Donise Banks
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Southern University A&M College Law Center SWASFAA

Meet Donise Banks, 2023-24 Diversity Leadership Program Class

As a first-time college graduate in her family and financial aid recipient, Donise closely relates to the students and families she serves who come from different backgrounds. She feels a strong duty to practice empathy and does her best to make sure students feel comfortable to share their financial vulnerabilities, without fear of embarrassment.

Donise has worked in the financial aid profession for 17 years and been an active volunteer and member of LASFAA, serving as a moderator during the Spring 2022 Virtual Conference, and volunteering for the LASFAA Diversity Awareness Committee for the Fall 2021 and 2022 Conference. She also currently serves as the executive secretary of the 2023 LASFAA Executive Board.

“This leadership program will help me obtain a more in-depth perspective in diversity leadership which will ultimately allow me to relate to employees, current students, and prospective students attending law school,” Donise said.

Learn more about Donise in the brief Q&A below.

How have you seen diversity in higher education change since you began your career?

I now see more students from low-income families attending college, and there is a growing number of students who are the first in their families to attend college.

How did you get your start in financial aid?

In 2006, I began working as an administrative assistant in a financial aid office at a community  college. Despite my sudden law enforcement career path change due to Hurricane Katrina, I decided to remain a public servant in a counseling setting. In 2014, I was given the opportunity to advance my career when I was hired as a financial aid counselor at a law school. After being at the institution for several years, I was promoted to assistant director.

What’s a challenge within financial aid that you personally have overcome that you're proud of?

One of the biggest challenges was adapting to sudden changes of rules and regulations and overcoming procrastination. I came to a realization and now, instead of waiting until the last minute, I make my own deadline before the actual deadline by using my time management skills to create soft and hard deadlines.

Any hidden talents?

My hidden talent is being creative with arts and crafts and the ability to take photos of people, places, and things that seizes the moment.

What's a change in financial aid that you would like to see happen?

 One change I would like to see is the new FAFSA simplification process implementation be more accurate with a smoother transition. I would like to see a more efficient and effective way for both student and family members to complete the application. In addition, I’d like to see institutions have a more seamless process to process student applications.

What do you do when you're not working?

I value spending time with my family and friends. In addition, I’m a travel agent and when I am not creating packages for my clients, I am traveling with my friends and family.