2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Yvonne Allmond

Allmond joined TowneBank in 2005 and has more than three decades of experience in banking and finance. Although she moved around in her youth as part of a military family, Allmond is today settled into Hampton Roads civic life, having served on boards for Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University Foundation and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.

FIRST JOB: Editorial assistant at the FDIC while in college

WHY I CHOSE MY PROFESSION: My position at the FDIC provided me with financial information that I knew my parents and family did not have. I was inspired to learn this information to assist them. I am still doing that.

HOW I GIVE BACK: I sit on many boards and am able to provide a different point of view on many issues affecting those of us who did not grow up with wealth. Board members are well-meaning people who want to do the right thing, and while giving financial support is very helpful, knowing the recipients of your mission is also key.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: I am proud to have mentored so many young men and women, as well as businesses.

BOOKS I’D RECOMMEND: John Hope Bryant has great advice for creating legacies through financial literacy. His information can be life-changing to communities. “I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace,” by Elizabeth Leiba, is a great book that I share with young women of color in the workplace.
HOBBIES: I love science fiction movies, new and the old black-and-white movies. I also like to put things together, such as furniture and toys. I have my own tools!