Ibrahim Wilson
35 | Branch Manager, EastRise
Residence: Chittenden
Career Highlights: The career highlight I’m most proud of is leading my branch team at EastRise. Seeing my team grow in confidence and truly shine as their authentic selves has been incredible. I’ve helped promote 5 of 7 team members, with two more on track soon. Watching their growth has been my most rewarding highlight.
Community Involvement: My community involvement includes mentoring students in Vermont school districts, volunteering with pre-k through college financial literayc programs to help the next generation build confidence around money. I also participate in the community giving group initiatives through EastRise, supporting local nonprofits and small and large businesses that strengthen Vermont’s economy. Helping others create opportunity and stability where we live something I’m deeply passionate about.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: I was motivated to live and work in Vermont because this is where I spent much of my life, and I want my family to grow up with a great feel of family and community that my wife and I experienced here.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is building relationships. I get to meet people from all walks of life and help them understand how to reach their goals. Supporting members’ and team members personal and financial growth is what makes the work truly meaningful.
Most inspiring mentor and why: My most inspiring mentor is my father. Watching him find success through integrity, hard work, and genuine care for others showed me what true leadership looks like. His examples continue to guide how I lead and who I strive to be every day.
What is the best career advice: The best career advice I have received is to step out of my comfort zone whenever possible. Thats where growth happens. Every time I’ve done that, incredible opportunities have followed.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Few people know that I won a spelling bee and placed 4th in the national spelling bee.
What three words best describe you: Three words that best describe me are Loyal, Driven, Compassionate.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is Spruce Peak. I love being at the moment just taking all that nature has to offer in the fall.
Favorite Vermont season: My favorite Vermont season is fall. The weather and this time of year to me just can’t be beat.
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity is relaxing with my wife and kids. Having Family night at home.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: The person I’d most like to share a Vermont beverage with is my dad. To be able to have his wisdom over a good Hill Farmstead beer would be ideal.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: The cause would support is food security and access to basic essentials. Everyone deserves the chance to give their best without worrying about here their next meal is coming from or if they’ll have a safe place to sleep. Helping meet those fundamental needs would lift an enormous burden off so many families.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years: In the next 5-10 years I’d like to continue advancing in leadership. helping shape strategy, culture and growth within the Credit Union Industry while mentoring the next generation of leaders.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years: The career goals I’d like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years are to lead at the executive or senior leader level. help expand access to financial statewide and play a role in building stronger more connected communities.