When Currency Inspires

Beginning this year as a new initiative to honor prominent American women throughout history, the U.S. Mint is introducing a series of new quarters into circulation from 2022 through 2025, called the American Women Quarters™ Program. 

According to the U.S. Mint, the new quarters will honor a diverse group of notable American women who made significant contributions in a variety of fields, including suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, space, and the arts. The women honored are from ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse backgrounds. The first of the honorees to be released is Maya Angelou, whose quarters are now in circulation.

Pictured: The Maya Angelou Quarter, the first coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program.

For women in finance, this is especially significant to see a woman featured on U.S. currency. Brandi Vitier, Market Executive at The Bank of San Antonio, feels this initiative is an inspiring way for us to champion changemaking women in our country’s history who represent what is possible, no matter their chosen path, and to empower future generations of women and girls to pursue their dreams.

"Maya Angelou is inspirational to other creative thinkers. She overcame countless challenges and she still rose above with her trailblazing accomplishments. When I look at her quarter, I am reminded that everything that has been possible for men is now possible for women. This quarter represents the different characteristics of what makes people successful and very special. When you have her quarter in your pocket and you are facing something difficult, you have the confidence and inspiration to say, ‘You know what, I can do this too.’"

—Brandi Vitier

Angelou once stated, “Be certain that you do not die without having done something wonderful for humanity.” We honor the women who own businesses in our community for their impact and are inspired by their contributions to San Antonio.  

"I personally hope to make impact this year in three areas: in my community, through our new STRIDE project that aims to educate women business owners to become more financially astute; within the bank, in my efforts to encourage our team and lift others around me to achieve their potential, and with my family, helping my children to strive for their goals and to become the best people they can be, no matter the challenges they face."

—Brandi Vitier