At Houston Christian University, the Center for Christianity in Business is shaping students to lead with faith and purpose. Through the Center’s Scholars and Fellows scholarships, students receive multi-year support that combines tuition assistance, mentorship and professional development while connecting them with Christian leaders in the marketplace.
For freshman Yahaira Canales, an International Business major in the inaugural CCB Scholars cohort, the program transformed how she sees leadership. What began as a belief that faith guides ethical choices has grown into a vision of business as service to people created in God’s image.
“Becoming a CCB Scholar has deepened my understanding that leadership is more about allowing faith to shape the kind of leader one becomes, one who leads with humility, wisdom and a commitment to serving both God and others through their work,” shared Yahaira.
Her perspective sharpened during a mentoring conference where Christian executives spoke candidly about difficult decisions and real workplace pressures.
“Hearing Christian business leaders share their journeys and the difficult decisions they made to stay aligned with God showed me how complex faith-based leadership can be in today’s business world,” said Yahaira.
Senior Ruth Ortega (right), a Business Administration major and CCB Fellow, experienced similar growth through mentorship with Diana Greenwood, president of Aspire Executive Coaching. Their conversations challenged Ruth to rethink success by putting faith first.
“The biggest insight I have gained from her is to have the Lord as my priority and to give Him the first of everything: my time, because He will lead my day; my earnings, because that takes greed away; and my gratitude, because thankfulness is key in life,” shared Ruth.
Together, Yahaira and Ruth reflect the Center’s mission: preparing students to steward their gifts, lead with integrity and carry their faith boldly into the marketplace.