Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank is celebrating the successful completion of the inaugural Women in Leadership Mentoring Program, a development initiative designed to strengthen leadership capabilities, expand cross-departmental relationships and support long-term employee growth across the bank. Launched earlier this year, the program paired emerging talent with experienced Texas Regional Bank leaders for one-on-one mentorship, supported by professional development Lunch & Learn sessions. Together, these elements created a focused environment for participants to clarify goals, build leadership skills and receive guidance for navigating challenges in their roles.
The first cohort centered on women at key stages of their career journey. Mentors and mentees met regularly to discuss leadership experiences, skill development and long-term career planning. Participants shared that the program provided valuable time for direct, candid conversations with leaders invested in their growth. Group development sessions—covering topics such as personal brand building, time management and professional presence—reinforced these discussions. Participants noted that the content offered practical tools they could apply immediately in their day-to-day work. Participants described the experience as one that deepened their understanding of Texas Regional Bank and broadened their view of career paths across departments. Many built relationships that will continue well beyond the program year, and several expressed interest in returning as mentors, an early sign of the program’s long-term potential.
Planning for the 2026 cohort is underway, with a focus on enhancing structure and support for both mentors and mentees. While the inaugural cohort focused on women, the program was designed to expand from the outset. Future cohorts will include both women and men as mentors and mentees, opening opportunities to learn from a wider range of perspectives and leadership approaches across the bank. Next year’s program will offer opportunities for more guidance, expanded development content and a new mentorship framework—advancing the bank’s core value of teamwork.
“This program demonstrated just how much can happen when people invest in one another’s growth,” says Tracy Harris, program lead and chief strategic planning and project officer. “Watching participants gain clarity and confidence over the course of the year has been incredibly rewarding. It reinforced what we already know: our people are the foundation of Texas Regional Bank’s momentum, and when we create space for them to learn and lead, the entire organization benefits.”.
Established in 2010, Texas Regional Bank has more than 35 locations across the Rio Grande Valley, Texas Hill Country, Houston and the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
