Team TRB recently completed the first cohort of the Women in Leadership Mentoring Program—an initiative designed to strengthen leadership skills, build cross-department relationships, and support employees as they grow in their careers. Led by Tracy Harris, the program brought together mentors and mentees from across the bank for a year of focused development and meaningful conversation.
A Year of Learning and Connection
Mentees met regularly with experienced TRB leaders for one-on-one conversations about leadership, career goals, and navigating challenges. Many shared that having structured time for honest dialogue and reflection quickly became one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
The program also included Lunch & Learn sessions on topics such as personal branding, time management, and professional presence. These sessions offered practical tools participants could use immediately in their roles and reinforced the leadership themes explored in their mentorship meetings.
“Watching this group grow has been a highlight of my year. The willingness to learn and the support participants showed one another reflect exactly what makes TRB special. When we invest in each other, we strengthen our teams and the future we’re building together.“
Tracy Harris
Program Lead, Strategic Planning & Project OfficerExpanding the Vision for 2026
While this inaugural cohort focused on women, next year’s program will welcome both women and men as mentors and mentees. This expansion is part of the program’s long-term goal: creating opportunities for all employees to learn from a broader range of experiences and leadership styles across TRB.
Participants shared that the program helped them gain clarity about their strengths, explore new career pathways, and connect with colleagues they might not otherwise meet. Several have already expressed interest in returning as mentors.
Meet the 2025 Mentee Class
Check out the comments below, as this year’s cohort reflects on their experience in the program:
“Kim’s mentorship was a bright spot in my year. Her thoughtfulness, support, and way of making life dazzle helped me gain real perspective. I’m grateful for this program and the way it encourages us to lift each other up.”
Emily Kirchner
Economic Development Officer
“This year’s mentorship program truly helped me grow as a leader by challenging my mindset and reminding me of the power of support, guidance, and continuous learning.”
Delma Diaz
Customer Care Manager“I truly appreciated participating in the program and most valued getting to know and learning from my mentor, Lisa Ta. Our one-on-one conversations gave me the space to ask questions freely and gain guidance for my professional growth. This experience has deepened my understanding of TRB and its people, and I feel more connected and inspired than ever.”
Dalinda Guillen
Market Manager/ Eco. Dev. Officer
“The mentorship program was an incredible experience that expanded my knowledge and strengthened my confidence. I’m especially grateful for my mentor, whose inspiring guidance has made a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth.”
Nijya Willis
Banking Center Ops. Specialist“Being mentored showed me how much potential I have when someone believes in me. Both my mentor and the program have inspired me to set goals, keep striving, learning, and evolving.”
Kahla Loya
Sr. Lending Assistant
“I am deeply grateful for the Women in Leadership Mentorship Program. The encouragement and guidance my mentor provided made my first year at TRB amazing. Her support helped me recognize my strengths, build confidence, and lay the foundation for achieving my goals. This experience has been transformative, and I look forward to one day paying it forward as a mentor myself.”
Irene Mercado
Marketing Manager
“Some insight I found in joining this year’s mentorship program:
‘Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.’”
Sidney Gaona
Compliance Admin. Assistant“My mentor, Lisa, helped me realize that imposter syndrome is normal at any stage. Instead of doubting myself, I learned to pause, think positively, and refocus on my goals. Our conversations reminded me not to hide from opportunities—show up, connect, and remember that it might be someone else’s first time too.”
Maria F. Salinas
Wealth Management Associate
“My amazing mentor didn’t just teach me skills; she imparted a gentle wisdom that truly shifted my perspective on life and work. I am incredibly grateful for being mentored by Mimi and for the light she shone on my path. The enduring impact of her guidance will stay with me forever.”
Rosalie Zamarripa
Quality Control Specialist“The mentorship program has given me meaningful guidance and support, helping me develop new skills and gain confidence in my role. Through regular conversations and feedback, I’ve grown both professionally and personally and feel more prepared to navigate future challenges.”
Madeline Eubanks
Compliance & Audit Assistant
“I was very happy to be a part of the mentorship program. My mentor, Mary Hinojosa Kelly, is a vibrant, vivacious, and intelligent woman. She is always inspiring and encouraging to me and to all who cross her path. I was encouraged to set my goals and break them into smaller tasks to make them more feasible. I have been in a leadership position for a couple of decades in other companies, and I was grateful to have Mary support me in this program and show me up-to-date ways of approaching leadership. I’m inspired to be a leader in this program and would be willing to be a mentor to another up-and-coming professional. I feel I have a lot to offer and could be a great inspiration to others, as Mary has been to me.”
Maria Larsen
Associate, TRB Capital Markets
Looking Ahead
As planning begins for the 2026 cohort, employees interested in exploring mentorship—either as a mentor or mentee—are encouraged to reach out to Tracy Harris to learn more about what next year’s program may offer.
