If you visit the Washington branch of Sunrise Banks on a regular basis, there’s a good chance you have crossed paths with Anjali Sharma. As the bank’s customer service receptionist, you’ll see her welcoming visitors, helping customers and supporting employees – including tellers, relationship bankers, managers and lenders.
“With 15 years of banking experience at Sunrise Banks, I have learned how powerful it is to make people feel seen, supported, and at ease,” Anjali says. “Whether I’m greeting a customer, helping someone navigate a challenge, or supporting my team during a busy moment, I show up with kindness, patience, and a solution-focused mindset.”
Anjali’s commitment and dedication to her role and her co-workers earned her the 2025 Sunny Award. This award recognizes a Sunrise Banks employee who best exhibits the company’s core values—a Force for Good, Always Learning, Brightens the Room, Never “Not My Job” and Respects All.
From Kenya to Minnesota
Anjali’s business journey started as a restaurant owner in Kenya, where she lived for 27 years. There, she gained valuable experience in hospitality and entrepreneurship. She would later move to the U.S. and start a new career in the banking industry.
After working for a large regional bank on the East Coast, Anjali found her way to Minnesota. She first landed a job at a community bank in Minneapolis, then was asked to join the team at the former Franklin Bank, which is now the Sunrise Banks branch in the North Loop neighborhood. Anjali started her Sunrise career as a teller manager, then moved into her current role.
As part of her role, Anjali manages the Sunrise Banks coffee bar at the Washington branch. Customers are invited to “pay what they can” for a coffee beverage or treat, with all proceeds benefiting a local nonprofit each month.
“This incredible journey has clocked in 10 years in the service industry, 15 years at Sunrise Banks and total of 25 years in the banking industry,” she says.
Brightening the Room
“My goal is to make every space feel lighter and more collaborative simply by how I engage with others. I draw on my experience to build trust and create an environment where people feel comfortable and valued,” Anjali says.
When asked which of the Sunrise Banks core values resonates with her the most, Anjali chose Brightens the Room. She says she takes immense pleasure in helping customers solve problems and building relationships with both customers and fellow employees. She credits her experience working on three continents and speaking six languages for her ability to build those bonds.
“I feel so privileged to work with many incredible people and acquire various skills, culture, and memories over the years,” Anjali says.
Nonprofit Support
As part of the Sunny Award prize, Sunrise Banks donates $2,000 to a nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice. Anjali chose Missing Children Minnesota Off Site Link (MCM) as the nonprofit she will support with her prize money. Over the years, the organization has helped thousands of families across Minnesota with locating missing children, victim advocacy services, education, and efforts to stop child trafficking.
“MCM is a longtime customer at Sunrise Banks,” Anjali says. “They have also received proceeds from our Washington branch coffee shop.”
Cheers to Sunrise!
Since Anjali manages the branch coffee shop, we couldn’t end our time together without asking her about her favorite beverage.
“My favorite drink is tea or Masala Chai with an Indian twist. But I also love a latte!” she says. “I like to mix it up sometimes and have tea in the morning with a chocolate chip cookie baked freshly from our coffee bar. In the afternoon, I like a coffee latte. Both these drinks are my favorite comfort beverage and snack pairing.”
We’ll drink to that, Anjali! And congratulations on being named our 2025 Sunny Award winner!
Learn more about what it’s like to work at Sunrise Banks by visiting https://sunrisebanks.com/about/careers/.
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