Sabrina Singh has learned to embrace her career as “a marathon, not a sprint.” She says the best business development officers do not turn away from a challenge or take a “no” at face value and keep working toward their goals. “It’s incredibly fulfilling when you win a new opportunity after pursuing a company for multiple years,” Singh says.

Singh has spent the last 10 year in asset-based lending, initially in underwriting and portfolio management before transitioning to business development. She has been with Bank of America for the past four years as a senior vice president and senior business development officer, originating sponsor and non-sponsored transactions in the Midwest.

Singh has experienced what she calls “the trials and tribulations” that many women in finance face during their career, leading to people pleasing and unrealistic expectations. “When you don’t see many others that look like you in your industry, you can feel that you might not belong and can end up overcompensating,” Singh says. It took time for her to overcome this mindset, but in the process, she’s learned to celebrate her personal and professional progress. “Over time, you learn to embrace the notion that learning and growth can also come from your experiences, not just achieving certain goals.”

Outside of Bank of America, in her role role as vice president on the executive council of the Midwest chapter of the Secured Finance Network, Singh led the formation of the chapter’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee, which now has eight members. The committee is hosting its inaugural DE&I networking event in March and is also planning an education panel for the fall, which Singh hopes is the first of many.

In her professional future, Singh plans to continue sourcing ABL opportunities at Bank of America that drive responsible growth while partnering with industry peers and professionals to find ways to amplify underrepresented voices.