DBT40 Honoree: Christina Summa

Age: 29
VP/Commercial Real Estate Relationship Manager
WSFS Bank, Wilmington

Introduction. Christina Summa is vice president and relationship manager in the Commercial Real Estate Department at WSFS Bank. She manages a Commercial Real Estate portfolio of more than $135 million. Christina volunteers with PAWS for People, Mental Health Association of Delaware, Delaware Real Estate Women, and Year Up Wilmington.

Why should you be chosen for DBT 40? I am very passionate about my career and want to be a role model for young professionals entering the banking industry. I worked very hard to get to where I am today and always give 110% at everything I do. Volunteering in the local community is very important to me. Being a Delawarean is something I pride myself on. I am one of the first female Commercial Relationship Managers under the age of 30 at WSFS Bank. My hope is that more women will enter the Commercial Banking industry and am proud to lead by example that it is possible to make it a career.

Professional accomplishments: Vice President at WSFS Bank before the age of 30. Manages a $135 million portfolio. Participated in acquisition team for Alliance Bank and Penn Liberty Bank. Member of Home Builders Association in Delaware and Delaware Real Estate Women. Committee member for the Bank’s “Banking on Our Associates” program that recognizes Associates for going above and beyond in their roles.

Leadership examples: I currently serve as a Board Member of the Mental Health Association in Delaware and Delaware Real Estate Women (DREW). At DREW I serve as the Assistant Treasurer. I was Vice President of Membership of our WSFS Bank Toastmasters Club for two years. I am currently the department’s “Subject Matter Expert” for our new nCino underwriting platform.

Community service: I am an active volunteer with PAWS for People which is a pet therapy organization. I certified my dog Jax to be a therapy dog and we visit Lodge Lane in Wilmington. We also participate in community events and corporate DeStress sessions with PAWS. I am a committee member for the organization’s largest fundraiser, PAWS Wag-A-Thon (formerly known as the Wag-and-Walk). In 2018 I was the top individual fundraiser for the event.  I also volunteer with Mental Health Association of Delaware. I am a member of their Board of Directors and also a member of the Development Committee. Mental Health is very important to me due to my own struggles with anxiety. I recently joined Year Up Wilmington to be a peer mentor to young Wilmington teens.

Christina Summa at one of her favorite places, Longwood Gardens

Guilty pleasure? Binge-watching “Impractical Jokers.” Those guys make me cry laughing!

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to star as Belle on Broadway in “Beauty and the Beast.”

Go-to song for karaoke: “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson.

First job? My first job was working at Icing by Claire’s at the Christiana Mall. I lived for stocking the 10 for 10 sale.

Fun fact: For my college internship, I worked at The Walt Disney World Resort in Magic Kingdom.

Family and education:  I currently reside in Wilmington with my three dogs Jax (Pembroke Welsh Corgi), Chibs (Corgi Husky Mix) and Jaina (Siberian Husky). I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Neumann University.