DBU REPORT 16 CORA MONCIBAIZ From Patriot to Pioneer Cora Moncibaiz ‘23, ‘25 a proud DBU alumna, was named one of the 2025 Future Texas Business Legend Scholars by the Texas Business Hall of Fame. Selected from universities across Texas, Cora joins 21 outstanding students recognized for their entrepreneurial drive, leadership, and vision for the future of business. For Cora, ministry has always been central. Growing up in Greenville, Texas, she accepted Christ in 2010, a decision that has shaped her journey ever since. Her passion for faith and service led her to DBU, where working with the Women’s Auxiliary Board sparked her love for event planning and floral design. “I found myself going to the grocery store just to buy flowers…to practice creating centerpieces, bouquets, and arrangements,” she recalls. In 2021, Cora launched Imago Dei Events, a wedding and event company reflecting her heart for ministry and service. “DBU has been foundational in shaping both my personal and professional journey…helping me see my work as a calling,” she shares. A course with Dr. Mary Flickner introduced her to the term Imago Dei, Latin for “image of God,” which inspired her business’ name. “Those two words began to transform my entire worldview… reshaping the way I viewed myself, cared for others, and saw the beauty of all God’s creation.” Imago Dei Events has grown into a ministry-focused business where Cora serves clients with intentionality, grace, and excellence. Her work has opened doors to opportunities and recognition, including the TBHF scholarship, which she discovered through a DBU business course. Receiving the award, she says, “It was one of those full-circle moments…This is only God.” Her entrepreneurial drive is also inspired by her grandparents’ legacy in the restaurant industry, especially Circle H BBQ. “Their example, marked by strength, integrity, and a Christ-centered worldview, has become a powerful motivator,” she says. Cora will be celebrated at the TBHF Induction Dinner this October and featured in spotlight videos highlighting her journey. Today, she continues growing Imago Dei Events while cherishing support from her husband, Oscar, whom she married in August 2024. She hopes her story inspires other students to pursue their God-given calling with boldness, purpose, and faith. Learn more at www.imagodeievents.com. When DBU alumna Helen Bowles ‘99 received her degree in graphic design and visual communications, she never imagined she would launch a national lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer. Yet, in God’s timing, He was preparing her for something far greater than she planned. Brighter Magazine didn’t begin with a business plan; it began with prayer. For three years, Helen and her Bible study group asked the Lord to use them for more. While working as a personal trainer, Helen sensed God had a new purpose ahead. “It’s definitely a huge story of faith,” she reflects, “but God truly does have an incredible sense of humor.” The vision came when a dear friend was diagnosed with cancer. She confided that lifestyle magazines felt isolating and discouraging, lacking the encouragement she needed. That conversation ignited Helen’s desire to create a resource to walk alongside women from diagnosis through survivorship. Her own experience with skin cancer and the loss of her mother to pancreatic cancer deepened her passion to love women with strength, honesty, and the love of Christ. Today, Brighter stands as the only lifestyle publication designed for women affected by cancer. Its mission is to benefit their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. While many publications focus on medical content, Brighter offers warmth, community, and practical insight. Each issue is curated with contributions from volunteer writers, experts, and survivors. Topics range from preparing for treatment to when to shave your head, written in a tone more like a trusted friend. “We felt God clearly told us that this wasn’t to be a Christian publication,” Helen shares. “But that it didn’t have to be overtly faith-based for Him to use it.” As Brighter grew, Helen turned to DBU, hiring alumni Ashton Mitchell ‘23, Caitlin Sweany ‘24, and Graci Henard-Smith ‘24. She is grateful to DBU professors Jim Hutchinson and Dr. Jodi Grimes for connecting her with students and values the opportunity to invest in them through mentoring. Brighter continues to expand with programs, community events, and an annual pickleball tournament. Helen is married to Ryan Bowles, and they have two children, Xander and Gavin. Learn more at www.brightermagazine.com. FIGHTING CANCER WITH A SMILE Alumna Launches Brighter Magazine to Serve Women with Hope
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