STC alumna goes from student to educational partner
Roxanne Cedillo, senior vice president for Bank of America’s South Central Market Consumer Bank serving several Texas markets, including the RGV, graduated from STC in 1999 and said it set her up for a successful career.
It was South Texas College that Roxanne Cedillo said made her a strong and competitive candidate for the position that began her career in banking.
For more than two decades, the 43-year-old has climbed the corporate ladder at Bank of America, starting as a part-time client service representative, or teller.
She now serves as the preferred lending market leader and senior vice president for Bank of America’s South Central Market Consumer Bank serving several Texas markets, including the RGV.
“My associate degree set me up for not only a career, but a successful career,” said the Mission native. “It started it all for me and gave me what I needed to be marketable and competitive in my field.”
It was 1999 when Cedillo earned an associate degree from STC in Business Administration, an industry she said has always intrigued her, sparking the beginning of her journey.
“I took business classes in high school and served as volunteer tax preparer,” she said. “I did anything to gain experience. I’ve always enjoyed it…it’s my chosen path.”
As a student at STC, Cedillo was also selected as one of one of the first Valley Scholar recipients.
STC’s scholarship program provides financial assistance, academic support services, mentoring and leadership development to highly motivated students.
“My associate degree set me up for not only a career, but a successful career. It started it all for me and gave me what I needed to be marketable and competitive in my field.”
“My entire experience from the Valley Scholars program to my instructors was positive,” said Cedillo. “I was more prepared to transfer to a four-year university, more confident in my skills and ready to get to work.”
Cedillo went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance and continued to grow at Bank of America earning promotions, also serving as relationship manager and financial center manager
“I’m a huge advocate for education and for STC,” she said. “So, now being able to work at an organization that is supporting STC with its nationally recognized Progresando Grant and helping health care students get ahead, is a huge honor. I’m beyond proud to be a part of this.”
STC was recently awarded a $250,000 Progresando Grant to help students pay for state licensure exams and license fees and to support non-credit health care pathway programs.
The Progresando Grant from Bank of America is part of a national initiative to create job opportunities for people and communities of color. Over the last two years, Bank of America has awarded $6 million to 12 colleges and universities nationwide.
Overall, Cedillo said STC has had a huge impact on her life and has been transformative.
“We’ve all heard that education is an equalizer and for me it’s true,” said Cedillo. “I have a career now because of it and I recommend anyone in the RGV to give STC a try – they won’t’ be sorry.”
For more information on STC’s Business programs, visit www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/business/.
Registration for fall 2023 is underway. Classes begin January 17.