teller mindset remains entrenched to a degree….