Darius Mackey, a junior finance major at Texas Southern University (TSU), credits the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) with helping him recognize his potential and pursue opportunities he once thought were out of reach. Mackey, a first-generation college student expected to graduate in December 2027, has participated in TMCF programs including the Lowe’s retail immersion and Google Career Launchpad.
When Mackey first connected with TMCF, his immediate reaction was simple: “So much love in here.”
That sense of community encouraged him to get involved and challenge himself professionally.
Through the Lowe’s retail immersion, Mackey gained a new perspective on the retail industry and the business functions that operate behind the scenes.
“I learned communication skills and not to judge a book by its cover,” he said. “It was so cool learning the strategic side of business, customer service and really just seeing a different side of things.”
The experience broadened his understanding of retail and commercial operations while strengthening skills he can carry into a future career in finance.
Through Google Career Launchpad, Mackey learned how to adapt to artificial intelligence and is working toward a Google certificate.
“I was told just to apply for everything, and I really did,” he said. “It all came so quick.”
Mackey’s experience with TMCF is part of a larger story of personal and academic transformation.
As a first-generation college student, Mackey once doubted whether he would attend college. He credits Brittany Paul, a Texas Southern University alumna who worked in student services at Westbury High School in Houston, with helping him see college as a possibility and supporting his path to TSU.
Once in college, Mackey raised his GPA from 0.54 to 3.3.
“Even if you do fall off, you can come back and change your whole persona,” he said.
Mackey credits TMCF with motivating him to improve academically, pursue professional opportunities and become more involved on campus.
“TMCF really spoke life into me,” he said. “They saw something in me when I didn’t see it in myself. They reminded me that I need to see myself on that high level as well and start investing in myself.”
Today, Mackey is active on campus, pursuing internships and serving in leadership positions. Through TMCF, he has gained professional development opportunities and built meaningful connections with corporate leaders and peers across the country.
“I will definitely tell my peers to get involved with TMCF,” he said. “Preparation met opportunity when I met the TMCF team. The opportunities really are limitless.”
He encourages students to embrace the community TMCF offers rather than joining solely for its benefits.
“Don’t just join for the benefits. Join for the family,” he said. “It’s a really good program.”
Looking back on his experience, Mackey said he is grateful he got involved.
“I’m really happy I joined TMCF,” he said. “It is amazing!”
