Opportunity in Action: Brandy Sanders Named Big Sky ABWA Woman of the Year

At Opportunity Bank of Montana, making a difference in the communities we serve starts with our people. Executive Assistant Brandy Sanders lives that commitment every day, and her impact has been recognized with the 2026 Big Sky Chapter American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Woman of the Year award. The annual honor recognizes an outstanding member for her professional achievements, leadership, and contributions to both the chapter and the community.

Brandy joined the Big Sky ABWA Chapter in July 2022. Since joining, she has taken on several leadership roles within the organization. She currently serves as Chapter Treasurer and holds leadership positions across several committees, including Professional Development, Newsletter, and Membership. Her involvement has helped support the chapter’s continued engagement and programming.

“I love learning and improving my skills, so I am always looking for something new to explore,” Brandy said. “ABWA just felt like a good fit, and the women in the group were wonderful to spend time with and learn from. I’ve been involved ever since.”

Her recognition also continues a notable trend for Opportunity Bank. Brandy is the fourth consecutive employee to receive this distinction, following Director of Employee Development Erin Smith in 2025, Project Manager Breanna Carioto in 2024, and Regional Retail Manager for Helena and Falls Jalena Johnson in 2023.

Outside of her role at the bank, and her service on the Big Sky ABWA Board, Brandy is actively involved in giving back across the Helena community. She contributes her time to community initiatives including Festival of Trees, the Red Cross, and God’s Love, an emergency shelter in Helena. Most recently, she has been helping serve dinners at God’s Love alongside fellow employees.

“It’s been a great way to connect with the people I work with, as well as with people in our community,” she shared.

Brandy also volunteers several nights each month at the Echo Church coffee shop. There, she enjoys learning new skills, meeting people, and contributing in a meaningful way.

“I like that it only takes a couple of hours to connect with others and feel involved,” she said. “Plus, it gives the other volunteers a chance to attend the service with their families.”

For Brandy, one of the most meaningful aspects of volunteering is how accessible it can be.

“It only takes a couple of hours to feel more connected to others,” she said. “It’s a great way to build relationships, both with the people you work with and with people in your community.”

She encourages others to take simple first steps when considering getting involved.

“The easiest way to get started is to accept invitations to events or meetings so you can learn more about an organization and its mission,” she said. “It’s a low-pressure way to see what feels like a good fit.”