Blanca Valencia, multicultural banker at Union Bank & Trust in Lincoln, Nebraska.
By Karlha Velásquez Rivas
Talking about money can be complicated within the Latino community. Opening a bank account, understanding available options or building credit can raise many questions. The same is true when considering investments, preparing for taxes or simply deciding where to begin.
For many Hispanic families, these processes can feel confusing, intimidating or out of reach.
The challenge is not always a lack of interest. Many people face limited access to clear information, language barriers or difficult past experiences. They may also fear asking questions or feel uncertain about where to turn without being judged.
In that environment, Blanca Valencia is working to build something essential: trust.
A personal experience that guides her work
Born in Mexico, Valencia came to the United States when she was 10 years old. Like many immigrant families, hers had to adjust to a new country. They also learned another language and navigated unfamiliar systems.
That experience helps her understand the needs of people seeking financial guidance.
As a multicultural banker at Union Bank & Trust (UBT) in Lincoln, Nebraska, Valencia understands that many people need to feel heard before discussing financial products, requirements or paperwork.
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For that reason, her approach begins with a simple but powerful idea: when people understand their options, they can make better decisions for themselves and their families.
Empathy, honesty and respect guide her work with the community.
“I understand that every person has a different story, and my priority is to listen first so I can provide guidance that truly makes a difference,” Valencia told JEFAS Magazine.
Trust cannot be imposed. It grows by recognizing that behind every financial question may be a family seeking stability. It may also be an immigrant starting over or an entrepreneur preparing to take the next step.
Building bridges
For Valencia, working in banking means building bridges between languages, cultures and institutions. It also means supporting people who may never have had access to clear and approachable financial guidance.
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“I realized that many people want to move forward, but sometimes they don’t know where to start or they feel afraid to ask questions,” she said. “I wanted to be that bridge between the community and the financial system, helping more people gain access to tools that can help them reach their goals.”
Confidence on and off the field
As this story was being written, Mexico had recently electrified its fans at the World Cup. Although the national team did not reach the final, it delivered a strong performance.
The excitement surrounding the team made one thing clear: a defeat does not erase Mexican confidence.
Valencia brings that same belief into another part of everyday life. She believes the Hispanic community can also gain confidence while navigating a financial system that often feels complicated, distant or intimidating.
When someone arrives feeling uncertain, full of questions or unfamiliar with banking, Valencia does not begin with forms. She listens first.
“First, I listen without judgment,” she said. “Then I explain things in a simple and clear way, answer all their questions and make sure they feel comfortable before making any decision. My goal is for them to leave feeling calmer and more confident than when they arrived.”
Being bilingual is an important part of that work. However, for Valencia, it involves much more than moving between Spanish and English.
It also means translating technical financial language into everyday terms.
“Speaking the same language goes far beyond translating words,” she said. “It means building trust, helping people feel comfortable and making sure they understand their options so they can make informed decisions.”
Blanca Valencia, multicultural banker at Union Bank & Trust in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Her career at UBT
Valencia joined UBT as a teller in 2019. Through consistency and dedication, she continued to grow professionally and now serves as a multicultural banker.
“I feel very proud of the path I have taken at UBT,” she said. “Starting as a teller and now working as a multicultural banker shows that, with effort, dedication and the right support, new opportunities can open up.”
Her journey represents a professional achievement. At the same time, it allows her to serve and represent the Hispanic community.
Outside the bank, Valencia works with community organizations such as Lincoln Literacy. There, she finds opportunities to help others grow and feel that they belong.
She describes herself as family-oriented, hardworking and passionate about helping others. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She also stays active and continues to learn.
Valencia believes personal growth matters as much as professional growth. For that reason, she approaches both with empathy, humility and purpose.
She regularly shares one message with immigrants: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Valencia hopes the community remembers one simple thing about her:
“They can always count on me to listen, offer guidance and help.”
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