Candace Zang and Anne Waring are both CREWBaltimore members from Howard Bank and CEO, Mary Ann Scully has been a panelist for several events over the years.
Why did you join CREWBaltimore? What makes CREWBaltimore different?
Candace joined the Chapter in 2013 after a co-worker had brought her as a guest to two events. She left both events feeling inspired and supported by the women she had met and knew instantly that it was the network she had been searching for to help her grow and stand out amongst her male peers. When Anne joined the Howard Bank team in 2018 from out of state, Candace immediately recommended CREW as a way to establish a local network and learn valuable CRE market knowledge from the informative programming. CREW is different from other organizations due to the personal feel of the relationships made here. There is always an influx of new members, a diverse Board with fresh ideas and encouragement for all members to get involved on committees.
How long have you been a CREWBaltimore member / member company?
Candace has been a member for 9 years; Anne for 3 years. The company has been an annual sponsor, Beacon Awards sponsor and Golf Tournament sponsor over the past 3 years.
In 2-3 sentences, what do you want CREWBaltimore members to know about your company?
At Howard Bank, we are a female-led full service community banking and lending institution, where business is always personal and our mission is to build enduring legacies for our customers, our employees and our community. We believe that outstanding service comes from the connection with our clients and true understanding of their overall needs. With 67% female employees, 14 departments led by females and 70 females holding officer titles, we empirically understand women in business which has been recognized most recently by American Banker through their “Top Team of Most Powerful Women” Award.
Which CREWBaltimore event have you most enjoyed in the past year and why?
The annual Women of Influence event always leaves the room feeling empowered and ready to take on the world!
Best weekend activity in Baltimore?
Right now- anything you can do safely outside. Under normal circumstances, a favorite Baltimore experience is the walk to Ravens stadium on game day after meeting friends at Cross Street Market.
What the benefits of women supporting women in the CRE industry?
Women MUST support each other not only in the CRE industry but in the world in general. When we work to build each other up and come together collaboratively rather than competing with each other, we are a strong force to be reckoned with! “A woman alone has power; collectively we have impact.”
Best book or article you’ve read that had you fired up to take on the day/week/year at work?
“In the Company of Women” by Grace Bonney
Which CREWBaltimore event are you most excited about this year?
The Neighborhood Series is an exciting new addition- since Baltimore is a city made up of neighborhoods, it will be an interesting “road trip” around the city highlighting projects we may not realize are going on.
Tell us about a project, program or initiative that your company will be working on in 2021.
We are kicking off our third annual “Keep It Local” Contest in May which provides the opportunity to nominate your favorite local small businesses that go above and beyond in the community, for a chance to win a $10,000. https://www.howardbank.com/KeepItLocal We also just launched a new suite of personal checking accounts with an upgraded mobile app equipped with money saving benefits.
Answers provided by Candace Zang, CRE Portfolio Relationship Manager, AVP - Howard Bank