Thank you very much for allowing me to share in this event, which demonstrates admirable dedication and commitment from your community. The old adage of "no man is an island" is very true. Each one of you is a piece of a puzzle - you cannot stand alone without connecting to the rest of the pieces, which together make a whole.

I beg your indulgence in letting me tell you a story of the improbability of someone being cast in a leadership role, without seeking or really thinking about the reality of that happening.

This is the story of Maria:

Maria was born the eldest of seven in a West Texas town, on the Mexican border. The family spent time in the large city and the small community of 2,000 where most of her school years were spent. Maria's family was traditional for the time- very family based, strong spiritual upbringing, old-fashioned by today's standards. The family was poor, but Maria did not know she was poor, because everyone else was in similar conditions.

Maria was an independent child, and learned to do things at an early age - like going to the post office to get mail and buy stamps; going to the store to buy ribbons for her hair, eggs, candy or other items. All this before she was 6. Maria was the eldest grandchild on both sides of the family, which numbered 25 kids. She was tagged as "bossy" by her cousins and siblings.

In elementary school, Maria was in all the school music programs, since she liked to sing and dance. She sang solos in musical operettas. Her mother made costumes out of crepe paper. Maria loved school and always made good grades. And she always had friends.

In junior high, she was active in National Honor Society, Latin Club, and church activities.

During her high school years, was involved in nearly every school activity and went to regional competition in extemporaneous speech and basketball. She was in National Honor Society, FHA, Yearbook, Student Council, Basketball, Class officer, Declamation, Pep Squad and school plays, etc. She worked at a local grocery store on weekends as a cashier.

After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart. After the birth of their 1st child, they moved to the larger city. The 2nd child came along 2 years later. Maria did not work outside the home until her 2nd child was about a year old. She went to work at a grocery store and then went to work for a finance company, where she started as a cashier. The family moved to another city, where Maria continued to work for the same finance company. She had her 3rd child about the same time her husband started showing signs of an illness, which would eventually take his life 7 years later. All during this time, Maria continued to take advantage of opportunities at the finance company and advanced in their training program, never knowing she would need this added knowledge. As his illness progressed and he became disabled, Maria was cast in the role of "head of household" and was now forced to make decisions for her family. In the next 6 years, she accepted promotions that required relocation to 2 different communities. In that capacity, she was required to travel all over the western U.S., while still seeing for the well being of her husband and 3 children. During this period, Maria was exposed to facets she had never even thought of, much less experience. Her ability to adapt and willingness to learn served her well.

A year after the death of her husband, with her children aged 12, 10 & 6, she left her job of 13 years and moved to the city where her parents lived and from which she had left to pursue her career. After 6 weeks of seeking employment and thinking she would have to go back to the "large city", the employment agency set up an interview with a bank. Maria was at the right place at the right time and was hired. Her experience with the finance company was invaluable and she was hired as a consumer lender, and was made an officer shortly after being hired. Her children thrived, stayed out of trouble, finished high school and graduated from college. During their school years, Maria was involved in their school and church activities.

Soon after starting at the bank, Maria was invited to participate in various organizations, and was involved in a myriad of activities. Over the years, she served in many roles, from organizing and establishing community events, being chair and president of boards, serving on a school board and college board. She was also appointed to State of Texas Commissions. Maria was a "first" in many ways, but what drove her was not the recognition bestowed on her, but her sincere desire to help others. Her employer allows her the freedom to do what she loves best, to be involved in the community. This is my story in a nutshell. On occasion, while sitting in a room with VIP's, I wonder how an Hispanic female from a traditional background, with no formal college education, and no plans to be a banker, who just dealt with challenges in life, happens to be in this role of "leader". Guess what! I earned it.

One of the things that I came to understand was that although my parents were not involved in any formal organizations, clubs, etc., they were exemplifying service to others by their actions. My mother was always helping others, especially through the church; my father did the same thing, under a cloak of toughness. Truly we imitate what we see.

The lesson of this story is not so much the personal story, but to give you a backdrop that life experiences are an education, and the lessons learned can be used in service to others, which is called leadership. My observations over the years have convinced me that people from small communities end up being movers and shakers when they end up in larger communities. Why? - Because they are afforded opportunities that are not found in large schools. Everyone has to participate in small schools to get the job done. Those talents you use in clubs, athletics and church are leadership skills, and they do not end when you finish your formal education. They are life long skills. A true leader mentors others and shares visions. A true leader is also mindful of personal integrity and business and personal ethics. You cannot talk out of both sides of your mouth!

You need to learn to say no when you are unable to deliver what is expected. And it is okay to resign from boards you see as not being a good fit for you. Because sometimes we give birth to projects and start something that has lasted, it is hard to give over control to someone else, but it is necessary to allow others to take on responsibilities, even if they make mistakes. We all learn through this. It's okay to let go!

Be proud of what you represent. Leadership comes in many forms, sizes and experiences. There is no one model that fits us all; our differences create diversity. Many of us just need to be asked to participate and need a little support to learn the ins and outs. Do not be afraid to step out... the REWARDS are tremendous. It is not important for people to know what you do and how your actions have impacted them. What is important, is that you feel good about what you do and that you do your best.

And you will need to understand which hat you are wearing, as many of us wear several and it is hard to keep focused sometimes. Again, we are talking about pieces of the puzzle coming together.