Banking on Women: How Impressia is Reshaping Finance in Buffalo and Beyond
By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo
In this empowering episode of the Pain Points Podcast, we sat down with Lauren Skellenger, President of Impressia Bank, to talk about building a bank designed specifically for women entrepreneurs and professionals. With a new headquarters in Buffalo’s historic Electric Tower, Impressia is not just another financial institution—it’s a mission-driven organization tackling inequities in access to credit and financial services for women.
Lauren began her career in banking after studying neuroscience and philosophy—an unlikely path that ultimately led her to spend 18 years working in commercial banking across the Northeast. While she thrived in complex, international transactions, she found herself missing something: the connection to people and the community.
“Banking had become too transactional,” she explained. “I wanted to help people again, not just close deals.”
That desire drove her to Impressia, where the focus is on women-owned businesses and female entrepreneurs. Research confirmed what she saw first-hand: women were often denied their fair share of credit and personal service. Impressia was founded to change that.
Why Women-Owned Businesses Matter
Women are not just starting businesses—they’re scaling them in ways that strengthen communities. According to Lauren, women-led companies are more likely to:
Hire employees and contractors at higher rates
Pay fair and equitable wages
Reinvest profits into their local communities
Support nonprofits and grassroots initiatives
“When women succeed in business, entire communities thrive,” Lauren said. “That’s why this mission matters.”
Banking with a Personal Touch
Impressia aims to bring back something many banks have lost: the personal banker.
“When I was young, my parents weren’t wealthy, but they had a banker who knew their history,” Lauren recalled. “That personal connection has disappeared in most banks, but it’s exactly what women especially need to have open, vulnerable financial conversations.”
By providing both business and personal banking services, Impressia ensures that women don’t just get loans—they get trusted advisors who understand their goals, challenges, and growth potential.
Giving Back to the Community
Impressia doesn’t just invest in businesses—it invests in Buffalo. At their grand opening, the bank supported two organizations close to their mission:
Western New York Women’s Foundation – Advocating for women in the workforce, pushing for childcare solutions, and shaping policy statewide.
Black Women’s Wellness Village – A new nonprofit addressing health disparities among African American women by creating accessible, culturally aware healthcare.
“We’re proud to support organizations that share our focus on improving women’s lives,” Lauren said.
A Call to Action
Whether you’re a woman starting your first business, a seasoned entrepreneur scaling your company, or simply someone seeking a more personal banking relationship, Impressia is working to fill the gap.
At StaffBuffalo, we see the same truth in our work: when women succeed, businesses and communities grow stronger.
Connect with us today and let’s explore how we can help you build meaningful, resilient connections.