Age: 36
Event and Meeting Planner, Delaware Bankers Association (Dover)
What her nominator said: Corinne connects professionals to new opportunities through networking events delivered in fun and creative ways. Her passion for lifelong learning is shared readily with others. She can quickly adjust to any situation and does not get flustered easily when faced with unexpected challenges. Best of all, Corinne creates happiness through humor and positive energy.
Why should you be chosen for DBT 40? I love what I do. I connect with other passionate people who also love what they do. My goal is to create meaningful programs so the financial industry can better serve their communities. From my small team of six to the 47,000 Delaware bankers to ALL the people we collectively serve in our communities – we make Delaware strong! In 2018 alone, Delaware banks volunteered more than 183,000 hours of community service to more than 500 non-profit organizations and donated over $15.5 million!
Professional accomplishments: During her tenure with the DBA and DFEA Corinne has planned and executed a variety of programs, the depth and breadth of which range from serving just a few members to reaching hundreds of members, including a Directors’ College that featured an interactive program providing ongoing education on current topics of bank supervision and the ever-changing regulatory environment; the Delaware Trust Conference, which attracts hundreds of Trust professionals to the First State; a cybersecurity Conference; and a FinTech forum for professionals who are focused on the intersection of financial services and
Leadership examples: Prior to joining the DBA, Corinne was employed with the Delaware Department of Education, Teaching and Learning Branch. In this role, she served on the management team for eight Delaware Career and Technical Student Organizations serving over 60,000 students per year with leadership training, community service projects, professional development opportunities and the like.
Community service: In 2019, Corinne and her daughter helped raise $1,000 for the Polar Bear Plunge Special Olympics fundraiser; encourages DBA members to support the Food Bank of Delaware and DART’s Stuff the Bus fundraiser; volunteers as a Creative Mentor at Dover Air Force Base through a Connecting Generations program; and leads National Lemonade Days Team Townsend for Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
At what point in your life did you realize you had the power to do something meaningful? When I became a mother. Aside from the meaningfulness of bringing another life into this world, my child has driven me to constantly do better – personally and professionally.
What’s the best piece of advice you’re received so far in your life? You don’t have to be in a leadership role to be a leader. I used to believe you had to be a CEO or President to be considered a leader. It took a leader to tell me I’m a leader for me to realize that by owning your work and being passionate about what you do, you too are a leader!
What advice would you give your 20- to 25-year-old self?Live within your means.
What were you doing at the time? Spending money I didn’t have.
Where are you most at ease? The beach. I live about 20 minutes from Cape Henlopen State Park and love getting up early for Dawn Patrol – having the beach to myself and beating the crowds! It provides a great opportunity for my dog and I to roam freely which instantly lifts my mood.
Guilty pleasure? Food. I eat even when I’m not hungry, which is starting to catch up with me!
What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher. I have my degree in elementary education and am certified to teach special ed. Life had other plans for me, but I’m happy with the direction it took me.
What’s your hidden talent? Photography. I’ve been told I have an eye for it, so I skipped all the technical aspects and just shoot for fun!
What’s your next big goal? To completely renovate our 1941 home!
Family and education: I live in Milford, Delaware, in a 1941 Craftsman-style home with my partner of almost a decade and 14-year-old daughter! We have two cats, and one beautiful dog, all three rescues. I graduated from Wilmington University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in special education.
