Aruni Boteju

Experience

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  Bank of America

  Jan 1999 - Jul 2001

  Lead Customer Service Representative

  My First Banking Job.

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  Wells Fargo

  Feb 2003 - Aug 2005

  Lead Customer Service Representative
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  Santa Barbara Bank and Trust

  Aug 2005 - Dec 2006

  Financial Services Representative
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  Heritage Oaks Bank

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2012

  Financial Services Representative
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  Bank of the West

  Jan 2012 - Nov 2023

  Covers - Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, Sherman’s Oaks, Chatsworth, Northridge, and Valencia areas in Southern California. Networking in a vast area.

  • SoCal Small Business Officer/ AVP

    May 2019 - Nov 2023

  • SoCal Co-Chair for AsianPacific Resource Group

    Sept 2016 - Nov 2019

  • LA Wealth Sales Coordinator

    Apr 2018 - Apr 2019

  • Relationship Banker NMLS # 1156259

    Jan 2014 - Apr 2018

  • Customer Service Representative

    Jan 2012 - Jan 2014
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  Yashoda Rangana Produtions

  Nov 2012 - Apr 2018

  Owner/ Entrepreneur

  First production in San Gabriel Mission Playhouse " Aaradhana " musical show in May 5th, 2014

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  Ceylon International Film Festival Foundation

  May 2021 - now

  Founder / President

  We believe Art is universal language and Spiritual and When you embrace it gives you a peace of mind. Art requires creativity, and creativity drives world-leading economies. Cinema is a perfect key to Art, which gathers different talents and required constance changes which takes us to innovations.VisionWe believe there are many stories to tell and talents to discover in the creation of movies. Cinema and Entertainment is a place where people can express, educate one another and share knowledge, cinema is a different type of classroom where knowledge can be shared. We support individual filmmakers to thrive and bring their work to the world.MissionCeylon International Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to promote Sri Lanka and our Cinema to the world. Through our programs, our goal is to discover, support and inspire individuals and independent films. Show less

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  Sri Lanka America Chamber of Commerce

  Dec 2021 - now

  State of California Commission Directors

  The Chamber will perform as a premier business forum to effectively facilitate and develop trade, commerce and investment between the United States of America and the Republic of Sri Lanka while strengthening bilateral relations.To do that we will engage to:1. Expose and maximize the business opportunities between the two countries.2. Being a conduit between the two nations on all trade related activities3. Provide Sri Lankan American entrepreneurs the resources they may need initiate and expand their businesses in USA Show less

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  BMO U.S.

  Nov 2023 - now

  Small Business Banking Officer /AVP
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  Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce

  May 2024 - now

  Policy Committee Member

  I am honored to serve on the Policy Committee for the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In this role, I am responsible for shaping and guiding the policies that govern our organization. My key duties include:1. **Policy Development:** Creating and updating policies that support the Chamber's mission and strategic goals, ensuring they are comprehensive and aligned with best practices.2. **Review and Evaluation:** Continuously reviewing existing policies to ensure they are effective, relevant, and in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.3. **Stakeholder Engagement:** Collaborating with members, community leaders, and other stakeholders to gather input and ensure our policies reflect the needs and interests of our community.4. **Advocacy and Representation:** Representing the Chamber in policy discussions and advocating for the interests of our members at local, state, and national levels.5. **Training and Education:** Providing guidance and training to members and staff on policy-related matters to ensure consistent and informed implementation.I am committed to fostering a transparent and inclusive policy-making process that advances the interests and well-being of the Hispanic business community in Santa Barbara. Working alongside my fellow committee members, I will strive to ensure our policies contribute to the sustainable growth and success of our organization. Show less

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  Sri Lanka America Chamber of Commerce, California Chapter

  Jul 2024 - now

  President Elect

  As the President of the California chapter of the Sri Lanka America Chamber of Commerce, my primary goal is to foster strong bilateral trade relationships between the United States and Sri Lanka. My leadership will focus on creating a robust platform for dialogue and cooperation, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, and exploring new opportunities for trade and investment.**Strategic Goals:**1. **Promoting Trade and Investment:** - Establishing partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, business associations, and industry leaders, to promote trade and investment opportunities between California and Sri Lanka. - Organizing trade missions, business forums, and networking events to facilitate connections and knowledge exchange between businesses in both regions.2. **Supporting Small Businesses:** - Providing resources, mentorship, and training programs for small business owners to help them navigate the complexities of international trade. - Advocating for policies that support the growth and sustainability of small businesses within our community.3. **Expanding Market Access:** - Identifying and promoting market opportunities in California and Sri Lanka for goods and services, thereby expanding access for businesses in both regions. - Facilitating the entry of Sri Lankan products into the U.S. market and vice versa, with a focus on high-quality, sustainable, and innovative offerings.4. **Cultural and Community Engagement:** - Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and its contributions to the diverse fabric of California through cultural events, festivals, and educational initiatives. - Building a strong, inclusive community within the chamber that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging among its members.5. **Advocacy and Representation:** - Advocating for fair trade practices, favorable economic policies, and initiatives benefits business Show less