Employee Stories

LGBTQ pride thrives at Wells Fargo

Tim Hanlon and other employees advocated for a more LGBTQ inclusive community at Wells Fargo in the 1990s.

A legacy of women in leadership

Over the years, many women have made history serving on the bank’s board of directors.

Birtan Aka, international banking pioneer

In the late 1960s, Birtan Aka became the first woman banking officer to represent a U.S. bank overseas, working in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Our messenger who championed equal rights

William M. Robison, Wells Fargo’s express messenger in the 1850s, transported millions in gold for the company — while also advocating for equal rights.

The Balloon Corps banker

Before founding Citizens Bank, now a part of Wells Fargo, in Los Angeles in the late 1800s, Thaddeus Lowe was a renowned inventor and the chief aeronaut for the Union Army Balloon...

A Mexican American mayor’s test of loyalty

Before he was Tucson’s first Mexican American mayor, this Arizona business and Wells Fargo agent chose exile instead of betraying the Union during the Civil War.

Our “culture of caring” origin story

In 1864, this Wells Fargo agent stopped at nothing to deliver mail, money, and newspapers to customers — and later became the company’s president.

A bank founder’s fight against slavery

James McKaye, an original board member for Wells Fargo, was an abolitionist whose work led to the creation of the Freedmen’s Bureau in 1864 to protect the rights of African Americans.

From civil rights activist to banking mentor

Robert “Patt” Patterson started out as a civil rights activist and became an influential banker and mentor at Wachovia Bank.

Breaking glass ceilings in the 1960s

In 1967, Shirley Nelson made history when she became the first woman branch manager for Wells Fargo, paving the way for other women leaders.

The first woman to run a major U.S. bank

Mary Roebling made history in 1937 when she became president of Trenton Trust Company, now part of Wells Fargo.

Tuskegee Airmen bring leadership to Wells Fargo

Col. George S. Roberts and Lt. Col. James A. Walker are two former employees who were part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen.

Outwitting outlaws

Wells Fargo special agents in the 1800s helped protect the company and its customers.

Translating “Wells Fargo” into Chinese

Wanting to make customers feel comfortable and welcome, Chinese banker Lyman Jang created the name for Wells Fargo using Chinese characters back in 1971.

Woman stagecoach driver makes history

In the late 1800s, Mary Langdon built a business that covered hundreds of miles along the Pacific Coast in a male-dominated industry.