Traci Wickett, the president and chief executive officer at United Way of Southern Cameron County, is described by the staff and board as a mentor, a friend, a role model, but most importantly, as family.
Wickett celebrated her 25th anniversary with the non-profit on Monday where she has led the way for many women that see her as a role model and mentor not only at her job but also as part of the community. She was the first female president of the Brownsville Sunrise Rotary Club and was named Brownsville’s Woman of the Year in 2006.
“I have worked with Traci for over 30 years and not a day goes by where her inspiration, wisdom, and talent have not only made a positive impact in my professional life but in my personal life as well,” Irene Hinojosa, vice president of Finance and Administration, said. “United Way of SCC hit the lottery when they hired Traci Wickett.”
Before United Way, Wickett came from a 16 year career in banking, with the last eight year serving as vice president and technology manager for Mercantile Bank.
Wickett graduated Summa Cum Laude from Corpus Christi State University in 1979 after attending six different universities over the course of seven years.
She has served as chairman of the Board of United Ways of Texas, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Southmost College Foundation Board of Trustees. Wickett served on the United Way Worldwide’s National Professional Council for ten years and currently serves on the board of directors of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation and the Leadership Team of RGV Focus, an initiative of Educate Texas.
“I would describe Traci as dynamic, resourceful, thinking outside the box, giver, community oriented, extremely creative, I could go on and on and even give you examples of all of those,” Teri Capistran, board chair of United Way of Southern Cameron County, said.
“We know that there are so many economic needs in Brownsville and our community. Traci has managed to bring so many resources to our community that would have not been made possible if it wasn’t for her taking the lead on so many initiatives. United Way has received numerous grants throughout the years in the last decades because of her.”
Capistran said what she admires the most about Wickett is her tenacity and her creativity. To her, those two attributes have been so instrumental in ensuring that United Way has been so stable in our community for so many years.
“I remember when I first started at United Way as a volunteer, United Way did not have an office space as it does right now,” she said.
“It had a little office space off of Billy Mitchell but the board would meet at the Holiday Inn once a month because it didn’t have a space big enough to hold a board meeting but she was creative enough to think of where we would be having the board meetings. And now, fast forward, United Way has an office in the heart of Brownsville, downtown Brownsville, that is now able to assist so many other organizations that are in need.”
Wendy De Leon, development and communication director, said Wickett inspires her to be better every single day.
“So much to say! Traci is not only a great mentor, leader and friend. Her dedication to United Way of Southern Cameron County has produced amazing programs and initiatives to help make our home a better place for all,” she said. “Twenty-five years and counting, thank you for inspiring us to do and be better every single day!”
Wendy Hanson, vice president for Community Impact, said Wickett is a thoughtful leader who is committed to understanding and solving the community’s most pressing issues.
“She works 24/7 for our community,” she said. “In 25 years she has positioned the organization for growth by diversifying the work we do to meet the current needs of the community and diversifying the resources that support that work. She is recognized at both the state and national level for the great work that our United Way does.”
Miriam Mares, administrative assistant, said Wickett is a great leader and an inspiration to everyone.
“This year and a half working under your guidance has highlighted the importance of working united to better serve our community. Thank you once again for your 25 years of dedication,” she said.
Emily Rodriguez, Get Shift Done coordinator, said Wickett is a leader who inspires people to have confidence in themselves.
“In my short time of working under Traci, it is right to say that she is a leader who inspires people to have confidence in themselves,” she said. “I remain engaged knowing that the president and CEO of this company leads with a purpose that brings impact and influence to so many.”
Mayela Moreno, VITA coordinator, said Wickett not only inspires her to do more but also to become more.
“Traci, has developed a great team of individuals who are working united for our community. She inspires us to do more but also to become more,” she said.
“She celebrates when we accomplish our goals at work but also our personal goals. I joined United Way of Southern Cameron County as a temporary employee but after a few months I was hoping to stay because I truly enjoy belonging to this family, the family that Traci has created.”
