8.1.25 - Meet Eileen Santillano — Intern, Entrepreneur, and Financial Literacy Advocate

Some interns show up to learn. Others show up ready to teach and learn — and that’s exactly the kind of Maverick energy Eileen Santillano brings to TASI Bank.

A Business Management Economics student at UC Santa Cruz (Go Slugs!), Eileen has been working at the intersection of finance, education, and community service since high school. She’s not just interested in business — she’s building one. And she’s not just learning about money — she’s teaching others how to use it wisely.

Before joining TASI Bank, Eileen completed two internships with MYEEP (Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program). First, she supported elementary students as a teacher’s assistant, developing her knack for leadership and communication. Later, in a virtual internship, she took a deep dive into personal finance topics — from credit to taxes to budgeting — and built a passion for making these topics more accessible to young people and families in her community.

In between those roles, she spent a summer delivering top-tier customer service at Century 25 Cinemark, mastering the art of reading a room (and probably fixing a popcorn machine or two). But her proudest work might be what she’s built on her own: a thriving side business doing acrylic nails and reselling vintage clothes on Depop — a hands-on lesson in branding, pricing strategy, and staying on top of trends.

When she’s not working or studying, Eileen is out exploring new restaurants, thrifting gems from local shops, or finding a little peace at the beach. She’s driven by creativity, growth, and resilience, and she’s someone who shows up fully — no matter the challenge.

We’re proud to have her as part of our Summer Fridays intern team this year. At TASI Bank, we believe the future of banking depends on people who lead with purpose — and Eileen is living proof.

Welcome to the Maverick crew, Eileen.