2024 Most Influential Women: Rhonda Sorensen

Whether she’s helping a client achieve a dream, a co-worker navigate the workplace or a nonprofit fulfill its mission, Rhonda Sorensen enjoys playing a role in others’ success.

“I have discovered that I have an easy time seeing and developing the potential in people,” says Sorensen, private banking manager and senior vice president at Arvest Bank. “I have a wealth of knowledge from working in and around different industries and organizations, and having an open-door policy as a mentor is the perfect way for me to share my experience with others to help them succeed … and it motivates me to continue working to create equal opportunities for my peers and volunteers around me.”

Over nearly 30 years in banking, Sorensen has worked across many areas, including customized lending, investment management, trust and estate planning, and business expansion. She’s been with Arvest Wealth Management since 2016.

Sorensen uses her years of experience to guide others.

“Mentoring is another large part of both my professional and volunteer leadership,” she says. “It has been a joy to help bankers navigate their career paths at Arvest and to help those I know from volunteering reach their professional and personal goals.”

Being chosen as an Arvest change ambassador – a nominated role – is a point of pride for Sorensen.

“(It) validated my hope that my desire to help people and do all I can to support their success has been recognized by my peers,” she says. “Arvest change ambassadors work with associates when the bank is rolling out new policies, processes or systems to coach, train and prepare them to accept and adopt the new system.”

Sorensen has lent her time and talent to many organizations, including Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, Habitat for Humanity, Ozarks Food Harvest and United Way of the Ozarks. And as a member of the executive committee for Mercy Health Foundation’s Women with a Mission, Sorensen was part of efforts that raised more than $140,000 to support and improve local health care.

“Rhonda is a strong leader and advocate to make our community a better place to work, live and play,” says Ashley Walden, senior development officer for Mercy’s foundation. “She puts others before herself and is willing to do whatever it takes to make something happen that is good and beneficial for others. She’s a great example of a Mercy volunteer, and I’m honored to call her my friend.”

Sorensen enjoys her pursuits the most when she’s part of a team and continues to set goals for herself.

“As an engaged community member, I am proud to have played a small role in improving the quality of life in and around Springfield in tangible ways,” she says.