Student Story: Tamiko Cuellar: Business and Ministry Minded

Tamiko Cuellar previously worked in the financial planning industry where she advised people about their finances, investments, and insurance. She admits she is “business-minded” and she knows she is called “to impact the business arena for the Kingdom of God.” At the same time, she wanted to continue to learn more about ministry. This led her to her decision to enroll at City Vision University.

Tamiko found CVC’s approach to ministry “specialized” and “unorthodox.” She said, “The affordable tuition was also appealing since the grant covered all of the tuition costs. I also loved the accelerated program. Although it was rigorous at times, I was able to complete my Bachelor’s degree in just one year.”

It’s easy to see Tamiko’s business side: in 2011 she started her own tutoring business, Smart Minds Tutoring, which targets underserved and underprivileged children who do not have access to affordable tutoring. “This is a way I can touch children’s lives and serve the urban community, which was a great emphasis in [City Vision’s] Urban Missions and Nonprofit Management degree program.”

CVC helped change Tamiko’s perspective. It taught her to focus her ministry within her own community and it influenced her to take part in helping to improve the lives of urban children.

This testimonial was given in 2012.

[Edited May 2015; to update institution’s name]