Christina Markell-Balleza began LIVING UNITED as a college student in San Antonio, Texas. She realized during this time that even though she could only give a little, the needs of her community would not wait until she started her career and began giving through the workplace campaign at H-E-B. Now as an attorney at Haynes and Boone, LLP, Christina continues to give back to her community through United Way.

Not only did Christina give back monetarily during her college career, but a particular volunteer opportunity helped shape her view of community involvement as well. Christina began to mentor a third-year high school student. Despite the fact that she and her mentee grew up in the same town and were only a few years apart in age, they grew up in completely different worlds and it was her responsibility to help those in need.

Christina became involved with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas when she began her professional career because it provided her an outlet to be involved with many organizations and programs at one time. And after volunteering with the organization through a Priority Needs Grant Review Panel, she experienced the amount of in-depth review that goes into determining where United Way contributions will be utilized.

“I realized that as much research as I might do independently, I would not be able to make as informed of a decision in directing my donations as could the collective United Way volunteers that represent some of the best leaders in our community,” Christina said.

Christina has become an integral part of UWMD. Her roles within the organization have grown. She currently serves as on a Priority Needs Grant Panel, is a member of the Young Leaders’ Society Steering Committee and helps with the workplace campaign at her firm.

Christina is a graduate of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and of University of Texas School of Law. She enjoys training for her first marathon, home-improvement projects and cooking. She is married to Perry and has two dogs, Amy and Renton.

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas would like to thank Christina for LIVING UNITED through giving, advocating and volunteering in our community.

For more information on the Young Leader’s Society go to http://www.unitedwaydallas.org/yls/ylsfactsheet.pdf.