A City of Diversity and Opportunities

When did you move here? Where from?
I moved here in May 2018 and came from San Angelo.

What made you Say Yes to Dallas? 
My job brought me here but I had strategically applied so that I could live in Dallas. It’s one of the best and most affordable places to live and the economy of Dallas is booming. For someone like me, who is joining the banking industry, that provides a huge opportunity.

How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?
I wanted to be close to work and in a safe neighborhood. I found a neighborhood in Plano that resonates with my lifestyle, and it seemed like even architecturally, it was designed to attract millennials. It sure did a good job attracting me.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?
The sheer volume of restaurants in Plano blows my mind. I can eat something new every day and I will still never run out of restaurants. I found this Greek restaurant called Zorba’s nearby work and it’s the best Greek food I’ve ever had.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?
Make sure you speak to your potential neighbors before you sign a lease on your apartment. They will be honest with you and you can make an informed decision. Buy all the furniture off of Amazon and have it delivered.

How has your opinion of the Dallas Region changed since moving here?
I was told people are a little rude in big cities and being here made me realize how false that statement was. Everyone I have met through job, networking events and even acquaintances have been warm and welcoming. People in majority are good, or at least want to be good. I just had to keep an open mind and an open heart and I fit right in.

Tell us about the work environment here.
I didn’t realize until I got here that I’m the youngest business banker at Wells Fargo – in not just DFW region, but the country. I thought it might be difficult to relate, but it wasn’t. My boss told me the first day that he wants to set me up for success and he meant it. People think that banking is boring, but it’s all about the people you surround yourself with. If you have a diverse team, anything is interesting. Personally, I love being a business banker. I can’t believe I get paid to do this.

Where do you go and what do you do on the weekends or days off?
So far, I’ve explored the Little Elm beach, the Shops at Legacy in Plano, and bars at Uptown Dallas. I also found the parks in the area to be a good place for yoga and relaxation.

Where do you go to experience culture?
I don’t think culture is bound by geography. Given how diverse Dallas is, you can experience different culture everywhere.

How do you interact with your community?
I just started a lean in circle for women at Wells Fargo, I am looking to join the organization CHOICE to mentor an at-risk kid in Dallas to increase their chances of going to college, and I recently joined the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Young Professionals program as well, and am looking forward to serving in non-profit boards in the near future.

What is your favorite outside activity, and where is your favorite place to do it?
I really enjoy hiking, but haven’t explored all of the parks yet to pick a favorite.

What would you miss most about the area if you had to leave?
I would definitely miss the food. I literally try a new restaurant every day, and I enjoy it immensely.

What is your passion, and how does the Dallas Region help fulfill it?
There are opportunities to get involved and volunteer everywhere. There is always an event or a concert or something going on and as long as you can have fun and contribute to a good cause at the same time, well, what more do you want! I was worried I might lose myself in a big city and a corporate life but I found many ways to stay grounded through non-profits.

Where do you like to shop? Why?
I like to shop at The Shops at Legacy in Plano and The Galleria in Dallas. There are just so many options.

Where do you feel you are nearest to your “tribe” in the Dallas Region?
I am an absolute nerd and I feel close to my “tribe” in public libraries.

Do you travel often? Is it easier or harder to do here?
With two major airports nearby, I’d say a thousand times easier than before.

Photo Credit: Yvena Chowdhury