Julie A. Garza

I attribute my success primarily to drive—the constant desire to learn, grow, and continue doing more. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who pushed me to expand my perspective and pursue opportunities that would challenge me professionally. Working in what has traditionally been a male-driven industry has also helped shape my resilience and determination. Most importantly, I’m motivated by the example I want to set for my children. I want them to see that with integrity, persistence, and hard work, you can continue to grow and achieve your goals.

One of the most impactful pieces of advice I received early in my career came from my first manager in banking. I was working in operations at the time, and she took a special interest in mentoring and encouraging my professional growth. She told me that if I truly wanted to increase my earning potential and grow in my career, I should pursue commercial banking. That advice stayed with me and ultimately shaped the direction of my professional path.

She had more than fifty years of experience in banking and was an incredible leader and mentor. I consider her someone I truly grew up with in the industry, as she guided me during those formative early years of my career. Her belief in my potential and the guidance she offered had a lasting impact, and I have aligned much of my professional journey with the advice she shared.

My advice to young women entering the banking industry is to start wherever the opportunity presents itself and remain open to growth. Some of the most valuable lessons in my career have come from learning different aspects of the organization early on. Beginning in entry-level roles allows you to understand how the entire operation works, and that knowledge becomes incredibly valuable as you advance in your career.

I also believe it’s important to stay curious, continue learning, and seek opportunities that challenge you. When you take the time to understand the full scope of an organization—from the ground up—you develop insight that not only strengthens your skill set but also helps create long-term stability and opportunity in your career.

One of the biggest challenges in banking today is navigating the ongoing changes in interest rates and broader economic conditions. These shifts can impact lending activity, customer behavior, and overall market stability, requiring financial professionals to remain adaptable and informed in order to effectively support their clients and institutions.

At the same time, I believe there is significant opportunity for bankers who focus on relationship-driven service and strong community engagement. Community banks, in particular, thrive on personal relationships and trust. Professionals who prioritize building meaningful connections with local businesses and community members are well positioned to create long-term value and contribute to the continued success of their institutions.

One of the most important values in my life is being present for my children. I make a conscious effort to show them that I care about what they are doing and to be actively involved in their lives. A lot of my personal time is dedicated to my kids, and I recognize that this is a special season in my life. I want them to know that they are a priority and that I am fully present for the moments that matter most.

In my professional life, I strive to lead with integrity and compassion. Just as I focus on being visible and engaged in the community, I also want my children to see that same level of commitment and presence at home. Balancing my professional responsibilities while being a devoted mother is incredibly important to me, and I believe both roles are equally meaningful and essential to who I am.