You're invited to join VWEC's long-standing Breakfast with a Banker sponsored by the Bank of Oklahoma as our second and final stop on the 2026 AEO South-Central Region Tour:
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 8:30 A.M.
Hosted by our partner at:
701 Southwest 74th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73139
As the South Central Region Chair for the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), VWEC CEO VR Small is supporting ecosystem collaboration across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
Through this leadership role, VWEC has launched the AEO South Central Region Tour powered by BOK Financial, convening entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and ecosystem partners to advance our theme and shared mission of Empowering Entrepreneurial Capital Readiness.
A collaboration designed to allow entrepreneurs to effectively engage capital providers while expanding access to financial education and credit development.
AGENDA:
NETWORKING & BREAKFAST
& Introductions
MEET OUR SPEAKERS:
The Power of Empowerment
VR Small, Chair, AEO South-Central Region
VR Small is the visionary Founder and CEO of the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC), a groundbreaking national initiative that empowers women entrepreneurs associated with the military to successfully scale sustainable businesses.
VR is a dynamic Navy Veteran, a highly regarded motivational speaker, skilled moderator, and respected educator with a proven track record of driving impactful social and economic innovation nationwide.
Her leadership has earned VR national recognition, including being honored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Women Veterans, a Trailblazer “Women Veterans Leading the Way,” and being appointed the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) South Central Regional Council Chair, promoting enterprise opportunities across New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas.
A fearless advocate of Women Helping Women W.I.N. and Sisterhood in Action, and championing the Power of Empowerment.
As the Substack author of “Smashing Survival Statistics: Building Businesses that Last,” VR shares insights on strengthening entrepreneurial infrastructure by exploring how intentional technical assistance, financial frameworks, and ecosystem alignment empower businesses to smash survival statistics and forge their own paths to sustainable success.
With unwavering commitment and passion, VR continues to inspire and lead, breaking barriers and setting the standard for excellence in entrepreneurial success.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
Daniel Garcia
Business Development Officer, Metafund
Daniel M. Garcia is a Business Development Officer at MetaFund, an Oklahoma-based nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). With more than 27 years of experience in financial services and community development, he works to expand access to flexible and creative capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses across Oklahoma.
Prior to joining MetaFund, Garcia spent over two decades in financial services developing initiatives that expanded access to capital and financial resources for businesses and families in underinvested communities.
He is an Air Force veteran and remains active in civic leadership throughout the Oklahoma City region, including service with the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Oklahoma City Adventure District, and the American Red Cross of Oklahoma.
The Business of Banking Panel
MODERATOR:
T.C. Alexander is a seasoned banking and community development professional with 24 years of experience spanning the full spectrum of financial services leadership. Throughout his career, T.C. has served in roles of increasing responsibility — from Branch Manager and Business Banker to Business Banking Area Manager, Commercial Banker, Regional Manager, and most recently, Community Development Relationship Manager — building a reputation as a trusted advisor, strategic leader, and passionate advocate for economic empowerment.
In his current role, T.C. bridges the gap between financial institutions and underserved communities, working to expand access to capital and create meaningful pathways to economic opportunity. His deep expertise in small business lending, SBA programs, CDFI partnerships, and community investment reflects a career-long commitment to ensuring that individuals and entrepreneurs — regardless of background — have the tools and resources they need to thrive.
Community Involvement & Board Service
Beyond the boardroom and the balance sheet, T.C. is deeply invested in the communities he serves. He actively volunteers with and serves on the boards of directors of organizations dedicated to homelessness prevention, affordable housing, basic needs support, entrepreneurship development, and financial literacy — causes he believes are foundational to building strong, resilient communities.
He approaches this service not merely as civic duty, but as a personal calling rooted in his faith as an active and committed member of his church — a community that continues to inspire his work and shape his mission-driven approach to banking and service.
Personal
T.C. and his wife Gladys have shared 26 years of marriage, raising three children and enjoying the boundless joy of four grandchildren. When he steps away from work, T.C. can be found traveling to new destinations, exploring different cultures, and most importantly, making lasting memories with the family who grounds and inspires him.
“Banking is about more than transactions — it’s about transformation.”
PANELISTS
Mortgage Banker, NMLS #1901681
Whether you are buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, choosing the right loan specialist is key. With market conditions and mortgage programs constantly evolving, working with a trusted professional ensures you receive accurate guidance and make informed financial decisions. Bank of Oklahoma offers the expertise and resources needed to help you explore a wide range of financing options with confidence.
Our specialties include financing for first-time homebuyers, vacation and investment properties, jumbo loans, rate-and-term refinances, and cash-out mortgages. We are committed to delivering expert advice and exceptional service tailored to each client’s needs.
Based in Norman, Oklahoma, Donnie is passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals—whether it’s their first home or their forever home. He takes a customer-focused approach, recognizing that every financial situation is unique and requires a personalized solution.
Donnie brings over 17 years of experience in real estate, including roles as a realtor, professional landman, and mortgage lender, along with more than 15 years of customer service consulting for Fortune 500 companies. A U.S. Navy and Army Reserve veteran, he holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Oklahoma and enjoys hiking, golfing, and grilling in his free time.
Vice President, Bilingual Financial Center Leader,
Jahaira Martinez is a Vice President and Bilingual Financial Center Leader at Bank of Oklahoma, where she oversees branch operations, drives financial performance, and leads high‑performing teams committed to exceptional customer experiences. Her leadership journey began in the food industry, where she spent ten years as a general manager known for consistently achieving top sales volume and building strong, collaborative teams. Those early experiences shaped her people‑first, growth‑focused leadership style and fueled her passion for developing others.
In her current role, Jahaira combines operational expertise with a passion for customer service and financial empowerment. She has found deep fulfillment in coaching and promoting employees into new opportunities across the organization. She is committed to creating pathways for others to grow in confidence, skills, and leadership. An impact she considers one of the greatest rewards of her work.
As a bilingual leader, Jahaira is also dedicated to expanding financial education within the community. She is active with the Greater Oklahoma Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has authored several financial literacy articles for El Latino American. Her commitment to youth empowerment is reflected in her ongoing involvement with Junior Achievement and local business summits.
Outside of work, Jahaira is a proud mother of two daughters who keep her life full of energy, one a competitive dancer and the other always exploring new hobbies. She enjoys binge‑watching Netflix, soaking up the sun on her porch, and finding creative ways to enjoy food despite being highly allergic to milk(Yes, the one ingredient that seems to be in absolutely everything- making her the unintentional expert at declining potluck dishes with kindness.). With a love for community, learning, and family, Jahaira brings authenticity and heart to every role she plays.
VP, Financial Center Leader
Will Parsons serves as Financial Center Leader of the Edmond Santa Fe location for the Oklahoma City Consumer Market at Bank of Oklahoma. In this role, he provides strategic leadership focused on financial performance, risk management, operational excellence, and team development.
Will joined BOK Financial with more than a decade of progressive banking experience, grounded in a philosophy of learning through execution. He has held leadership roles across branch delivery, consumer and business lending, and bank operations, developing a well-rounded perspective that supports effective decision-making at the financial center level.
Will remains focused on driving financial integrity, sustainable growth, and operational resilience. He emphasizes accountability, regulatory adherence, and building high-performing teams aligned with enterprise priorities.
