Fort Worth – The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce named Dr. Rachael Capua, Vice President of External Operations and Dean of Tarleton State Fort Worth, the 2026 Young Professional of the Year. The award, presented at the Chamber’s Young Professionals Summit on Sept. 9, recognizes a 21‑to‑40‑year‑old who demonstrates leadership in both their profession and the community.
Why Capua earned the honor
Chamber President and CEO Steve Montgomery praised Capua, saying she has expanded Tarleton State’s presence in Fort Worth, built partnerships that have helped thousands of Tarrant County students, and invested her time in numerous civic organizations. He added that she brings emerging leaders into Chamber conversations about the city’s future.
Impact on education and workforce development
Since joining Tarleton State in 2023, Capua has overseen the university’s extended campuses in Fort Worth, Waco, and Bryan, as well as its online and workforce‑development operations. Her initiatives focus on expanding educational pathways, aligning academic programs with regional workforce needs, and guiding the development of Tarleton State Fort Worth’s 80‑acre campus on Chisholm Trail.
Before Tarleton, Capua served as founding Director of College and Career Success for the Tarrant To & Through Partnership, connecting more than 8,000 Tarrant County students with scholarships, coaching, and other support services.
Civic service and community involvement
Capua’s volunteer work includes leadership roles on the Fort Worth Mayor’s Council on Workforce & Education, the Center for Transforming Lives, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Bass Hall Performing Arts, and other local nonprofits.
“I’m so honored by this recognition,” Capua said. “Our professional journeys are shaped by the people who believe in us, champion us, and encourage us to become the best version of ourselves.” She emphasized the importance of young professionals contributing their perspectives to the Chamber’s long‑term planning for Fort Worth.
Summit highlights
The Young Professionals Summit, themed “Find It in Fort Worth,” featured keynote speaker Elyse Dickerson, founder and CEO of Fort Worth biotech firm Eosera, and sessions on career growth, leadership, workplace effectiveness, and sustainable professional success.
For more information about the Young Professional of the Year award and past recipients, visit the award website.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
