Employee Spotlight: Nicole Roca

Job Title: Loan Officer
Location: Leesburg Branch
Tenure: 5 years
Briefly describe your involvement in 4-H, now or previously. Many years ago, I was a groom for my youngest sister who was in the 4-H Horse Club. More recently, I led the 4-H Dog Club in Mercer County, Ky.
Briefly describe your involvement in agriculture, now or previously. I helped to manage our dairy sheep and hay farm in Kentucky for 12 years, which was learning the hard way, but it left me with a huge appreciation for anyone who relies on farming for their primary income. I also worked with community-focused farms outside of Richmond, Va., as well as urban farmers inside the city for five years.
Are you involved in any other clubs or organizations? I am involved in a number of organizations, including Snickersville Hounds (fox hunting club), Tri-State Trail Riding, the United States Trail Riding Club, Virginia Tech’s Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation, and I support the Southern Economic Advancement Project.
What is the best piece of advice you received growing up? The best piece of advice I received growing up was that the sky is not falling… the sky is never falling.
Tell us about your favorite/best pet you've ever had. Every dog I've had has been my "best" dog, and now I have Scandal. He is a retired PennMarydel foxhound and his voice is a tenor – loud, clear and strong. He doesn't save it just for foxes, his song will announce any intruder or delivery truck.

What is your favorite book or author? My favorite book is Dragon by Katrina Balding Bills. My sister wrote this book a few years ago about her fiery Thoroughbred; she had him for 27 years. Even though I lived many of those chapters with them, I learn new things reading this story!
What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Secretariat.
What is your favorite food? Beets are a favorite!
Tell us about your hobbies. Horses have dominated my life, and I love everything about them. I also love theatre and dance, reading, painting and sewing, especially evening wear.

What is your favorite place you've ever visited? There are too many places, but a favorite road to drive down now is Rectortown Road. I love that little village.
How do you balance career and your family? My grandmother's #1 saying was "Yo Primero, Yo Segundo" meaning "Me First, Me Second". She was the matriarch of a very large family and if she didn't take care of herself, then no one was fed! Real life makes this mantra difficult sometimes, but I do keep it front of mind and weigh daily choices.
What is the most interesting or favorite aspect of your job? The most interesting part of my job is that I never know what questions/challenges I'll have next! I learn new things about our county, agriculture and myself every week, and I've learned to communicate our mission in ways that get people's attention.
What three words would your friends use to describe you? Three words my friends would use to describe me are bright, joy and horses.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I’d love to be able to fly.