For Gabriela Hernandez, giving back has always been part of who she is.
She started working at QuikTrip as a teenager, and over the past 12 years, she’s grown within the company while staying committed to helping others. That dedication made her a perfect fit for the United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) Loaned Executive program, where she helped us kick off our 2025 workplace campaign season.
“I started giving to United Way when I was 17 through QuikTrip’s campaign,” said Gabriela. “Over time I’ve seen how United Way really brings everything full circle, from corporate matching to volunteering, to seeing the programs in action.”
UWTC’s Loaned Executive program gives companies the opportunity to develop emerging leaders through community engagement. As a Loaned Executive, Gabriela traveled to QuikTrip stores across Tarrant County, meeting with employees, sharing UWTC’s mission and showing how every gift helps strengthen local families and the community they call home.
Gabriela also saw a different side of UWTC. She met the staff, learned how programs are developed and managed, and saw how much work goes into supporting Tarrant County residents every day. That behind-the-scenes perspective gave her a deeper understanding of how donations create real impact in the community.
Our Maternal Health program’s community doulas especially stood out to Gabriela. In partnership with the Child Poverty Action Lab, we’ve trained local residents to become doulas that provide support to moms-to-be in Tarrant County.
“Seeing women being connected with someone who can walk with them through a life-or-death experience is powerful,” she said. “What struck me most is how passionate everyone is about what they’re doing day to day.”
UWTC is grateful to Gabriela and QuikTrip for their generous support. Through workplace giving and leadership development, partners like QuikTrip fuel programs that strengthen families and build a healthier, more resilient Tarrant County.
Join Gabriela in giving back to Tarrant County. When you donate to UWTC, you're helping neighbors access life-changing support. Start here: unitedwaytarrant.org/give-help/ways-donate