Maria Garate has been such a great leader in the Texas McCombs Alumni Network. Recently she went above and beyond by becoming the top ambassador for the 40 hours for the Forty Acres campaign, raising more than any other ambassador. For her success, she received an additional $3,000 toward the programs of her choice. She selected the McCombs Dr. Pablo and Teresa Rhi Scholarship for Cameron County Students to receive $2,000 and the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter’s Past President’s Scholarship Fund to receive $1,000. We recently sat down with Maria to learn more about her McCombs and UT experience, both during and after school.

How did your educational experience change you? Attending The University of Texas at Austin and in particular the McCombs School of Business was the best decision I have made. I knew early on that I wanted to help people but I knew I needed a good business and leadership foundation so that I could guide others. English is my second language and I wanted to work on my vocabulary and eloquence. I immersed myself in every experience that came my way. I enjoyed all my marketing classes and particularly Professor David Huff’s Marketing Project Class. I learned to network by participating in student life activities professionally and socially. I was a member of H.B.S.A., A.LA.S., and participated in the Welcome Program among other things. Building relationships is one of my strengths, which allows me to be successful in my professional and private life.

Please provide a brief summary of your career path since graduating. After graduating from McCombs with a BBA in Marketing, I went to work for Target Corporation where I held roles in their Store Management Program, Human Resource Manager, and as the Business College Leader for region 400. Currently, I am responsible for finding innovative ways to recruit and retain talent for The United Family of Stores. I used my cross functional experience, including employee relations, organizational development, project management, training, marketing, and operations, to achieve desired goals.

What are you most proud of in your career so far? My passion is people. I am most proud and consider myself successful when I get a thank you card from someone I coached who just achieved their next career goal and just wants to say thank you. I am also proud of achieving my PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) certifications, which allow me to keep learning the ever-changing HR profession. In 2017, I also achieved another one of my goals by earning a Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership.

Has your career played out the way you expected? I always knew I wanted to help others. It did not matter to me in what field or industry. I have been fortunate to work for two great companies that allow me to pursue my passion for people and UT, and to continue my professional development. One of my favorite quotes from Confucius says, “If you love what you do, you will never work another day in your life,” and I am living it.

Maria Garate

How have you stayed involved with the school as an alumna? I knew early on that I wanted to stay connected and give back to UT. I became a Texas Ex and got involved reading scholarship applications and soon became part of the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter board of directors where I severed in many volunteer roles including chapter president in 2011. I currently serve on the Texas Exes Council, The Network Advisory Board, 40 Acres scholarship review committees, and I’m the Alumni Engagement Chair for the McCombs BBA Advisory Board.

How have you personally benefitted from being a part of the alumni network? Being part of the McCombs network and a Longhorn has been very rewarding. I’m honored to have Longhorns as some of my closest friends and fortunate to have friends all over the world. I have a network of professional, talented individuals in all areas of business that I can reach out to for advice and referrals, and I can also connect them to other talented Longhorns that are looking for opportunities. I have also been able to help my peers navigate through some of their HR challenges, which keeps me learning and has helped me to enter the consulting business.

What are your goals for the future, career-related and in relation to McCombs? I hope to continue to work on my side consulting business to help others succeed. I would also like to someday have a named McCombs Scholarship in honor of my parents who never attended college but whose knowledge shaped the person I am today. And of course, change the world!

Any other community involvement, hobbies, or tidbits you’d like to share? I’m the SHRM Foundation Chair for Texas-SHRM (Society Human Resource Management). I like running when I have time and I run a few half marathons per year. I enjoy traveling, history, architecture, and learning about other cultures. My motto is: “My purpose is to connect people to each other, to a mission, and to reach their full potential” – Hook ’em!