70 Years of Impact: Stories That Shape Junior Achievement
A Conversation That Changed Everything
Mary McClorey, TBK Bank

Mary McClorey, a Branch Manager at TBK Bank at the time, volunteered to teach Junior Achievement’s “It’s My Job” program in 2016 for juniors and seniors in United Township High School’s iJAG class. The JA curriculum focused on employability, leadership, and soft-skill development which aligned perfectly with the class’s goals.

On the first day, Mary shared her own career journey from server at a restaurant to bank teller to branch manager of a bank. After class, a junior named Carlos Carlos approached her wanting to know how she made the transition into banking, as he was currently serving at a restaurant as well. Mary emphasized that while banking tasks can be taught, strong customer service skills, something Carlos already had, are invaluable in financial services.

Mary also told Carlos about TBK Bank’s summer internship program and encouraged him to apply. Despite the lengthy application, he completed it and was accepted. That summer, Carlos trained as a teller and worked at TBK’s Silvis branch, quickly proving himself to be an asset. TBK offered him a job pending graduation. He reapplied after earning his diploma and was enthusiastically welcomed back.

What began with one JA classroom connection sparked a professional relationship that has now grown over a decade. Mary and Carlos have each taken on multiple roles at TBK Bank, continuing a journey that all started with a JA lesson on career pathways and soft skills.

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