Lauren Sparks

About Lauren Sparks

With nearly 40 years of experience as a banking industry executive and owner of a top-tier woman-owned business in Houston, I envisioned and created Agility Bank, the first bank in the U.S. primarily owned and led by women, designated as a Minority Depository Institution (MDI) created for that purpose. As a commercial community institution, Agility Bank focused on strengthening small and medium-sized businesses in Houston. A key component of Agility Bank was providing forward-looking digital technology and being. Hands-on bankers enhanced the digital product and service platform and deployed relationships alongside the apps.Integral to the business plan and at the forefront of my vision was to increase the pipeline of women in banking who can assume leadership roles and move their professional futures forward. We were built on the baseline of creating to foster career growth and success by pairing seasoned bankers with those just beginning their careers.I have seen firsthand the need to support and foster the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those owned by women, to bring about equity in financial services and access to capital that will take us all to a better future.• I am passionate about addressing gaps in financial services, particularly those where women are underrepresented. • I lead my teams with entrepreneurial focus, creativity, and innovation. • I have supported multiple financial institutions in risk management, compliance, audit, and other commercial banking functions. • I am a staunch advocate and passionate supporter of community banking, as community banks create opportunities for entrepreneurs and those seeking a way to leverage themselves forward.

Experience

1. Founding Board Member

   Txsba

   Jan 2024 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   Advocating for Access to Capital: Formed in 2020, TxSBA is a 501c(3) non-profit agency that participates in state economic development for Women, Veteran, and Minority-Owned Small Businesses in the great State of Texas. Our leaders have 25+ years of experience administering the SBA 504 Program for all industries. The 504 Loan provides funding for the purchase and refinance of Real Estate and Capital Equipment.

Education

• Colgate University

  International Relations/Spanish

  1979 — 1983