Introducing 2021 Women Excel Bloomington Honoree, Esther Fuentes

Esther Fuentes, Banking Center Manager and Assistant Vice President at Old National Bank (ONB), is well known and admired for her leadership, professionalism, and compassion in both her banking career and community volunteer work. As a native of Nicaragua, Esther came to the United States in 1992 and has been with ONB since she moved to Bloomington in 2010.

​Esther is passionate about giving back to the community through volunteerism, especially through her work with El Centro Comunal Latino, where she serves as board president. El Centro is a local non-profit organization with a focus on Spanish-speaking community members and helping them find information and access to resources. Her work with El Centro shows her compassion and dedication to serving others.

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“Esther truly understands the challenges that immigrants face,” said Jane Walter, Programs & Health Coordinator for El Centro. “She helps them integrate into the community and make informed decisions.”

Esther was quoted in an article in Indiana University’s Bloomington Beat, “I remember when I came to the U.S. and didn’t speak any English,” she said. “It was very hard. And people here work very hard, but sometimes it’s just about where to find information, because they don’t have the ability to communicate.”

“Esther is a jewel!” Walter continued. “She is consistently involved with El Centro and is always willing to step up no matter what is needed. Esther is a tremendous resource to the organization and the clients we serve.”

“Esther essentially works the equivalent of two full-time jobs,” said April Bush, Banking Center Manager at Old National’s Bloomington Downtown location. “She is very enthusiastic and passionate about her work both at Old National and El Centro. She enjoys helping others so much that it’s the best of both worlds for her.”

When Esther was recently promoted and moved to her current ONB banking center, many of her clients followed her. “Esther has always been a superstar and is highly respected by her clients, fellow associates and community members. But she’s also very humble.”

Congratulations, Esther, on becoming a 2021 Women Excel Bloomington Honoree!