Mary Joffre
I’ve been in human resources for nearly 20 years, and my journey has been shaped by resilience, mentorship, and a genuine passion for helping others grow. I started in 2000 at a credit union in a member-facing role, working my way through positions as a teller and support specialist before being encouraged by a mentor to pursue HR—despite not even fully understanding the field at the time. That guidance changed the course of my career and helped me become the HR professional I am today, certified through the University of Texas and continuously learning through ongoing development and leadership training.
Today, I serve as a Senior Human Resources Partner at Greater Texas Credit Union, where I focus on employee relations, leadership development, onboarding, and supporting managers and teams across the organization. I take pride in being a trusted resource who helps bridge the gap between employees and HR, ensuring people feel heard, supported, and valued. My approach to leadership is rooted in servant leadership—I believe in walking alongside people, treating everyone with respect, and building trust through consistency and compassion.
Outside of my day-to-day responsibilities, I am deeply committed to mentoring others and paying forward the guidance I once received. I especially enjoy supporting young professionals and women in their careers, sharing not only HR knowledge but life lessons that help them navigate challenges with confidence. My goal is not just to work in HR, but to make a lasting impact by helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
• Human Resources Management Certification
• Human Resources: Payroll
• Human Resources: Job Structure and Design
• Talent Management
• Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers
• HR as a Strategic Business Partner
• The Manager's Guide to Difficult Conversations
• A Manager's Guide to Conducting Effective One-on-One Meetings
• How Leaders Can Motivate Others by Creating Meaning
• Retain Your Talent with These Six Tips
• The University of Texas at Austin
• Won Ultimate Tailgaters twice for University of Texas football tailgating
• SHRM Texas Chapter
• Tejana Tailgaters/Tejano Toros
• Dress for Success
• Lotus Contemporary Performing Arts
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my father, who always pushed me and my sisters. My parents got married when they were very young, they were teenage parents, and he had 3 girls and then a boy. He would always tell us that we can do it, that just because we're girls doesn't mean nothing, that we can do it even better than men. He taught us to never depend on a man, to be hard workers. He showed us that it doesn't matter about titles, that we're all human, and that you have to treat people with respect and kindness. When he passed in 2007, there was a line of people that came from all areas and different lives, and that stuck with me. I also credit my mentor Keisha Bartholomew, who showed me what servant leadership is, who walked beside me, not ahead or behind. She took what she saw in me and helped me become a true leader. She would tell me all the time, I know you have it in you, I know you can do it, I want you to be better than me. When I got promoted this year, I called her and she was so proud of me, saying she knew I had it in me and she's just glad somebody gave me the opportunity. And I have to mention my husband Carlos, who has been my rock, my number one supporter, my cheerleader. He always encourages me. I've been with him for many years, he was actually my neighbor growing up, and it took him 32 years to tell me he had a crush on me. But through my life experiences, the hardships I've gone through, I've learned not to be a victim but to be a survivor, to continue to push through and persevere. I use those experiences to relate to employees and team members, to lead with compassion and integrity.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To believe in yourself. I just remember Keisha mentoring me and sitting with me, telling me I could do it. Coming from humble beginnings, not having a college background, she would tell me to persevere, to go for it. Don't let fear hold you back. Do not let fear hold you back. That's your worst enemy. Just continue, and you're gonna get knocked down, but get back up, baby girl, because you can do it. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to work hard, take ownership of your mistakes and learn from them, stay self-reliant and confident in your abilities, and always make it a priority to support and uplift other women along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now include navigating rapid AI and technological change, addressing ongoing misconceptions about the strategic role of HR, managing the emotional labor of supporting employees through personal and professional crises, and embracing the opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of emerging talent.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work and personal life, I value balance, discipline, and continuous growth while also making time for the things I enjoy—like cooking for my family, staying connected to culture, and exploring new recipes and ideas. I love learning through reading and audiobooks, whether it’s fantasy for enjoyment or self-help and leadership books for personal development, and I try to stay intentional about growing while still making space for joy and creativity in everyday life.