Victor Mendoza was sitting at work when the call finally came. After days of anticipation, he learned he had been selected for the full-tuition United Way of Tarrant County/TCU Neeley MBA Scholarship, valued at more than $120,000.
“I always knew there was more out there for me, and earning an MBA was next on my goals list,” Victor said. “United Way of Tarrant County gave me that opportunity, and I knew I needed to take it right away.”
Victor is one of the two newest recipients of the United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC)/TCU Neeley MBA Scholarships. Launched late last year, the program is a joint effort to develop the next generation of leaders in Tarrant County. The program includes two scholarship formats: full tuition for the Full-Time MBA and up to $20,000 for the Professional MBA.
“This scholarship is life changing. It instills confidence in my abilities and opens doors and opportunities that many people never get the chance to experience.”
Victor, a University of North Texas graduate with a degree in economics, previously served as a senior account executive at Fisher Investments. While he enjoyed his work in sales, he aspired to play a more strategic, consultative role in guiding people through meaningful financial decisions. He’s also driven by his desire to set a strong example for his younger sister, who inspires him to keep pushing forward.
“She started school today, and I called her on my way to class,” he said. “She told me, ‘Don’t you think it’s so cool that you’re going to school?’ That’s exactly the mindset I want her to have. It just reiterates that I am doing the right thing.”
Josef Sprinkle, the other recent scholarship recipient, shares that same passion for purpose-driven leadership. He received a $20,000 scholarship to pursue his Professional MBA at TCU, a place he considers his home away from home.
“I went to TCU for undergrad, and my fiancée is getting her Ph.D. there. I haven’t really let purple get out of my veins quite yet,” Josef joked. “We were considering other schools, but I really wanted to go to TCU.”
Josef serves as the corporate pre-leasing and development administrator at Integrated Real Estate Group. With his MBA, he hopes to take on a leadership role within Integrated’s attainable housing division, an initiative he sees as critical to meeting the needs of a rapidly aging population.
“Being selected felt incredibly affirming,” he said. “It means I can take the next step and hopefully make a real impact here in Fort Worth.”
The UWTC/TCU Neeley MBA Scholarships are investments in the people shaping Tarrant County’s future. By equipping emerging leaders with the education and tools to lead boldly, the program helps strengthen the region from within.
Victor and Josef join two other local professionals pursuing their advanced degrees as part of this program. Earlier this year, Full-Time MBA student Cintia Vera and Professional MBA student Shanin Marshall were selected as the inaugural recipients. These four individuals are now part of a powerful pipeline of local leadership rooted in purpose and possibility.