Women in Business 2017

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AdobeStock 11241826112121212

Jane Gimler

jane-gimlerIngleside Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO

What does your typical day at the office look like?

There is no such thing as a typical day in chamber world; nothing is the same or routine. Since I wear many hats (chamber, marketing, events coordination, visitors center), I can have a plan before I walk in the doors; but then I will have a member stop by or call and that is when the day changes. I love it that way and wouldn’t have it any other way.

What do you like most about your position?

That my day is different every day, and that I can be creative and encouraged to do so by the board of directors. I’m very lucky to have a very supportive board of directors.

What interested you in entering your industry?

The multitasking in small chambers like ours. You can be working on one project like an event, and then put on your chamber hat and make budget numbers work or visit with potential new members. It is never boring. And I learn something new every day.

What about your career makes you most proud?

Wow, I have a few. That in the six months since I accepted the position, the chamber membership has doubled in what it has been in the past few years, and we’ve increased the value of what a member receives. Also, the relationship with the city of Ingleside has been the best it has ever been. We are so grateful for the relationship we have built with the mayor and the City Council. I’ve very proud of that.

What advice would you give to young women interested in your industry?

It’s very simple: Love what you do. If you don’t, then you need to move on. Remember the vision and stay true to yourself, and the rewards will come, I promise. If you want an easy job, this is not the position for you. I love my job and I’m thankful.


Angela Shields

angela-shields-outside-cropped2San Antonio Board of Realtors, President and CEO

What does your typical day at the office look like?

One of the things I enjoy most about my day is that it is never typical! Every day teaches me something new and gives me an opportunity to sharpen my skills as a leader and business professional. I get to work closely with other like-minded people to help the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR) accomplish its goal of being the go-to resource for realtor members and consumers. Tasks can range from little things like adding more online services to our website, SABOR.com, to more complex matters, such as leading the Proposition 1 campaign that advocated for property tax relief to all local homeowners. I also get to speak to the media on behalf of the association, present at national trade shows about San Antonio, meet with local civic leaders about issues affecting real estate and be a decision-maker for my company. Any day I get to be a part of this diverse industry is a good day.

What do you like most about your position?

I enjoy the pivotal role that the real estate industry has in a community’s economic development. Because SABOR members are realtors that are held to a higher standard of care for their clients and must observe a strict code of ethics, I represent an organization that protects the American dream of homeownership and makes San Antonio and the surrounding areas a better place in which to live. That gives San Antonio a big advantage as the city competes to attract diverse industries and new companies. To ensure our value as an economic development tool, I enjoy working with city leaders as a community advocate and resource. Besides economic development, I like engaging realtors with volunteer activities that benefit our community in other ways. We regularly participate in events and donation drives with SAMMinistries to help it accomplish its mission of preventing homelessness, and we also give back through Build Days with Habitat for Humanity.

What interested you in entering your industry?

The idea of working with people in a fast-paced, diverse industry was very appealing to me and it’s what attracted me to the real estate industry. Every day, I get to work alongside so many different people. I learn something from each of them, and seeing issues from various perspectives helps me be a better leader. I also believe in the value of homeownership and enjoy being in a position to effect changes in the industry that can help more and more people attain their dream of owning property.

What about your career makes you most proud?

Being on the forefront of providing the tools and resources our members need to help their clients achieve their dream of homeownership is something that I am incredibly proud to be a part of. We have experienced explosive growth in our membership, now numbering over 10,000. We continue to grow because more and more people are able to get into home buying and selling due to low interest rates and the demand for homes created by an influx of jobs to the area. This also means it’s a great time for those considering a career in real estate.

What advice would you give to young women interested in your industry?

Don’t be afraid to let your leadership qualities show, and never stop learning. Lead by example, instill confidence, innovate, and be an inspiration. By pursuing your goals with integrity and humility, you will earn the respect of your peers and grow in your leadership abilities. Being a self-starter and having an entrepreneurial spirit are great assets for anyone entering the real estate industry. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to build your own business and work with other professionals who are dedicated to the highest level of professionalism, then consider a career as a realtor.


Julie Tarvin

julie-tarvin-photo2IBC Bank, Service Center CEO

What does your typical day at the office look like?

Being in IT, there is never a typical day. Our Service Center is the heartbeat of IBC Bank, as we support the organization’s entire infrastructure, from retail to back end. It’s our job to keep the bank running smoothly because within the banking industry, each day brings new and dynamic challenges. We work tirelessly to ensure customers never notice if there is an issue and find solutions to keep the bank up-to-date with technological advances.

What do you like most about your position?

I appreciate the new challenges each day brings. There is never a boring moment in the world of IT. At the Service Center, we work collaboratively on innovative projects that help take our bank to the next level technologically and allow us to better serve our customers. Seeing these initiatives come to fruition is extremely rewarding.

What interested you in entering your industry?

I didn’t start in IT. My background was primarily in risk management. I’ve been with IBC Bank for 22 years, and during my time here, I’ve been fortunate to learn several aspects of the financial industry and how they work together. This opportunity with the Service Center was the perfect combination of my background in analytics, finance and risk management.

What about your career makes you most proud?

I’m extremely proud of how my career has progressed and evolved. I started in 1994 as an operations analyst, and last year I became one of the bank’s first female CEOs. What is equally rewarding is being able to mentor and develop my team. Our successes are the result of great teamwork with the common goal of keeping IBC Bank a high-performing organization.

What advice would you give to young women interested in your industry?

As women, we need to feel comfortable with taking risks. Brand yourself as a leader, and when an opportunity comes your way, don’t let fear stand in the way of seizing it. There are executive positions across all industries available for women. We should feel confident sitting at the table.

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