In the world of banking, few voices resonate as powerfully as Carla Bland’s. A career banker, passionate musician, and dedicated community advocate, Carla’s journey reflects her commitment to empowering others through education and opportunity.

Carla’s story begins at 19, as a summer intern at Wells Fargo, where she was surprised and inspired by the little diversity she saw in the workplace. In those days, banking, like many other corporate places did not have many people of color, especially women. Finding herself in that space, thanks to a Black woman in HR, got her thinking of the doors she can open for others that look like her.

Beyond her banking career, Carla is deeply rooted in music. As a musician with a family legacy in the arts, she runs a music school where she teaches piano and vocal techniques.

Recognizing the significant barriers to homeownership faced by communities of color, Carla transitioned into the role of a mortgage loan officer. In 1950, the gap in homeownership rates between Black Minnesotans and White Minnesotans was about 20%. Over 70 years later, that gap has more than doubled; the homeownership rate for Black Minnesotans is approximately 50% lower than that of white Minnesotans.

At Old National Bank, Carla has a unique mortgage program tailored for individuals with credit scores as low as 600. This program features a competitive interest rate of 5.5% and eliminates private mortgage insurance (PMI), saving borrowers an estimated $300 per month. Qualifying individuals can also receive up to $15,000 as a grant for down payment assistance.

Carla Bland’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and community-focused advocacy. By educating others about homeownership and providing accessible financial resources, she is not only transforming lives but also laying the groundwork for a more equitable future.

If you’re interested in learning more about Carla’s mortgage programs, visit Old National Bank’s website to connect with her directly.