Part of our goal here at Citizens Bank of Edmond is to build community with the people we serve. We want to get to know you so we can better respond to your banking needs. Building community goes both ways, though: you need a chance to get to know us, as well!

Up next in our team member spotlight series, we are getting to know our Interns. We asked them five questions to dive below the surface of their role as CBE’s Intern’s. Read their answers to these questions below.

Sean Abbitt

1. Tell me about yourself.

I am a banking intern, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, Youssi Farag. I own and operate the small shoe customization business @445Customs on Instagram.

2. Where do you go to college?

I am a senior at Oklahoma City University majoring in economics with a minor in math.

3. What extracurriculars are you involved in?

I am Vice president of brotherhood development in Kappa Sigma Fraternity. I am always volunteering in various community events.

4. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to go into investment banking and continue to learn more about the banking world.

5. What is your favorite part of working at the bank?

I enjoy the variety of projects I have been able to be apart of and getting a closer look at all the different areas of banking and how it works.

Lexie Aguinaga

1. Tell me about yourself.

I am a marketing intern, reporting to the Executive Assistant, Sandy Pratcher.

2. Where did you go to college?

I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Major in Political Science and a minor in Military Science.

3. What extracurriculars were you involved in?

I was a part of the UCO cheer team and a member of ROTC. I commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard upon graduation.

4. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I would like to engage in public service and maybe someday run for office.

5. What is your favorite part of working at the bank?

My favorite part of working at the bank is the strong sense of community, whether it be coworkers or local businesses. I love that everyday is a new set of tasks to accomplish and makes me excited to come to work every morning!

Christian Coleman

1. Tell me about yourself.

I am Christian Coleman, a post graduate banking intern, reporting to Youssi Farag, Chief Financial Officer. Oklahoma City is home, but I grew up, went to church, and school in Northeast Oklahoma City. Outside of work I enjoy operating my lawn company, trying new restaurants, and just enjoying life as it comes to me.

2. Where did/do you go to college?

I graduated this past May from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of International Business with a focus in Finance and a minor in Business Administration.

3. What extracurriculars were you involved in?

Too many – As a freshman, I participated in the UCO Black Male Initiative, served as the UCO Student Association (UCOSA) Human Diversity chairperson and was a student leader for the UCO Office of Public Affairs. Over the course of my sophomore and junior year I served on the International Board of Directors for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in addition to representing the university as a Campus Compact community civic engagement fellow and serving as vice president of UCOSA. As a senior I was selected by the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation as a social justice fellow while serving as the chairperson for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Student Advisory Board.

4. What do you want to be when you grow up?

This is something that I ask myself every morning before getting out of bed and every night before I close my eyes. Growing up is such a relative phrase because I already feel like I have grown up. To answer the question, I simply just want to be someone who creates better perspectives and opportunities for all people. I dream of a successful and substantive career as a banker, taking the charge of leading an institution or contributing to its growth and sustainability. I also, dream of being a public servant/developer for communities across Oklahoma. I want to live in my purpose and hopefully my answer to this question continues to evolve as I progress in life.

5. What is your favorite part of working at the bank?

Other than the wall of all things Citizens merch, I enjoy the immersive framework of my position and getting the chance to work on tasks and projects while sitting next to team members that “get it done” daily. Everyone has been intentional about answering ALL my questions and taking time to explain to me how the industry works. I really appreciate that.

Brooklyn Collins

1. Tell me about yourself.

My name is Brooklyn Collins, and I am from Poteau, Oklahoma. Last summer, I was the Oklahoma Bankers Association Intern for Citizens Bank of Edmond, and this year I am a Banking Intern under Debbie Hamm, HR Director. Outside of work, I like to attend OSU sporting events (Go Pokes!) and hang out with family.

2. Where did you go to college?

I recently graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Finance and will begin my 1L year this August at Oklahoma City University School of Law.

3. What extracurriculars were you involved in?

During my time at OSU, I was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, as well as Financial Management Association through Spears School of Business. While in undergraduate, I frequently volunteered for my sorority’s local philanthropy, “The Saville Center” which exists to advocate for children who face challenging circumstances.

4. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I plan to have a legal career as an attorney in banking or financial services.

5. What is your favorite part of working at the bank?

My favorite thing about working at the bank is Citizens community involvement. Participating in Cash Mobs, Heard on Hurd, Vibes, and RISE demonstrates commitment to serving our community!

Yael Rojo

1. Tell me about yourself.

I am a banking intern reporting to under the Chief Financial Officer Youssi Farag. I was born and raised in Edmond. Outside of work, I like hanging out with my brothers (I have a twin and a 16-year-old brother). Now, I just spend time together with my younger brother because my twin is in St. Louis. I have played soccer my whole life and I play on the club team at WashU.

2. Where did/do you go to college?

I attend Washington University in St. Louis. I am graduating in the spring of 2024. My major is economics, and my minors are finance and Spanish.

3. What extracurriculars were you involved in?

I play club soccer, intramural soccer, and intramural futsal. I am the treasurer for my fraternity, Alpha Psi Lambda (APsi for short). I am also involved with our Christian ministry on campus.

4. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I do not know what my future holds for me yet, but I want to be successful in whatever I decide to pursue.

5. What is your favorite part of working at the bank?

My favorite thing about working at the bank is the people. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. It really says something about the people here when I am excited to go to work every day.