Having worked in banking for over half her life, Taya Abbott uses her professional experience and relationship-centered service approach to contribute toward the mission at Climate First Bank. Her journey began after she was introduced to our culture through social media and learned more online via Fireside Chats with Ken LaRoe, Climate First Bank CEO and Founder.  

After working for larger banks, Taya desired a more impactful, customer-first approach that aligned with her values.    

“I found my time spent at two large national banks to be unfulfilling,” she explained. “I loved my customers, but there was a distinct corporate shift that went from cultivating relationships and forming trust, into pushing whatever new product came out, whether or not it was right for the customer. That wasn’t for me.”

“My good friend and workmate joined Climate First Bank when the Bank first opened its doors. I was immediately intrigued,” Taya said. “I started by following the Bank across social media and researching its mission and culture. After that, it was a no-brainer to start knocking on the HR team’s door, even though there were no open positions to apply for! My patience paid off, and I couldn't be happier about where it landed me.”

At Climate First Bank, Taya works as a Loan Operations Specialist. Her favorite aspect of her role is the adaptability it provides, allowing her to find creative solutions to best suit customers’ needs. She can do what she feels is best for each client as an individual, rather than being restrained by corporate precedents.  

“It's so awesome that we are in a position to have fresh approaches to creating processes and finding solutions that make sense, rather than trying to fix or adapt to something outdated or broken,” Taya said. “I love being a part of it; knowing that my input has an impact is such a wonderful feeling!”

Both within her role and outside of work, Taya is a creative person. Her natural sense of curiosity not only makes her a better banker but helps her thrive in hobbies like thrifting and woodworking, which are both practices that help give new life to used materials.

“I get excited when I see garage sale signs, furniture on the side of the road and live wood lumber yards,” she said. “I recently began experimenting with epoxy projects and I'm eager to start creating furniture pieces with it!”

There are many other ways to get involved with the mission too. Education is central to the mission at the Bank, and the Bank hosts virtual events like Lunch and Learns and Fireside Chats to help foster community involvement and inspire others to pursue sustainable behaviors. In addition, the Bank’s 2023 Impact Report lists several books that discuss key topics, which are a great place to start for those looking to do better by their community and the environment. Taya highly recommends Let My People Go Surfing, written by Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Chouinard Equipment Ltd. and Patagonia. As part of their joining journey with the Bank, every employee receives a copy during onboarding.  

“I had never even heard of the term ‘B-Corp’ prior to watching a Climate First Fireside Chat. Not long after I joined the Bank, we achieved that status and I came to fully appreciate the commitment, passion and dedication required to get there,” Taya shared. “I followed that up with studying a couple of impactful books, several mission-aligned foundations and numerous individuals on social media and had very meaningful conversations with others that share a true passion for making a change.”

To those looking to get involved, Taya recommends absorbing as much knowledge as possible and perusing topics of interest with a curious spirit. She believes it is important for everyone to increase their awareness of how urgent the mission is.  

“If you kindle the fire by becoming a proactive participant within your community, voicing your concerns and support on social media and committing to making personal changes in your own habits and lifestyle, it will no doubt ignite,” Taya said.