Vanda Ayrapetyan has seamlessly merged her expertise in banking with her passion for storytelling, leaving a lasting mark in both industries.
Vanda Ayrapetyan’s story isn’t one that follows a traditional career path. From corporate banking to writing a children’s book, she’s proved that following your heart can lead to powerful, transformative results. As an Armenian-American, Vanda’s professional and personal journey is a testament to the idea that one can pursue multiple passions and still thrive. Today, she stands as an exceptional blend of business acumen and heartfelt creativity, with a unique story of her own to tell.
A Career Built on Relationships, Not Just Numbers
Vanda’s journey into global affairs began after she earned a degree in Political Science (with an International Relations concentration) from Occidental College, where her graduating honors thesis focused on the identity politics of the Cypriot conflict. While her academic work set the stage for a career focused on understanding complex systems, it was the next step that took her into the heart of international finance.
Pursuing a Master’s in International Economic Affairs at The George Washington University, Vanda sharpened her expertise in international markets, policy, and global finance. This education paved the way for an internship with Citibank’s Global Transaction Services, which marked the start of her career in corporate banking. She quickly rose through the ranks at both Citibank and Bank of America, where her ability to build strong relationships became one of her greatest assets. As a Relationship Banker and Treasury Sales Advisor, she has counseled multinational corporate clients and public sector organizations on liquidity management, working capital efficiencies, risk strategies, and cash flow optimization.
For Vanda, banking was never just about numbers. It was about people. She believed in building authentic, lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Joining Bank of America in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vanda faced the challenge of connecting in a fully virtual world. Leaning into her creativity, she found ways to bridge the distance. She mailed clients, curated charcuterie boxes and hosted virtual events such as “Wine and Cheese Trivia Evening” and “International Music Night,” where participants guessed the origin of songs played from around the globe. These thoughtful gestures transformed routine interactions into meaningful experiences, reinforcing her belief that human connection lies at the heart of banking. These visionary endeavors set Vanda apart from the typical corporate mold, giving her space to merge her passions with purpose, especially her love of teaching through storytelling. Vanda remarks, “We’re often conditioned to see careers in narrow terms as if choosing one path means sacrificing another. I wanted to challenge that notion by showing that it’s possible to pursue both, provided you commit with effort and discipline. You can build a career rooted in analytical skills, such as finance, without abandoning your passion for the arts. The only real barrier is the one you set for yourself. I’m at my happiest and most effective at work when I can blend my passion for storytelling with my professional expertise.”
A Passion for Storytelling
While excelling in the corporate world, Vanda’s love for storytelling was always present, waiting for the right moment to surface. During her time at Bank of America, she was tapped to teach a masterclass on “The Art of Storytelling in Sales” to over 90 associates. Vanda demonstrated how storytelling could transform dry data into compelling narratives that captured clients’ attention and earned their trust.
But Vanda didn’t stop there. Recognizing the power of storytelling as a tool for personal impact, she ventured into a completely different realm, children’s literature. She authored Audrina’s 1st Tooth Party, a delightful children’s book that encourages young readers to follow their hearts and embrace their uniqueness. True to her values of giving back, Vanda donates 100% of the proceeds from the book’s sales to children’s literacy and education causes. Among her proudest achievements is a $10,000 donation to the Children of Armenia Fund, helping construct a family center in rural Armenia that provides vital services like social work, early childhood education, and psychological counseling.
“My children’s book is more than a story. It’s a way to give back,” Vanda shares. “I believe literacy and education open doors for children to realize their potential. By providing opportunities especially for kids in communities with limited resources, we can make a meaningful difference at a critical stage of their development. Education empowers individuals, and it’s important that children feel that sense of empowerment from a young age, no matter the challenges they face.”
The Intersection of Creativity and Corporate Success
What makes Vanda’s journey truly unique is how she’s managed to combine her corporate banking expertise with her creative passion for storytelling. She’s shown that you don’t have to separate your passions from your career. In fact, blending them can create a powerful, fulfilling life.
Her ability to excel in both realms led her to be invited to speak at various industry events, where she shared her insights on using storytelling as a strategic business tool. Through her work as a mentor and public speaker, Vanda continues to inspire others to find their voice and use it to make an impact in the business world.
“Storytelling has been my secret weapon,” Vanda explains. “Whether I’m presenting to a room full of executives or reading to children, the ability to connect through stories is what drives success.”
A Vision for the Future: Giving Back and Teaching the Next Generation
As she continues to carve out her legacy in both the business world and literary world, Vanda’s vision for the future revolves around giving back, teaching others, and pushing for continuous growth. Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her pursuit of a certificate in “Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking” from Harvard University’s continued education program online.
“Learning is a lifelong journey,” she says. “I believe in the power of effective communication, and I want to share that skill with others, especially younger generations who interact with others mainly online. Public speaking and rhetoric were transformative for me on my school’s speech and debate teams, equipping me with analytical thinking and persuasive skills that helped me land interviews, influence meetings, and even successfully land business deals. My goal is to help students gain that same confidence and ability early on.”
Whether it’s through her philanthropy, her corporate success, or her creative pursuits, Vanda has demonstrated that there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. Instead, it’s about embracing your passions, connecting with others, and making an impact along the way.
Want to learn more about Vanda Ayrapetyan’s journey from corporate banker to author and philanthropist? Explore Audrina’s 1st Tooth Party to support children’s literacy or connect with Vanda to learn how storytelling can transform your professional life. Follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram for more inspiration and updates.
For more information, visit Vanda’s personal website: vandaayrapetyan.com
Explore her article on ShoutOut LA.
