2021 VBA Internship
Program Profiles
TJ Agather
College/University: NC State University
Major: Business, concentration in Finance
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Banking
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? Specific differences between different areas of the bank, especially wealth management and investments. I am excited to go through each rotation and learn about all of the different parts of the bank.
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Kenneth Scott Reynolds
Favorite Weekend Activity: Golf
What's the most-used app on your phone? Snapchat
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I don't know how to swim
Jonathan Anderson
College/University: UNC Wilmington
Major: Finance
Academic Year: Junior
Bank/Institution: Skyline National Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Various
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I would like to see if banking is something I would want to to pursue!
I always start my day with... Breakfast
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Jesus
What's the most-used app on your phone? YouTube
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I was born in Peru.
Haji Awais
College/University: Virginia Commonwealth University
Major: Marketing/Product Management
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Talent Acquisition and Branding
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I'm looking forward to learning more about banking and how the banking industry market itself. I'm also looking forward to improving my communication skills through a talent acquisition role.
I always start my day with... Breakfast and Emails
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Dad
Favorite Weekend Activity: Playing Cricket
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I can speak Urdu/Punjabi
Andressa Bardelli
College/University: University of the District of Columbia
Major: Finance
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Chain Bridge Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Rotational Internship
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am excited that I will get the chance to work in various departments of the bank, giving me a better idea of what I will want when starting my career. Personally, I am eager for the accounting and operations, from the classes I have taken in school, those were the ones I most enjoyed.
Favorite Weekend Activity: Spending time with my dogs.
What's the most-used app on your phone? WhatsApp, I constantly talk to my family and friends from my home country.
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) My grandfather
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment? Moving to the U.S. in order to get my college education
Jake Bentley
College/University: UNC Chapel Hill
Major: Business
Academic Year: Junior
Bank/Institution: Skyline National Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Overall Banking Activity
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to learning all about how banks operate and serve the people and communities they are in. Since money is needed to fund all kinds of programs, banks are at the center of their communities.
I always start my day with... Coffee
Favorite Weekend Activity: Golfing
What's the most-used app on your phone? Google
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I don't like school
RaShara Bentley
College/University: University of Mary Washington
Major: Mathematics
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: C&F Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Credit Analyst
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I'm looking forward to learning about banking in general.
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) My grandma and aunt
Favorite Weekend Activity: Watching TV
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? My sister
What's the most-used app on your phone? Apple Music
Nicolas Born
College/University: University of Richmond
Major: Mathematical Economics
Academic Year: Recent Graduate
Bank/Institution: C&F Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Credit Services
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I'm looking forward to learning more about the banking industry and the various departments in the rotational program at C&F.
I always start my day with... A hot tea
Favorite Weekend Activity: Swimming
What's the most-used app on your phone? Spotify
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I lived in Chile for a year
Nana Brew-Butler
College/University: Virginia Commonwealth University
Major: Psychology
Academic Year: Junior
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Community Development Intern
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? New and improved skills and how to apply them, Networking, Being a part of a group that makes a difference
I always start my day with... A prayer and manifestation
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Nelson Mandela
Favorite Weekend Activity: Staying at home
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Kanye West
Andrew Cagle
College/University: Christopher Newport University
Major: Finance
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: C&F Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Credit Analyst
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I'm excited to learn more about banking industry, and how they create value in the communities they serve.
I always start my day with... Coffee
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Ben Franklin
Favorite Weekend Activity: Golf
What's the most-used app on your phone? Wall Street Journal
Sidney Carrion
College/University: University of Richmond
Major: BSBA with Finance and Marketing Concentrations
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Wealth Management
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I'm looking forward to gaining more knowledge about the Finance Industry as a whole. I'm hoping that by completing different tasks and assignments as well as meeting various employees, I'll be able to gauge what field I would like to go in to for the future whether that be a Financial Advisor or something else. I'm also looking forward to meeting the other interns and seeing what they can bring to the table.
I always start my day with... Checking the news and making sure I'm up to date on current events.
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Drake because he's my favorite artist
Favorite Weekend Activity: Going out with my friends and having a good time
What's the most-used app on your phone? Snapchat or Twitter
Ethan Cook
College/University: Virginia Tech
Major: Finance and Business Information Technology
Academic Year: Junior
Bank/Institution: Skyline National Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Various Departments
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am definitely hoping to learn and realize from this experience a clearer path of what I want to do after college. I believe that this opportunity is going to help me grows in many different ways and ultimately help me decide the correct career path. I hope to learn more about the lending and managing departments of the bank and also a little more about the IT services as that is what interests me the most!
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Elon Musk
Favorite Weekend Activity: Golfing or Fishing
What's the most-used app on your phone? Snapchat
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment? Graduating with an Associate's Degree before graduating High School
Bailey Deskins
College/University: Clemson University
Major: Management and Marketing
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Rotational Internship
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to growing my understanding of the banking industry, and I am really looking forward to the wealth management rotation.
I always start my day with... An Orange Theory workout
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Helen Keller
Favorite Weekend Activity: Getting some sunshine
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I love fashion
Fizan Fida
College/University: College of William & Mary
Major: Business Analytics Supply Chain
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Customer Experience
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? Investment Banking
I always start my day with... Tea
Favorite Weekend Activity: Cricket
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Gordon Ramsay
What's the most-used app on your phone? Discord
Jacob Floyd
College/University: James Madison University
Major: Economics
Academic Year: Graduate Student
Bank/Institution: Bank of Southside Virginia
Internship Area of Focus: General
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to gaining a better understanding of every aspect of the bank in order to help benefit the bank in the long run.
I always start my day with... A smoothie
Favorite Weekend Activity: Fishing
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Elon Musk
What's the most-used app on your phone? Twitter
Riley Fox
College/University: William and Mary
Major: Finance
Academic Year:
Bank/Institution: C&F Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Credit Analyst
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? Learning about the lending decision making process and building connections. Also learning about the other departments in the bank.
I always start my day with... Breakfast
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Conor McGregor
Favorite Weekend Activity: Golf
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Bill Murray
Megan Gaffney
College/University: La Salle University
Major: Economics and International Studies
Academic Year: Junior
Bank/Institution: C&F Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Credit Analyst
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? Commercial Lending
I always start my day with... Iced Coffee
Favorite Weekend Activity: Boating
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Chris Evans
What's the most-used app on your phone? TikTok
Morgan Harris
College/University: Meredith College
Major: Business Administration, Concentration in Accounting
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: American National Bank and Trust
Internship Area of Focus: General Accounting/Finance
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to learning more about the banking industry as a whole, mainly the finance/accounting side. I have always had an interest in banking and how things differ from a regular business when it comes to accounting and regulations, so I am excited to see how it actually compares. Most importantly, I would like to have a better understanding of how debits and credits work in banking.
I always start my day with... A large diet coke from Chick-fil-A
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Princess Diana
Favorite Weekend Activity: My favorite weekend activity is going on the boat with friends.
What's the most-used app on your phone? My most used app is definitely TikTok.
Fallyn Hawks
College/University: Longwood University
Major: Business Administration, Concentration in Accounting
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Benchmark Community Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Accounting
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? The different day-to-day tasks in accounting and how everything corresponds. Also, I look forward to seeing the different departments within the banking industry and learning about how the departments intertwine with one another.
I always start my day with... A cup of coffee!
Favorite Weekend Activity: Going to the lake or relaxing at home
What's the most-used app on your phone? Tik Tok
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment? Being Valedictorian of my high school class
Hannah Hedden
College/University: James Madison University
Major: Communication Studies
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Virginia Bankers Association
Internship Area of Focus: Communications/Education & Training
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to expanding my overall knowledge on the banking industry by collaborating with different departments and committees throughout my internship experience at the VBA. I am also looking forward to acquiring various skills and resources that will allow me to gain more experience in order to pursue my future job/career path!
I always start my day with... Coffee
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) My Grammy
Favorite Weekend Activity: Relaxing at the river with my friends and family
What's the most-used app on your phone? Instagram or Facebook
Reginald Holmes
College/University: Virginia Commonwealth University
Major: Business: Supply Chain Management
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Sourcing & Procurement
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking to improve my communication skills, negotiation skills, become familiar with different software, risk management skills.
I always start my day with... A laugh & coffee
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Scott Mescudi
Favorite Weekend Activity: Playing sports
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Dave Chapelle
Cindy Huang
College/University: University of Virginia
Major: Commerce
Academic Year: Junior
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Enterprise Risk Management
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I look forward to learning more about the variety of roles that play into making a bank run efficiently. I am excited to learn and use new programs, such as Power BI, throughout this experience. In general, I also just hope to learn more about the banking industry.
I always start my day with... Eating or drinking something warm
Favorite Weekend Activity: Going on short drives, by myself or with others
What's the most-used app on your phone? Facebook Messenger
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment? Getting into the university of my choice
Victor Jimenez
College/University: College of Charleston
Major: Finance
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Rotational Internship
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am really looking forward to learning more about the different lines of business within United Bank.
I always start my day with... Coffee.
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Michael Jordan
What's the most-used app on your phone? Instagram
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I have a coffee and brewery Instagram page.
Omar Khan
College/University: Virginia Commonwealth University
Major: Finance
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Commercial Banking
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am interested in learning more about how the bank processes loans, does risk evaluations and other areas that a commercial bank brings in revenues.
I always start my day with... Checking the market
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) My grandfather
Favorite Weekend Activity: Playing soccer and going new places with friends
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Jordan Belfort
Quinn Mahoney
College/University: University of Michigan
Major: Business Administration
Academic Year: Junior
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Rotational Internship
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? Within a rotational internship there is plenty to learn from each side of the business. However, I am particularly excited to walk through a CRE loan as well as a term sheet. I have worked on deals from the other side, as the equity holder seeking a loan, so I am curious to see how banks approach these situations and how they assign the different credit ratings as well as interest rates.
I always start my day with... A glass of water
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Matthew McConaughey
Favorite Weekend Activity: Going to the Chesapeake Bay
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Seth Rogan
Sparkle Mark
College/University: George Washington University
Major: Business, concentrating in Finance and Real Estate
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Banking Rotational
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to learning more about Wealth Management as it's the field I am interested in pursuing. I am also looking forward to learning more about how banking shapes our communities.
I always start my day with... Looking at the sunrise
Favorite Weekend Activity: Bottomless Brunch
What's the most-used app on your phone? Snapchat
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I have been playing chess since I was five.
Monica McDearmon
Bank/Institution: Virginia Bankers Association
Position/Title: Manager, Communication & Financial Education
Number of Years at the VBA: 4
I always start my day with... Coffee
Favorite Weekend Activity: Anything outside with my family
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) All four of my grandparents, together with my family
What's the most-used app on your phone? Amazon
Rachel Miller
College/University: University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Major: Accounting
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Skyline National Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Accounting Office
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? More about how the banking system works and also about commercial loans.
I always start my day with... Coffee
Favorite Weekend Activity: Going to the mountains and banking
What's the most-used app on your phone? Instagram
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I love cats!
Aneesha Naik
College/University: Randolph Macon College
Major: Economics
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Chain Bridge Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Rotational Internship
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I want to learn more about how the various departments in a bank work as well as learn new skills, I hope I can also contribute to the bank with the work I do.
I always start my day with... Music
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Jacinda Ardern
Favorite Weekend Activity: Sleeping in
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Michelle Obama
Kelsey O'Bryan
College/University: Virginia Tech
Major: Real Estate & Marketing
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Banking
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to becoming well rounded in every aspect of the banking industry!
I always start my day with... A cup of coffee
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) My friends
Favorite Weekend Activity: Being outdoors
What's the most-used app on your phone? Snapchat
Alex Oliver
College/University: George Mason University
Major: Finance
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Skyline National Bank
Internship Area of Focus: General Banking
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? Management, finance, and furthering basic banking skills. I am looking forward to working with lenders and the operational side as well.
I always start my day with... COFFEE!!
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Elon Musk
Favorite Weekend Activity: Traveling
What's the most-used app on your phone? Instagram
Manav Patel
College/University: West Virginia University
Major: Finance & Accounting
Academic Year: Junior
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Rotational Internship
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? Meeting new people.
I always start my day with... A shower
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Henry Kayes
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? David Letterman
What's the most-used app on your phone? Snapchat
Vishal Pawar
College/University: West Virginia University
Major: Finance
Academic Year: Graduate Student
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Credit
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am really looking forward to building new relationships, and learning how credit analysts work with million dollar companies. I would like to see what rotation would sit right with me, whether that is the retail rotation, credit rotation, or commercial lending.
I always start my day with... A cold shower
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Michael Jordan
Favorite Weekend Activity: Enjoying the Lake
What's the most-used app on your phone? Snapchat
Jafet Rubi
College/University: University of Richmond
Major: Business Administration, Concentration in Management Consulting
Academic Year: Rising Senior
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Digital Strategy & Customer Experience
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to learning more about how teams work in the real world. I also wish to make connections and foster professional relationships at Atlantic Union Bank. This is all to say that I basically want to learn as much as I can about everything and anything related to life post-college, and I hope to apply everything I learn through my internship into my professional career now and in the future.
I always start my day with... Coffee
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Georges St-Pierre
Favorite Weekend Activity: Beach
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Keanu Reeves
Tahir Shehzad
College/University: William & Mary
Major: Business Analytics
Academic Year:
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Procurement - strategic sourcing and supplier management
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to learning more about risk management, strategy development, and data analytics.
I always start my day with... A glass of water
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) James Gandolfini
Favorite Weekend Activity: A trip to the river
What's the most-used app on your phone? Instagram
Abigail Shorten
College/University: Virginia Tech
Major: Real Estate
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Banking
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? My dad is a branch manager and I've always loved hearing about his banking stories. I think I am most excited to learn about all aspects of banking.
I always start my day with... An iced coffee
Favorite Weekend Activity: Golf
What's the most-used app on your phone? Instagram
What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I'm an only child
Aravind Surumpudi
College/University: University of Virginia
Major: Finance
Academic Year: Sophomore
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Project Management
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I look forward to learning about the process of Project management, and being able to make an impact on current projects. During the VBA internship, I hope to learn more about banking and meet executives who have a lot of experience.
I always start my day with... Eating Cereal
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Kobe Bryant
Favorite Weekend Activity: Playing Soccer
What's the most-used app on your phone? Robinhood
Jacob Syner
College/University: West Virginia University
Major: Accounting
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Retail, Commercial Credit, Wealth Management, Lending, and Operations
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to networking with professionals from the bank as well as my fellow interns. I am also looking forward to learning more about wealth management and commercial credit/lending. I like finance and am involved in the stock market, so I think it'd be nice to see a different perspective of those.
I always start my day with... Making a pot of coffee.
Favorite Weekend Activity: My favorite weekend activity is watching soccer whenever my favorite team is playing, as well as spending time with family and friends.
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? My first guest on my talk show would be Elton John. He would be my first guest because of how he has persevered through hardships and changes in his life. I believe his stories and advice would be a great lesson to everyone.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment would be that I was selected to travel to China to represent WVU in a study abroad trip with a group of 15 other students.
Johnny Tran
College/University: Virginia Commonwealth University
Major: Business Administration
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Consumer Lending
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am looking forward to learning new skills as well as opportunities to help my community.
I always start my day with... Coffee/Energy Drink!
What's the most-used app on your phone? YouTube
What is your secret weapon? My personality
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment? Being selected out of 1000 people to star in a YouTube series.
Rohit Vishnubhatla
College/University: Virginia Commonwealth University
Major: Finance
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Wealth Management
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am really looking forward to being exposed to the various aspects of the Wealth management business, and learning more about the hands-on management of clients' money. From client acquisition, to asset allocation, to portfolio management - I think the Wealth Management division at AUB has a wide reaching network, and I can learn about a lot of different scenarios under which creative thinking was required.
I always start my day with... Reading the market overview, and getting an insight into the week ahead in the stock markets.
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Alan Turing
Favorite Weekend Activity: Spontaneous day trips
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? LeBron James
Ella Weaver
College/University: Boston College
Major: Finance & Data Analytics
Academic Year: Sophomore
Bank/Institution: Chain Bridge Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Rotational Internship
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I'm excited to learn more about the different jobs and opportunities within the banking industry!
I always start my day with... A large cold-brew
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Matthew McConaughey
Favorite Weekend Activity: Spending time with friends
What's the most-used app on your phone? Messages
Zaire Webb
College/University: Georgetown University
Major: Government
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: United Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Rotational Internship
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I am most looking forward to getting experience from the United Bank team through various presentations, projects, and assessments. I would like to engage with the different departments of the bank and comprehend how each work alongside each other to continue their success. I also am very excited to create and develop relations with my peers and mentors.
I always start my day with... A workout
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Lebron James
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Rihanna
What's the most-used app on your phone? Unfortunately, my banking app
Tamera Wimbish
College/University: Virginia State University
Major: Business Management
Academic Year: Senior
Bank/Institution: Chain Bridge Bank
Internship Area of Focus: Accounting
What are you looking forward to learning more about during your internship experience? I'm really looking forward to learning more about the HR department. Being as though my major is business management with a concentration in HR, I want to get the experience of HR in a bank. In 2016-2017 I had an internship where I worked with the Renaissance Hotel in their HR department so I think it would be nice to see the differences in the department of HR trough the lens of the bank and through hospitality.
I always start my day with... Motivational Quotes
I would most like to have lunch with (dead or alive) Taraji P. Henson
Favorite Weekend Activity: Trying new restaurants
If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest? Beyoncé