NWA Women in Business: Simone Singh

Residence: Fayetteville

Education: B.A., mass communications, University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Arkansas Bankers Association Commercial Lending School

Professional background: Singh is a banker with over a decade of experience in lending and relationship management. What began as a job to fund film school evolved into a career helping business owners grow and thrive. Now focused on advancing her expertise and preparing for senior leadership, Singh works with entrepreneurs to deliver strategic financial solutions while she charts a path toward executive banking roles.

What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? I never met anyone who looked like me in commercial banking, and that absence fueled my purpose. I was also drawn to the impact bankers have on local economies and felt called to ensure business owners, especially those from historically excluded communities, had access to the tools and capital they need to thrive. That calling, combined with my love for strategy and service, is what keeps me here.

What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? “Apply anyway.” That’s something my dad taught me early on, and it stuck. It reminded me that courage often has to come before confidence and that leaders don’t wait to feel ready; they step forward and figure it out along the way. I’ve also learned that it’s OK to fail, as long as you’re willing to learn, adjust and keep going. Leadership isn’t about being flawless; it’s about being fearless in growth.

What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? Apply for the job, even if you don’t meet every requirement. Banking is a learnable skill — confidence and consistency matter just as much. Stay curious, build strong relationships, and learn to speak the language of credit and cash flow. Don’t be afraid to take up space in rooms where decisions are made. You belong there, and your voice is your biggest asset.

You stay busy professionally. How do you take care of yourself and maintain good mental health? I write and perform poetry. It’s my creative refuge. I’ve had the privilege of performing across the world, and poetry continues to ground me, challenge me, and help me process both joy and grief.

What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? Professionally, my next goal is to attend banking school and continue paving #thepathtobankpresident. Personally, I’m finishing my first poetry chapbook and working to become fluent in Hindi and Punjabi.

What was your dream job as a kid, and why? As a kid, I wanted to be like my dad, who worked in construction, building things that lasted. Then I saw an episode of “The Practice” and decided I wanted to be a lawyer — someone who could fight for people and help them find justice. I didn’t know banking would offer a different, but equally powerful, way to help people build something meaningful.