Today we’d like to introduce you to Erbi Blanco-True.
Hi Erbi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a long-time banker, community leader and avid traveler, I’m grateful to have lived a life built on perseverance.
On the surface, my story might look like a variation on the typical immigrant narrative. My parents immigrated from Cuba in 1960, fleeing a communist regime and arriving in New Jersey to start a new life. They faced immense struggles—a new language, an unfamiliar culture, and harsh winters. Through sheer determination, they built a life for our family (including my brother and me, with a second brother on the way), eventually relocating to Miami to be closer to their home country and other family members.
However, a hidden detail defined my childhood and shaped my entire life: I was born with a fatal genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis (CF). In the 1960s, a child with CF had a life expectancy of about 10 years. While the disease attacked my lungs and digestive system, my parents, out of denial or love (I’m not sure which!), treated me as if I were a normal, healthy child. They refused to believe their energetic, smart and sassy little girl wouldn’t live a full life. This created a powerful paradox: I was struggling with a fatal illness in secret, all while living a fairly normal and vibrant life. I excelled academically in school, played sports, had plenty of friends and rarely felt sick—just hiding a persistent cough and digestive issues that I passed off as common ailments.
This upbringing, where I was taught to persevere and thrive despite my silent struggle, became the foundation for everything that followed. It fueled me as a young woman as I worked full-time and attended college at night, navigating a new marriage (I married my high school sweetheart) and saving for our first home. It drove me to excel in the banking industry; starting as a Customer Service Representative in my late teens and earning a management position within two years. As such, I continued my career as a Branch Manager at several banks, each one offering more responsibilities, higher compensation, valuable training, and the opportunity for leadership and career growth.
My CF journey was never far below the surface. After a miscarriage, I gave birth to my son Kevin, whom I raised as a single mother. Balancing a demanding career in retail banking with a young child and night classes to obtain my bachelor’s degree, was definitely a challenge, but it felt like a familiar path of resilience.
This professional path which included positions in lending and investments, led me to a role that would become my life’s passion. When I was selected to be the Market President of a nonprofit banking consortium that financed affordable housing, I found my purpose. I realized I could use my banking expertise to help those less fortunate attain a safe, affordable place to live. I became a catalyst for change, building a vast network and earning a reputation as a community leader, which included speaking engagements, written articles and various awards.
My work culminated in a role as Senior Vice President/CRA Officer at Great Florida Bank, where I created a dynamic community reinvestment program that earned professional and federal regulator recognition, and brought me a deep sense of personal pride. I had built a successful, productive and rewarding life; my son was attending Florida State University; I had married a wonderful man who was caring and generous; and I also went back to school at night once again to obtain my master’s degree at Florida International University, a testament to the perseverance my parents had instilled in me. I served on several boards, including being chosen to chair the Affordable Housing Advisory Board for Miami-Dade County. My life was filled with meaningful connections, community events, social engagement and the honor of knowing I was championing causes that were making a positive difference.
Yet, despite this success, when I entered my fifty’s, my body was starting to tell a different story. My health, after a lifetime of quiet deterioration, was finally failing. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and an inability to perform strenuous tasks were constant. The doctors’ verdict was devastating: my lungs were too damaged, and I would need a double-lung transplant. This was my lowest point. My world was upended; I had just been laid off from my job due to a bank merger, my son was struggling to find work after graduating from college, and I was now on constant oxygen. The secret I had carried my whole life was no longer a secret.
We chose Duke University for the transplant, a decision that required us to sell our beautiful home in Coral Gables where we had lived for 15 years and relocate to North Carolina for seven months. It was a time of immense sacrifice and uncertainty, but on March 3rd, 2015, I received my new lungs. Despite some setbacks, the surgery was a success, and it marked the beginning of my second life.
We returned to Coral Gables, a double-lung transplant recipient, navigating a new reality of medications, doctors’ appointments, and a fragile immune system. I didn’t think I would ever work again. But, as with every challenge I had faced, my determination led the way. A bank CEO reached out, and what began as a temporary consulting gig became my second career. I returned to my bank CRA role which included community leadership, serving on boards and once again helping others through my work. I was feeling productive and engaged and also very proud that my son graduated from law school, passed the Georgia Bar and became a public defender in Savannah. All was good in the world!
Then came 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic. A highly contagious virus that attacks the lungs was a terrifying threat to an immunosuppressed patient like me. I was once again facing a life-or-death situation, this time alongside the whole world. I watched as the airline industry faltered and also worried about my husband, a Captain for American Airlines, and whether this would end his career and our livelihood. The anxiety and depression were immense, but nothing could have prepared me for the pain of losing my father and my younger brother to the virus within one week of each other. Although tragic, sometimes tragedy brings families closer and reveals true friendships.
Through it all, I have learned to accept what I cannot change. The tragedies and triumphs of my life have taught me that perseverance is not about being immune to pain, but about pushing forward with a positive attitude, a joyful disposition, and faith that everything will be okay. My story, far from being typical, is a testament to resilience—a life not defined by its obstacles, but by the quiet strength and unwavering faith that got me through them.
I’m now the Community Relations Director for Banesco USA. This role has allowed me the opportunity to really build an effective CRA program which included a robust community outreach strategy, a focused philanthropic initiative, and a strong employee volunteer program. All this with the support of an active senior management team that believes in serving our community and investing in programs that help improve the lives of those less fortunate.
I feel so blessed that I’m able to live a full life, with frequent travels and a full social calendar; as well as continuing my work as a banker, leader and advocate. All this due to the support of an amazing husband, son, employer and group of friends! Looking forward to the continuing challenge that I call “life.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m proud to serve as the Community Relations Director for Banesco USA. Founded in 2006, Banesco USA is an independent Florida state-chartered bank. As a trusted financial institution, the bank is deeply committed to delivering exceptional services that cater to the evolving needs of consumers, businesses, and professionals. With domestic and international clients, Banesco serves a diverse clientele. The bank has six offices between Miami-Dade and Puerto Rico, as well as loan and deposit production offices in Broward and West Palm Beach.
Banesco USA is also one of four independent financial groups operating under the Banesco International Brand which includes ABANCA. Banesco International is a financial services brand founded in 1996, with a global presence in 6 countries: Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Panama, Puerto Rico, United States and Venezuela. ABANCA is based in Spain, with a presence in 11 countries: Brazil, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and Venezuela. The worldwide operation has $99.3B in Total Assets, $59.3B in Total Loans, $79.4B in Total Deposits, 13.5K Employees, and 1,136 Branches.
My role at the bank includes leading our community outreach efforts which include philanthropic endeavors, volunteerism, nonprofit partnerships, as well as ensuring the bank meets it’s requirements under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). This federal regulation encourages banks to meet the needs of low- and moderate-income residents and neighborhoods, as well as small businesses through lending, investments and service. It’s an honor to be able to make a positive difference in the community with the full support of my employer. With my guidance and leadership, and their dedication and generosity, the bank has become a leader in corporate citizenship, recently being awarded the prestigious Julia Tuttle Award, an award which honors a company whose corporate philosophy and outreach to the not-profit sector epitomizes the best in corporate community involvement.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
As a banker, I can tell you that I’m not a risk-taker! I’m conservative when it comes to my job, my finances and my attire!
That said, on a personal level, I may be considered by some to be a risk taker. I have a philosophy of living to the fullest every day and trying new adventures. I enjoy snow skiing, zip lining, white water rafting, climbing mountains, riding ATVs, and bicycling through the Everglades at night!
Of course, the fact that I live a very active social life may also be considered high risk since I’m immunosuppressed. But, we only live once!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.banescousa.com
- Instagram: @erbiblancotrue
- Facebook: Erbi Blanco-True
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erbiblancotrue
