TAMIU Alumnus Highlights Texas Community Bank Honorary Junior Board Program's Impact

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business' Banking Academy continues to prepare the next generation of banking leaders through its partnership with the Texas Community Bank Honorary Junior Board Program.

Founded in 2013, the Program connects TAMIU students with job and mentoring opportunities led by banking leaders and professionals.

TAMIU alumnus Jorge Maldonado (’25), a former Junior Board member, exemplifies how academic knowledge combined with hands-on industry exposure can prepare students for professional careers.

From his start as a Finance student inspired by personal finance to his current role in risk management at Texas Community Bank, Maldonado's path reflects the program’s mission: bridging knowledge with opportunity. His story also underscores the importance of strong partnerships between TAMIU and the banking industry — partnerships proudly cultivated by the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business and its Banking Academy to strengthen the talent pipeline for South Texas.

Maldonado became interested in finance through social media discussions on personal finance as well as budgeting and retirement planning. During his undergraduate studies, his curiosity expanded as he learned how financial principles are applied at the corporate level.

Through his participation in the Junior Board, Maldonado gained practical insight into the operations of the banking sector and career possibilities it offers.

He began his career as an auditor at Texas Community Bank and has since advanced to risk management, where his responsibilities include vendor evaluation, due diligence, and risk assessment.

He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Professional Accountancy at TAMIU to meet CPA education requirements, refine his technical skills, and enhance his early career credentials.

"The Texas Community Bank Honorary Junior Board of Directors gave me the chance to see how concepts from the classroom are applied in real-world banking," Maldonado said, "It also opened my eyes to the many different paths and opportunities available in the industry."

His responsibilities as an auditor and risk management officer have provided valuable learning experiences, he said.

"The biggest lesson has been learning how to evaluate vendors and third parties beyond just reviewing their financial statements," he said, "Over time, I’ve developed skills in conducting due diligence, analyzing SOC reports, and assessing different kinds of risks."

Oscar Cisneros, senior vice president of Texas Community Bank and member of the Banking Academy Advisory Council, said the Bank is proud to provide the Junior Board experience to students.

"At Texas Community Bank, we are proud to provide the Junior Board experience because it develops both talent and character in an interactive, hands-on learning environment," he said, "Students like Jorge prove that when you combine education, mentorship, and opportunity, you create leaders who will guide the future of banking in South Texas."

Dr. Luis A. Pérez-Batres, dean of the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business, reflected on the Program's impact on students.

“It is inspiring to see how programs like the Texas Community Bank Junior Board give our students both vision and opportunity," he said, "Jorge’s story reminds us of the power of bridging academia and industry — they transform classrooms into launching pads for careers that strengthen our region.”

A total of 15 Sanchez School students will begin their 2025 Junior Board experience this year, Pérez noted.

Established in 2024, TAMIU's Banking Academy is dedicated to developing tomorrow’s highly qualified banking and finance executives for South Texas and beyond through co-curricular, action-based learning methods.

For more information, please contact Leonela Precidado, manager, TAMIU A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Banking Academy, at 956.326.2502 or email leonela.preciado@tamiu.edu.

More on the University’s story  is also available on the its website, tamiu.edu, and social channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.