For Cintia Vera, earning her MBA wasn’t just about the degree itself — it was a milestone that carried the hopes of her entire family. As the first in her family to graduate college and the oldest sibling leading the way, Vera felt the weight of those expectations deeply. So when she found out she had won a full-tuition MBA scholarship from United Way of Tarrant County and TCU’s Neeley School of Business, the moment overwhelmed her with emotion.  

“Being selected for this scholarship felt like validation that my dreams and hard work are recognized by such prestigious organizations,” Vera said. “It was particularly meaningful knowing that both UWTC and TCU Neeley saw potential in me and my vision for using business as a force for community impact. The moment represented personal achievement and hope for my entire family’s future.” 

Vera’s journey to this moment wasn’t linear. With undergraduate degrees in political science and comparative race and ethnic studies from TCU, she initially planned to attend law school. But working in property management shifted her trajectory, sparking a passion for business operations and leadership roles that foster positive social change. Today, as chief operating officer of FEMCA Properties, Vera is putting that passion into practice every day. 

Down the hall, another story unfolds. Shanin Marshall, senior grant accountant at United Way of Tarrant County and father of seven, has spent more than 14 years managing nonprofit finances. With a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Marshall knows the power of stewardship — overseeing resources with care and transparency. 

His $20,000 scholarship to pursue a Professional MBA at TCU Neeley represents more than a financial boost. “Professionally, it’s another step toward becoming the leader God called me to be,” Marshall said in a release. “It means I’m one step closer to creating meaningful change and being a stronger resource for the community. Personally, it means I can model for my children that learning never stops.” 

Together, Vera and Marshall are the first recipients of a new collaboration between United Way of Tarrant County and TCU Neeley — a scholarship program designed to cultivate Tarrant County’s next generation of leaders. The program offers full tuition support for the Full-Time MBA and up to $20,000 for the Professional MBA. 

These scholarships are more than financial assistance; they’re a deliberate investment in people who are helping to shape the community’s future. By lifting local professionals, United Way and TCU Neeley are quietly building the leadership infrastructure that will sustain and grow the region’s social impact for years to come. 

For those interested in following in Vera and Marshall’s footsteps, the Professional MBA scholarship for the spring 2026 semester is still accepting applications. Applicants simply apply to TCU Neeley, indicate “United Way of Tarrant County” as their affiliation, and their file will be automatically reviewed for scholarship eligibility. The application fee is waived for UWTC candidates. 

In a city where ambition meets heart, Vera and Marshall’s stories remind us that education isn’t just a degree — it’s a catalyst for change.