WOMEN TO WATCH

Shamim Okolloh

Author
“Ella the Banker”

I co-authored a children’s book “Ella the Banker” with my 10-year-old son. It aims to spark interest in banking careers, particularly for girls and children in underrepresented communities. The main character is my daughter, Ella, who is 9 years old and wants to be a commercial banker when she grows up.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Tim Campbell Foundation

Best career moment so far

“Ella the Banker Day” proclamation by the City of Little Rock and Mayor Frank Scott Jr. on Jan. 9, 2024

Biggest challenges in my career

Finding balance between my career as a banker, being a parent, an author, a small business owner, a friend and taking care of myself. Time blocking and boundaries are critical.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Only 6% of authors in the U.S. are Black

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Nairobi, Kenya

I can’t start my day until

I have coffee.

Hobbies

Travel and movie nights with the kids

Binge watch

“The Upshaws”

Last good read

“I Did a New Thing” by Tabitha Brown

Favorite meal in town

Certified Pies

Best recent local discovery

La Regional Panaderia

Latest splurge

Christmas in the Bahamas

Most-used app

Facebook

Dream vacation

Zanzibar

SPONSORS