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Empowering Communities and Women in Banking — A Conversation with Rachael Sampson of KeyBank
As Senior Vice President, Head of Community Banking, Rachael Sampson has dedicated over 20 years to banking, celebrating her 20th anniversary at KeyBank. She focuses on deepening relationships in underbanked communities, ensuring individuals and businesses get tailored support, and leading KeyBank's Key4Women program—a national initiative supporting women entrepreneurs through advocacy, networking, mentorship, and access to capital. In this edition of Wealth Stream News, we discuss her passion for banking, her journey, and her mission to build wealth and confidence in underserved communities while promoting women’s leadership in business.
Wealth Stream News:
Rachael, to begin, could you share your role at KeyBank and what drives your work?
Rachael Sampson:
I’m the Head of Community Banking here at KeyBank, and I also lead our Key4Women: Empowering Women in Business program nationwide. My focus is on acquiring and deepening relationships in underbanked and underserved communities, ensuring that those who need banking support most have access to tailored resources and solutions. At KeyBank, our mission is to help our clients and communities thrive, and community banking is truly at the heart of that mission.
Wealth Stream News:
Tell us about your career journey and what inspired you to take on this work.
Rachael Sampson:
I’ve spent over 20 years in banking and will celebrate my 20th anniversary at KeyBank in January! My path has been a zigzag—I've worked in loan operations, commercial banking, compliance, and credit, but community has always been central. My current role feels like a natural extension of that commitment, which includes bringing tools, resources, and empowerment to underrepresented groups, ultimately feeding my sense of purpose. That led me to our Key4Women program, where we advocate, connect, and mentor women business owners helping them achieve their goals and dreams.
Wealth Stream News:
Tell us more about Key4Women. What are its main goals, and how has it grown?
Rachael Sampson:
Key4Women just marked its 20th anniversary! What began as an access-to-capital campaign has grown into a holistic support program. We now have over 13,000 members across the U.S., and a third of our employees have voluntarily become certified advisors to champion women entrepreneurs. We offer everything from pitch contests—where women can win mentorship and capital—to bilingual financial literacy workshops. In addition, Key4Women offers tools, resources, webinars and networking connections to aid in growing access to community and business opportunities. The program is about meeting women where they are, giving them access to the resources, leadership development, and networks that drive real change which many see as a valuable resource to helping them on their professional journey.
Wealth Stream News:
Could you share a story that captures the impact you’ve seen?
Rachael Sampson:
One memorable moment was with a pitch contest winner who launched a hair-braiding education business. With a little capital, mentorship, and a refined business plan, she created transformative opportunities for others in her community—enabling them to earn six-figure incomes after just a few weeks of training. Another moving experience was in Alaska, where a workshop participant was struggling with housing and stability. Her basic needs were not being met and we were there to help share budgeting tips and connected her with resources that we knew would help. She shared that we had changed her life. Today, she has her own apartment, car, and is thriving personally. That is the kind of change is what makes this work meaningful and brings me joy.
Wealth Stream News:
A big focus at HWP is wealth building, especially for Latinos and other communities often left out. What would you say to young Latinos starting their wealth journeys?
Rachael Sampson:
Start early, be curious, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Everyone’s journey is unique—run your own race. Leverage mentors, bilingual support, and community networks. Use the resources and budgeting tools we offer—like our 50-30-20 budgeting calculator—and always take time to really see where your money is going. Build your confidence, embrace trade-offs, and remember: every small step counts on your path to wealth.
Wealth Stream News:
What resources would you specifically point to at KeyBank?
Rachael Sampson:
We offer complimentary budgeting tools on our website, access to credit-building products, and free credit score monitoring for clients. Our partnership programs provide expert Q&As, financial education, and support for business owners. Sometimes, I encourage people to simply print their bank statement and color-code expenses with highlighters—sometimes the simplest exercises bring real awareness and change.
Wealth Stream News:
How do you define wealth, and how do you want your legacy to be remembered?
Rachael Sampson:
Wealth is about much more than finances—it’s about security, opportunity, and the ability to support your loved ones and community. I feel that " You must have a high self-worth to have a high net worth" and I hope my legacy is one of empowerment and giving back, showing others that there’s enough for everyone and that a rising tide truly lifts all boats.
Wealth Stream News:
Anything else you’d like to share?
Rachael Sampson:
I’m especially proud of our new language access programs and community partnerships—with organizations like NAHREP with La Plaza, and the Hispanic Wealth Project: whom KeyBank is a National Strategic Partner. Together, we’re providing truly on-the-ground support—financial education in both English and Spanish, plus in-person visits to help small business owners and families thrive. There’s a lot of power when communities and institutions come together.
Disclosure: Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.
Wealth Stream News:
Rachael, to begin, could you share your role at KeyBank and what drives your work?
Rachael Sampson:
I’m the Head of Community Banking here at KeyBank, and I also lead our Key4Women: Empowering Women in Business program nationwide. My focus is on acquiring and deepening relationships in underbanked and underserved communities, ensuring that those who need banking support most have access to tailored resources and solutions. At KeyBank, our mission is to help our clients and communities thrive, and community banking is truly at the heart of that mission.
Wealth Stream News:
Tell us about your career journey and what inspired you to take on this work.
Rachael Sampson:
I’ve spent over 20 years in banking and will celebrate my 20th anniversary at KeyBank in January! My path has been a zigzag—I've worked in loan operations, commercial banking, compliance, and credit, but community has always been central. My current role feels like a natural extension of that commitment, which includes bringing tools, resources, and empowerment to underrepresented groups, ultimately feeding my sense of purpose. That led me to our Key4Women program, where we advocate, connect, and mentor women business owners helping them achieve their goals and dreams.
Wealth Stream News:
Tell us more about Key4Women. What are its main goals, and how has it grown?
Rachael Sampson:
Key4Women just marked its 20th anniversary! What began as an access-to-capital campaign has grown into a holistic support program. We now have over 13,000 members across the U.S., and a third of our employees have voluntarily become certified advisors to champion women entrepreneurs. We offer everything from pitch contests—where women can win mentorship and capital—to bilingual financial literacy workshops. In addition, Key4Women offers tools, resources, webinars and networking connections to aid in growing access to community and business opportunities. The program is about meeting women where they are, giving them access to the resources, leadership development, and networks that drive real change which many see as a valuable resource to helping them on their professional journey.
Wealth Stream News:
Could you share a story that captures the impact you’ve seen?
Rachael Sampson:
One memorable moment was with a pitch contest winner who launched a hair-braiding education business. With a little capital, mentorship, and a refined business plan, she created transformative opportunities for others in her community—enabling them to earn six-figure incomes after just a few weeks of training. Another moving experience was in Alaska, where a workshop participant was struggling with housing and stability. Her basic needs were not being met and we were there to help share budgeting tips and connected her with resources that we knew would help. She shared that we had changed her life. Today, she has her own apartment, car, and is thriving personally. That is the kind of change is what makes this work meaningful and brings me joy.
Wealth Stream News:
A big focus at HWP is wealth building, especially for Latinos and other communities often left out. What would you say to young Latinos starting their wealth journeys?
Rachael Sampson:
Start early, be curious, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Everyone’s journey is unique—run your own race. Leverage mentors, bilingual support, and community networks. Use the resources and budgeting tools we offer—like our 50-30-20 budgeting calculator—and always take time to really see where your money is going. Build your confidence, embrace trade-offs, and remember: every small step counts on your path to wealth.
Wealth Stream News:
What resources would you specifically point to at KeyBank?
Rachael Sampson:
We offer complimentary budgeting tools on our website, access to credit-building products, and free credit score monitoring for clients. Our partnership programs provide expert Q&As, financial education, and support for business owners. Sometimes, I encourage people to simply print their bank statement and color-code expenses with highlighters—sometimes the simplest exercises bring real awareness and change.
Wealth Stream News:
How do you define wealth, and how do you want your legacy to be remembered?
Rachael Sampson:
Wealth is about much more than finances—it’s about security, opportunity, and the ability to support your loved ones and community. I feel that " You must have a high self-worth to have a high net worth" and I hope my legacy is one of empowerment and giving back, showing others that there’s enough for everyone and that a rising tide truly lifts all boats.
Wealth Stream News:
Anything else you’d like to share?
Rachael Sampson:
I’m especially proud of our new language access programs and community partnerships—with organizations like NAHREP with La Plaza, and the Hispanic Wealth Project: whom KeyBank is a National Strategic Partner. Together, we’re providing truly on-the-ground support—financial education in both English and Spanish, plus in-person visits to help small business owners and families thrive. There’s a lot of power when communities and institutions come together.
Disclosure: Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.
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