pipeline of women in the financial industry. Success on Wall Street has outpaced female leadership at local levels. As of this year, there are 74 female CEOs at America’s 500 highest- grossing companies. This is up from 41 in 2021 and only 7 in 2002. Even with this increase, females still account for only 15 percent of the top leadership at the biggest public businesses. “We have formed generational dream teams,” explained Sparks. “Less experienced bankers are paired with seasoned bankers to help fast- forward their careers. Interestingly, we have found that knowledge and insights flow both ways!” Houston has signaled that it is ready for a primarily female owned and led bank. “Our shareholders are 70 percent women and 85 percent are from the Houston area,” said Sparks. “One of our board members was asked to start a women-led bank in the 1980s. The time just wasn’t right she told them. Today it is!” And the numbers are with Agility and their clients. While women are about twice less likely than men to obtain capital financing for their
businesses, they still produced more than $1.9 trillion in revenue and employ almost ten million.
“The good news is that various studies indicate women-owned businesses perform better than those owned by men—sometimes over 50 percent better,” noted Cyprian. “And every day last year over 1,800 businesses were started by women.” The upshot of the opening of Agility Bank? “We can be where our customers are—on the phones, tablets, computers, or in person at our location at 2401 North Shepherd in the Heights. And I am a part of a bank with the tools and foresight to make banking work for our clients.”
For more information, visit www.agility.bank
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