Margie Salazar: From First-Gen College Student to Trailblazing CEO

 
This year’s Gold Nugget Award recipient — FirstLight CEO, Margie Salazar —  shared her inspiring journey with Hunt Business students and alumni. A career arc filled with grit, determination, and a commitment to giving back.  

As a first-generation college student, Salazar worked her way up through the ranks to become the first female and Latina CEO in the bank’s history. 

Challenges and Triumphs: An El Paso native, Salazar was the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, securing a four-year scholarship despite financial challenges. She accepted a role she initially saw as a step back, but soon recognized as a critical stepping stone toward her future success. 

Navigating Hardships: On her journey to leadership, Salazar learned from mentors and independently sought resources to help her grow. A cancer diagnosis forced her to pause her career for a year, during which she adopted a “What if I tried?” mindset, embracing every challenge as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. 

First Woman: Salazar became the first female and Latina CEO at FirstLight, a testament to her perseverance and vision. With a strong understanding of her community’s needs, she launched programs to help people achieve homeownership, and developed a Financial Education Program to promote financial literacy among young people. 

Leadership Style: Salazar’s mission is to “improve lives and achieve dreams.” She believes that true success comes from the strength and performance of her team, not just personal achievements. She advises future leaders to stay relevant by embracing change and continuously adapting to new challenges.