Poppy Bank

Poppy Bank was proud to sponsor Crime Survivors, Inc.’s Superhero 5K. The event raised funds to support the Crime Survivors Resource Center, which provides hope and healing to victims and survivors of crime through advocacy and resources from the critical time following a crime through the challenges and successes of surviving and thriving. Michelle Quevedo-Penn, VP—Branch Manager of Poppy Bank’s Costa Mesa branch was in attendance, along with VP—Area Manager Jacob Safford, Branch Operations Support Specialist Lauren Barrozo, and New Accounts/Client Service Representative Carlos Ojeda. Public safety is essential for a thriving community. We are honored to partner with organizations like Crime Survivors, Inc. to help raise awareness, prevention, and advocacy to empower hope and healing in our community. #CrimeSurvivors #ViolenceAwareness #NonprofitPartnership

Poppy Bank was excited to celebrate the grand opening of our San Jose branch, located at 5377 Prospect Road. The San Jose Chamber of Commerce was in attendance, along with members of Business Owners Circle.   President and CEO, Khalid Acheckzai, CPA says, “We are thrilled to be opening a branch in San Jose as we continue to expand our geographic footprint throughout California. At a time when many banks are closing their doors, Poppy Bank continues to grow and expand, which is a testament to our financial strength and security. We look forward to extending our excellent products and services to support the economic growth and prosperity of this vibrant and innovative city.”   Next time you’re in the San Jose area, stop by the branch and say hi to Branch Manager Darissa Acosta and her wonderful team. They are ready to serve you.   #SanJoseBusiness #SanJoseChamber #SanJose

Poppy Bank was proud to sponsor Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation’s annual Spark the Future! event at Becoming Independent.   For more than a decade, the CTE Foundation has helped transform the learning experience both inside and outside of the classroom. The organization collaborates with educators and schools to create hands-on programs in areas such as culinary arts, woodshop, photography, metalworking, automotive repair, and more. These programs allow students to explore their passions and interests, develop skills, and to provide a pathway for a successful career after high school. Since its founding, the organization has raised nearly $12 Million dollars and invested in 43 CTE programs across Sonoma County.   Kathy Goodacre, CEO of the CTE Foundation, says, “Career Technical Education is not just a curriculum—it’s nothing short of a lifeline for many of today's youth. Together, we’re building stronger connections between learning and life after high school. Together, we’re building a roadway that helps all students explore and build a future for themselves. This roadway connects our youth to careers and opportunities that inspire them to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams right here in our own backyard.”   The event raised nearly $380,000 in funding to support equitable education opportunities and inspire our youth.   #CareerTechnicalEducation #EducationalAdvancement #EducationforAll

Poppy Bank was honored to sponsor Kesem’s Make the Magic event. Branch Operations Officer Trisha Patterson was in attendance, pictured with Caidell Holbrook and Brittney Tran, co-directors of Kesem’s University of California, Davis chapter. Kesem is the leading national nonprofit supporting children through and beyond their parents’ cancer diagnosis. More than 5,000 volunteer college students across 130 campuses provide year-round programs and services to support children of parents or guardians affected by cancer at no cost to their families. In 2023, the organization supported nearly 170 children impacted by their parent’s cancer. Poppy Bank is committed to making a positive difference in the communities we serve, and we are proud to partner with Kesem to support children through this incredibly challenging time and to spread a little hope amid hardship. #Kesem #CommunityBank #GiveBack

We are thrilled to welcome Ash (Ashoo) Vaid as Senior Vice President - Head of Branch Banking! Ash joins the Poppy Bank team with nearly 25 years of experience in the financial industry. He has held various leadership roles with national banking institutions, recently managing a team of 600 members in the bay area. He is passionate about leading with integrity and nurturing client and employee relationships to foster retention.   Ash is an avid supporter of the American Heart Association of the North Bay and Opportunity Junction. He is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School University at the University of Washington and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Jai Narain Vyas University in India. We are fortunate to have Ash’s expertise and look forward to watching him grow with the team. Please join us in welcoming him to Poppy Bank!

Poppy Bank was proud to sponsor Women’s Recovery Services’ Climb for Recovery gala, held at Session Climbing. Women’s Recovery Services is passionate about supporting women, especially mothers, in overcoming addiction. Their treatment programs give women the opportunity to break unhealthy cycles in a safe and residential setting, allowing them and their children to live together while learning the life skills necessary to become strong, responsible contributors to their communities. Diana Madrigal, M-RAS, CCDS, Executive Director of WRS says, “We’ve seen over 100 women come through our program [in the last year]—women who are familiar to us in our community—our family, our friends, our sisters, our mothers. They come to us with hopeful hearts that something will change in their lives…And that’s why we exist—to help the women in our community.”   The event raised $131,600 to support the incredible programs and services that WRS offers. Thank you, Women’s Recovery Services, for all that you do to support and empower women and their families to achieve healthy and stable lives. #NonprofitPartnership #GiveBack #WomensRecovery

Poppy Bank was honored to partner with 10,000 Degrees to teach financial literacy to students at Rancho Cotate High School in Rohnert Park. 10,000 Degrees supports underserved students “to realize their full potential and positively impact their communities and the world.” We believe that an investment in our youth is an investment in the future of our community, and we are passionate about providing others with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial stability and independence. Thank you,10,000 Degrees, for all that you do to support our youth. #10000Degrees #FinancialLiteracy

Poppy Bank was proud to support Girls Inc. of the Island City’s annual Women Who Dare Gala. Celebrating its 60th year in operation, Girls Inc. of the Island City serves over 600 girls annually in the city of Alameda through programs that foster personal development—supporting, mentoring, and guiding girls in an affirming environment. Girls Inc. Chief Executive Officer Jennifer M. Pigza, Ph.D. says, “We’re all here to ensure that our program participants never question their power and possibility—and I believe that we can collectively bring to fruition the inclusive and equitable communities that our children deserve.” We are honored to support their mission “to provide life-changing programs and experiences that equip girls to overcome serious barriers, and to grow up strong, smart and bold.” #GirlsInc #GirlsIncoftheIslandCity #NonprofitPartnership #Alameda

Poppy Bank was proud to sponsor Saaheli.org’s annual tea party celebrating International Women’s Day. Area Manager Lubna A Hosseini and Alameda Branch Manager Kari Thompson were dressed in their best. Proceeds from the event will support women around the world who have survived human trafficking. We are proud to support Saaheli’s mission of empowering women globally through education, workshops, entrepreneurship, and training. #InternationalWomensDay #WomeninBanking #GivingBack #NonprofitPartnership

Join us in celebrating Vice President—Commercial Loan Officer Evelynn Porter on 10 years of service with Poppy Bank! Evelynn has been in the banking industry for more than 30 years and specializes in commercial loans and relationship management. She excels at tailoring loans to the individual needs of each client and finding creative solutions to support their success. Commercial lending combines her two favorite things: numbers and people, and she is passionate about what she does. Evelynn is also passionate about personal and character development, and regularly attends and facilitates workshops to help others effectively communicate in the workplace. Congratulations, Evelynn! Thank you for all that you do. #WomeninBanking #EmployeeAnniversary #WomeninBusiness #CommercialLending