From Patriot to Pioneer: Cora Moncibaiz Named 2025 Future Texas Business Legend Scholar

This spring, Cora Moncibaiz ('23), a proud Dallas Baptist University alumna, was named one of the 2025 Future Texas Business Legend Scholars by the Texas Business Hall of Fame (TBHF). Selected from universities across Texas, Cora joins a prestigious cohort of 21 outstanding students recognized for their entrepreneurial drive, leadership, and vision for the future of business in the Lone Star State.

For Cora, ministry has always been an important part of her life. Growing up in Greenville, Texas, she witnessed firsthand the power of faith in action as her parents led her and her siblings on mission trips across the globe, spreading the Gospel and serving communities. With faith and ministry being such a central part of her life and seeing the Lord work generationally through her family, Cora accepted Christ in September of 2010. This decision has shaped her journey ever since.

This same passion for ministry and servant leadership is what led Cora to Dallas Baptist University. While at DBU, she began serving as a student worker for the Women's Auxiliary Board—a role that unexpectedly sparked her love for event planning and floral design. She shares, "I found myself going to the grocery store just to buy flowers—not for any occasion, but simply to practice creating centerpieces, bouquets, and arrangements." Cora realized that all of this was more than a hobby; it was her passion.

This passion soon blossomed into a thriving business, and in 2021 Imago Dei Events was born—a wedding and event company that beautifully reflects Cora's heart for ministry and her desire to serve others with purpose.

"DBU has been foundational in shaping both my personal and professional journey. The Christ-centered education I received didn't just prepare me academically—it helped me see my work as a calling." She shares, "Through courses, mentorship, and countless conversations, I was consistently encouraged to pursue excellence while staying rooted in purpose."

During her sophomore year, Cora enrolled in a course titled "Developing a Christian Mind" with Dr. Mary Flickner. It was in this class that she first heard the term Imago Dei—Latin for "image of God." What began as a classroom discussion soon stirred something deeper within her. "Though it may sound simple," Cora reflects, "those two words began to transform my entire worldview. They reshaped the way I viewed myself, cared for others, and saw the beauty of all God's creation."

Inspired by this life-changing truth, naming her business Imago Dei Events felt both natural and necessary. The business was built on the desire to create beauty, coordinate meaningful moments, and live with intentionality—all flowing from a single, sacred purpose: to live as an image bearer of Christ.

Since then, Imago Dei Events has prospered. Cora's portfolio speaks for itself, featuring beautiful moments from weddings where she has served as a coordinator, floral designer, or both—each one reflecting her mission of "creating moments that reflect the beauty of God's image." Imago Dei Events is more than a business; it's a ministry. Cora notes, "It's a space where I can serve others with intentionality, grace, and excellence." Cora's faith shapes everything she does at Imago Dei, from the way she cares for clients to how she navigates challenges and celebrates milestones.

Cora's faith and work have profoundly shaped her life, opening doors to meaningful opportunities and recognition. It was through a business course at DBU that she first learned about the Texas Business Hall of Fame scholarship, an incredible initiative designed to support and empower aspiring entrepreneurs across Texas. Drawn not only by the chance to receive financial support but also by the opportunity to join a network of visionary leaders who value innovation and impact, Cora felt compelled to apply. In May, she received the news that she had been chosen as a 2025 Future Texas Business Legend and was the recipient of The Mitchell Family Foundation Award. When Cora received the award, she was shocked, "It was one of those full-circle moments where you pause and realize, 'This is only God.'" Receiving the award, Cora shares, was an incredibly humbling experience. What began with grocery store flowers, and a dream has turned into a thriving business now recognized across the Texas business community.

Her selection by TBHF is a testament to the impact she has already made—and the even greater potential ahead. Each year, TBHF honors students who embody the qualities that define Texas business leadership: innovation, resilience, and a desire to serve others through enterprise.

Achieving this honor just two years after earning her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Dallas Baptist University marks a remarkable milestone in Cora's journey. At the heart of her entrepreneurial drive is the legacy of her grandparents—a legacy that continues to inspire and guide her path. "Throughout my life, I heard countless stories about their ventures in the restaurant industry," Cora shares. "But it was their most recent business, Circle H BBQ, that gave me a front-row seat to what entrepreneurship really looks like." Their example—marked by strength, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to a Christ-centered worldview—has become a powerful motivator for Cora as she pursues her own dreams. "I want to build something that reflects the values that shaped me: hard work, excellence, and a faith-driven purpose behind it all."

Her selection as a TBHF Scholar comes with more than just recognition, including scholarship support and a platform to share her story with audiences across Texas. Throughout the summer, TBHF will feature Cora and the other scholars in individual spotlight videos, showcasing their entrepreneurial endeavors, academic journeys, and future goals.

This October, Cora will be celebrated at the annual Texas Business Hall of Fame Induction Dinner in Houston, standing alongside this year's Veteran and Statewide Awardees. It's an opportunity not only to be honored, but also to connect with some of Texas's most accomplished business leaders.

Today, Imago Dei Events operates as a part-time venture, and Cora continues to be uplifted by the incredible community that surrounds her. "Whether it's through floral design or event coordination, I'm excited to see how the Lord continues to open doors this next season," she shares with joy and anticipation.

Her greatest source of encouragement is her husband, Oscar Moncibaiz—her childhood sweetheart—whom she married in August 2024.

As she looks ahead to the next chapter of her professional journey, Cora remains deeply thankful for the foundation she built at Dallas Baptist University. She hopes her story inspires other students to pursue their God-given calling with boldness, purpose, and unwavering faith.

Read more about the 2025 TBHF Scholars