As women in banking, it is important that we lift each other up and celebrate each other's accomplishments. The entire purpose of the Girl Banker blog is to do just that! The Girl Banker of the Week series serves as a way to highlight Girl Bankers everywhere by telling their stories and motivating and encouraging other women in banking. It also is a great way for women in banking to connect! Read below about this week's Girl Banker of the Week! Fre Breathitt | Market Retail Manager | Simmons Bank

Fre began her career in banking in August of 1997 while she was attending the University of Arkansas, where she later graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Over the past 21 years, she has worked her way up from a part-time teller to Market Retail Manager for Simmons Bank in Rogers, Arkansas. Fre is incredibly involved in her community where she serves on the Go Red for Women and Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Retention committees. She also is involved with the Northwest Arkansas Mercy Ball, Teen Action and Support Center, and is a member of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Additionally, Fre teaches financial literacy at numerous schools through Simmons Bank and Pathfinders. She loves shopping, shoes, and leopard print. She and her husband David and daughter Journey are big Arkansas Razorback fans! MOTIVATION | "I am motivated most by my daughter, Journey.  She is 7 years old and very impressionable.  She motivates me to always do my best because she absorbs my every action and may someday imitate my behavior.    I want to always be someone that she can look up to; her own personal (she)hero! Another motivator would be my co-workers.  My definition of co-workers includes my direct reports and my superiors.  If I can be of assistance to them in any way, I know my presence is not in vain.  I am here for a reason!" Join me as we celebrate this week's Girl Banker of the Week, Fre Breathitt! Know someone who should be the next Girl Banker of the Week? Send nominations to thegirlbanker@gmail.com!