Ramona Green
Canandaigua National Bank and Trust
Involved with the Community Foundation since 2012
Hobby: Spending time with family and friends
Favorite Rochester eatery: Sinbad’s Mediterranean Cuisine
Favorite Community Foundation event: African American Giving Initiative Annual Grant Giving Event
Favorite Rochester event: City of Rochester’s Music Festival
If I had a million dollars to give: I would assist sick children and families living in poverty.
How Ramona’s work fuels the power of community:In every step of her career as a financial services professional, Ramona has felt the significance of inspiration, both for herself and for others. In a field where women — especially women of color — are less common, Ramona tries to be an example. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Delaware State University, she was determined to carve her own path. She rose from an entry-level position in banking to her role today as a vice president and trust administration officer. The ingrained lesson she takes from her own career journey is in mentoring the next generation. “When a little kid sees a vision of what they could one day be in someone else, it broadens their horizons,” says Ramona.
Charitable involvement in Rochester:Her introduction to the Community Foundation came through a client’s interest in wanting to create a donor-advised fund. “Seeing the power of his gift had a great impact on me. This fund remains in existence and is still helping children throughout our area today,” says Ramona. After her first visit, she sought a deeper involvement with the Foundation, and became a founding member of the African American Giving Initiative. “I believe in funding programs that help turn struggle into success. As we continue this support our community builds momentum.” Her past involvement in her church and as a parent stakeholder committee member of the Bayview YMCA are examples of leadership she knows her sons will follow. “Strong families and a connected community are what make Rochester a city worth living in.”
Inspirational quote:“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of that tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.” – Maya Angelou
Published July 2019