From Daycare to Trust Officer: How Adrianna Baca Found Her Calling in Wealth Stewardship

A Career Rooted in Service

Born and raised in Santa Fe, Adrianna’s work ethic was shaped early. She began working at age 15 and held various positions through high school and college, including internships in government and finance.

After graduating from Grand Canyon University with a degree in healthcare administration, she opened a daycare out of her home, caring for children aged three months to five years. “It was a total blast,” she says. “But it didn’t align with my long-term financial or career goals.”

That’s when she found her way into banking. She started as a Universal Banker at Century Bank, and after a short detour to the County Assessor’s Office, returned to the bank to serve as a Trust Officer.

“I’m not educated in finance, so I was grateful for the opportunity to learn the ropes,” she says. “It’s been the greatest eight months.”

Adrianna’s day-to-day work blends structure and surprise. She starts by sending marketing packets and organizing meeting materials for trust committees. From there, her day might include client service requests, processing trades, or joining prospect meetings.

“One thing I love about this job is that each day is different,” she says. “You never know what the day will hold.”

What ties it all together is human connection. “We help people in the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Finances are deeply personal. Knowing I can offer reassurance and real support is what keeps me motivated.”

Mentorship, Mindset, and Meaningful Work

A key influence in Adrianna’s journey has been Tricia Gunter, a financial planner and longtime mentor. “I interned for her in high school, and she taught me to look at finance as a tool for life, not just business. She gives honest advice, even if that means a client goes elsewhere. That made a big impression on me.”

That same approach—putting people first—guides Adrianna’s interactions with clients. “It’s about long-term relationships,” she says, “and about building trust.”

Eager to build her technical knowledge, Adrianna plans to attend Cannon Trust School soon. “I’m excited to solidify my foundation,” she says. “Especially coming from a non-finance background.”

She also hopes to pursue IRA specialization. “That’s an area that feels confusing to a lot of people. I’d love to be the go-to resource on that.”

Outside of work, Adrianna stays busy giving back, mentoring, and dreaming big.

She volunteers at her church, co-teaches Sunday school with her grandmother, and continues to support local families through occasional childcare. “There’s a single mom I help out regularly, just to give her a break. It’s a small way to give back.”

She also dreams of owning an event space. “I love planning parties and hosting events,” she says. “That, and one day opening another daycare, are both on my bucket list.”

Adrianna’s commitment to trust work is personal. She lost her longtime boyfriend unexpectedly at 22, and later watched her grandfather pass away without a financial plan in place.

“Both experiences shaped how I show up for others,” she says. “I want to help people plan ahead so their loved ones aren’t left scrambling.”

She’s also intentional about boundaries. “I hit it hard during the day, but when five o’clock comes, the laptop closes. Taking care of myself helps me show up better for others.”

Looking Ahead

Adrianna is just getting started. Her goals include building a meaningful career, pursuing specialized education, and someday raising a family in the home she recently bought with her partner.

Longer term, she wants to help close the financial education gap in underserved communities. “Our Hispanic and minority communities don’t always have access to financial planning information,” she says. “I want to be part of changing that.”

For anyone curious about the trust field, Adrianna has simple advice:

“Don’t panic. It feels like rocket science at first, but it’s not. It’s about helping people accomplish their goals.”