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𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 — 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. Through our collaboration with Texas Public Charter Schools Association (TPCSA), we’ve been able to strengthen digital advocacy, train youth advocates, and amplify the voices that matter most. Take a moment to explore TPCSA’s Annual Report to see how these collaborations are driving change and creating opportunities for students across Texas. Link to report: https://lnkd.in/gZqyzVaD SAPI Triumph Public High Schools #purocommunity #tpcsanews #texascharterswork #togetherwetriumph

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The national narrative around HBCUs is concerning. Black men's enrollment has dropped to its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Affordability barriers are real. We’ve chosen to meet that challenge head-on at NLCP. For students in communities like North Lawndale - where approximately a quarter of adults hold a college degree, the distance between here and a college campus in the South or on the East Coast can feel insurmountable, both psychologically and geographically. This year, 68% of our students applied to an HBCU. That number reflects nearly 30 years of investing in college readiness supports. It.l comes from intentionally creating consistent exposure to adults and alums who successfully navigated their HBCU experience and are eager to pay it forward. The Divine 9 (D9) Takeover wasn't just a feel-good event. The HBCU fraternity and sorority members who visited our school spent an entire morning with students leading mentoring sessions and guiding them through the college application process.  Since NLCP was founded, our schools have helped more then 2,000 students enroll in college, including 500 who attended with zero out-of-pocket costs. But the work isn't just about getting students in the door, it's about making sure they can see what's on the other side and arrive there with the sense of belonging to thrive. Austin Weekly News recently covered this work, and I'd encourage you to check out the full story. #EducationLeadership #HBCU #NorthLawndale #CollegeAccess #BlackExcellence 🔗 https://lnkd.in/givDgzck

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Start.Pivot.Grow. (powered by Integrality) and PeopleFund (a Texas CDFI) have launched a new initiative to help established Southern Dallas businesses prepare for and access capital beginning March 1, 2026. This program provides targeted support designed to increase funding readiness and long-term growth prospects for local entrepreneurs. Read the full article and share with business owners who could benefit: https://wix.to/vdD8fpF #SmallBusiness #CDFI #EconomicDevelopment #DallasBusiness

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Start.Pivot.Grow. Accelerator Partners with PeopleFund to Deliver Grant-Funded Capital Readiness & Funding Initiative for Southern Dallas Businesses Two leading organizations committed to advancing small business growth in North Texas have announced a strategic partnership to expand capital access for established entrepreneurs in Dallas/Fort Worth. Start.Pivot.Grow., the accelerator powered by Integrality, has partnered with PeopleFund, a Texas-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), to deliver a structured capital readiness and funding initiative from March 1, 2026 through May 31, 2026. This initiative is supported in partnership with The UPS Foundation and Wells Fargo Foundation and is specifically designed for established Start.Pivot.Grow. Accelerator alumni businesses located in the Southern Dallas region earning $100,000 or more in annual revenue and preparing to scale toward their first $1 million. What the Partnership Includes: Free access to the self-paced online Loan Packaging Program Interactive digital loan preparation planner One (1) hour complimentary loan package analysis A small business grant from PeopleFund valued up to $4,000 (rules apply) 30-day complimentary access to KPIXAI BizTech Growth Platform Growth Readiness Score and strategic scaling assessment Opportunity to apply for low-interest debt capital to fuel expansion “This initiative is about preparation and positioning,” said Cynthia Nevels, Founder of Integrality and Start.Pivot.Grow. “We are ensuring that Accelerator alumni in Southern Dallas not only have access to capital, but are properly structured to qualify and deploy it strategically.” PeopleFund continues its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with responsible lending and technical assistance. By combining accelerator strategy, grant support, and CDFI capital, this partnership creates a pathway from readiness to funding. Enrollment opens March 1, 2026. Eligible Accelerator alumni are encouraged to enroll early. Share the post.

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Linda McMahon declared it: Dallas *will* lead the nation—not only in jobs and economic growth in our country’s most promising innovation sectors—but in creating long-lasting, multi-generational platforms in enterprise AI hub, fintech and chip leadership.

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+1, well said on the future we need for workforce development "...investing in local solutions, creating space for innovation, and ensuring colleges have the support they need to align programs with high-demand careers in their communities." #workforcepathways #OEDIT #talent

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ANNOUNCEMENT: The YBC Online Campus Is Now Live 💻 After months of development and behind-the-scenes work, I’m excited to officially launch the Young Billionaires Club Online Campus — a digital platform created to expand access to entrepreneurship and financial literacy for youth across Texas and beyond. This launch allows us to serve more students while still maintaining the in-person programs that our communities have come to trust. Now available to youth anywhere — at home, in the classroom, or in community programs — the YBC Online Campus includes: ✅ Interactive lessons on entrepreneurship and financial literacy 📅 Monthly live demos and learning labs 🏆 Pitch competitions and official certification opportunities 💵 A one-time enrollment fee of just $35 📦 Bulk discount packages for schools, nonprofits, and youth groups Proudly sponsored by Gulf Capital Bank, our online financial lesson was built to support students during the summer and beyond — offering a timely opportunity to sharpen money skills during out-of-school months. 🎯 Our goal for 2025: Give away 1,000 free student vouchers across Texas. This initiative supports our mission: access, equity, and empowerment for every student. If you’re a school leader, nonprofit director, youth pastor, or mentor, we’d love to explore partnerships, group sign-ups, and outreach collaborations. 🌐 Learn more or sign up at ybconline.live 📩 For vouchers or questions, contact: ssanders@sandershand.org Let’s build a generation of young CEOs, investors, and change-makers. #YouthEntrepreneurship #HoustonNonprofits #FinancialLiteracy #CommunityEducation #YBCOnline #EducationEquity

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For more than 70 years, Junior Achievement of Dallas has been shaping the future of our community, and today its mission may be more important than ever. On this episode of The Jeff Crilley Show, I sit down with Chris LaTurno, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas. Since 1954, JA has been equipping students with real-world skills in financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. Chris shares how they are transforming learning from theory into hands-on experience. One of my favorite moments from our conversation was a story Chris told about a student who was not excited to attend JA’s BizTown simulation. By the end of the day, that same student told him, “That was the best day of school I’ve had all year.” That is the power of experiential learning. JA Dallas partners directly with school districts to ensure students receive age-appropriate programming from kindergarten through middle school. From classroom volunteers in the early grades to immersive simulation centers like BizTown and Finance Park, students learn how to run businesses, manage personal budgets, and make real financial decisions before they even reach high school. In a region filled with worthy nonprofits, longevity says something. Junior Achievement of Dallas has stayed the course for more than seven decades because it delivers measurable impact. They are not just teaching concepts, they are building confidence, competence, and character in the next generation. If you care about preparing young people for the realities of adulthood, this is a conversation you will want to watch. Chris’ passion for empowering students is contagious, and the work his team is doing is changing lives across North Texas. I hope you will take a few minutes to watch the full interview and see how Junior Achievement of Dallas is turning learning into life-ready leadership. Watch the full episode: https://lnkd.in/gvJTpAFG

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According to Opportunity@Work data, 70% of new jobs in the last decade have required a degree, while only 40% of the workforce have a 4-year college degree. This means that only 30% of new jobs are available to the majority of our workforce. Screening out talent that have obtained valuable skills through experiences like work, military, and technical education means that we are missing out on exceptional talent. Thank you Brandon Brown for sharing your journey to BOK Financial.

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📣 Community Town Hall: The State of Education — Community Solutions Families across Central Texas are navigating major education decisions — often without clear information or support. On March 28, we are creating space for learning, dialogue, and connection. David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, together with community partners NCNW – Greater Austin Section, NAACP Austin Branch, NSPDK, and Shining Light Consulting, will host a Town Hall Meeting on the State of Education focused on issues impacting families and students today. 📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026 ⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM 📍 David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 2211 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX Topics will include: • School funding • Vouchers & Education Savings Accounts • School closures • Student voice • Artificial Intelligence in education • Workforce pathways and resource connections We especially hope to hear from families who consider East Austin home — including those who have been displaced to surrounding communities such as Manor, Pflugerville, Bastrop, Leander, Round Rock, and beyond. Community members are invited to RSVP and submit questions for the panel ahead of the event. 🔗 RSVP & Submit Questions: https://lnkd.in/gcRR8czT Community voice matters. We hope you will share this with community leaders, families impacted, AND if you call East Austin home, then join us for this important conversation.

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🚀 Shaping the Future of Data at the UNT Business Analytics Summit 2026! I am thrilled to invite you to the UNT Business Analytics Summit 2026 this Friday, February 20th! We have curated an incredible lineup of industry titans and academic leaders to explore the "AI Revolution in Business" and the evolving landscape of data science. From generative AI in operations to bridging the gap between the classroom and industry, this event is designed to provide actionable insights for students and professionals alike. 🗓️ Event Highlights: - Keynote Speakers: Join Tim Niznik (Director of Analytics at American Airlines) and Cortnie Abercrombie (CEO of AI Truth) as they dive into real-world AI implementation. - Industry Panels: Gain wisdom from leaders at Johnson & Johnson, Amazon, USI Insurance Services, SAS, Peterbilt, FedEx, and Ant Farm Development Services. - Faculty Insights: Hear from our esteemed UNT faculty, including Obi Ogbanufe and John Verghese, on translating analytics into measurable business value. - Networking & Recruitment: Connect directly with recruiters during our roundtable and visit the SAS information table hosted by Lilia Rodriguez. A huge thank you to Dr. Anna Sidorova and Dean Marilyn Wiley for their vision in growing the analytics community at UNT. Use the link below to RSVP for the event:   https://lnkd.in/gY5wnaJv See you there for a day of networking, learning, and looking toward the future of the industry! Tagging our Guest Speakers & Partners: Tim Niznik | Cortnie Abercrombie | Anahita Kyani, Ph.D. | Deepan Singh Kohli | Mona Haghighi, PhD | Lilia Rodriguez, Ph.D. | Shahab Ghandi, MBA | Manik G. | Randall Mills | Obi Ogbanufe | Anto John Verghese | American Airlines | AI Truth | Johnson & Johnson | Amazon | Amazon Science | USI Insurance Services | SAS | Peterbilt Motors Company | FedEx | Ant Farm Development Services | University of North Texas | Business Analytics Club - UNT | UNT-ITDS Department #UNT #BusinessAnalytics #AI #DataScience #Networking #GenerativeAI #SupplyChain #CareerDevelopment #UNTBusiness

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FRONTIERS, FOUNDERS STEM+ INITIATIVE WITH OTHER NON-PROFITS The North Texas Ecosystem STEM+ was established earlier this year by a coalition of 15 founding members who share a vision of building equitable STEM+ opportunities for all learners. The organizations include Bold Idea, Dallas Afterschool, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas Zoo, DFW Alliance of Technology and Women, Frontiers of Flight Museum, Girlstart Independence Gardens, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, T-Mobile for Education, talkSTEM, Texas Woman’s University, Texas Wildlife Association, The GEMS Camp, and Trinity River Audubon Center. Rosalie Wade, Director of Education at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, said "the initiative will create more opportunities". Read more about it here in the Dallas Innovates link. https://lnkd.in/gTGqNi8s Michael Brosler Hussain Manjee Theresa Flores Poonam Mohan Courtney Woo Mita Havlick Lisa Bowman Nicole Blythe Patricia Blasquez Adele Malott James White Patrick Walsh Dr. Froswa' Booker Drexell Owusu Gary Smith KOZMETSKY FAMILY FOUNDATION Michelle RamirezCatie Adams Sian “Leo” Proctor, Ph.D. Vanessa Wyche Van Sheets Lynn Fisher #STEM

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Headed to Grapevine next week for the PPANCT Suppliers Showcase. I’ll share a practical take on where AI is headed in local government—how we handle governance, build trust, and keep it focused on real outcomes for residents. If you’re there, stop by the Civic Marketplace + TXShare booth!

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From February 22–28, we had the privilege of activating the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center in Waco, Texas with a week of community-centered mathematical exploration. We began with more than 100 mathematics teachers and educational leaders from across Central Texas — members of CTCTM — engaging in a hands-on investigation of geometry, structure, and collaboration in action. Together, we explored how mathematical forms move from theory into physical space. Throughout the week, local community members and visitors helped construct three large-scale pop-up structures, along with numerous smaller prototypes made of cardboard and plastic. By working with truncated octahedron and truncated tetrahedron honeycomb systems, participants experienced firsthand how modular geometric structures can interlock to create complex, immersive spatial environments. This project beautifully demonstrates what is possible when mathematics, art, and community intersect. My sincere thanks to Doreen Ravenscroft (Cultural Arts of Waco), Robin McDurham and Lindsey Helton (Transformation Waco), the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the many educators, students, and community members who made this week so meaningful. 📷: Tico Mendoza #STEAMEducation #MathEducation #CommunityEngagement #PublicArt #TexasArts #WacoTexas

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📚Teaching Louisiana’s Next Generation the Power of Saving 💰 Lark & Mimi ™ Learn to Save introduces Pre-K and early learners to the joy of financial confidence through reading, coloring, and hands-on activities - building a foundation that grows with them all the way to high school. 📘 Together with the Financial Power for Life™ Education Series curriculum for high schoolers, we’re creating a full circle of financial education - from a child’s first coin to their first paycheck. We’re proud to share that this program is being submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education for approval - paving the way for a 64-parish statewide rollout that brings financial literacy to every corner of Louisiana. 📚 Lark & Mimi ™ Learn to Save and the Financial Power for Life™ Education Series are licensed educational products published by Evans Cutchmore.

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This is a great opportunity for districts to come together and share real-world insights about the growing costs of required video storage in special education classrooms. We don’t often get a chance like this. Your voice matters. Sharing how these added requirements impact your teams—especially when budgets haven’t increased—can help create a clearer, more human picture of the challenges districts are navigating.

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As educators, we have an obligation to embrace new technology, and to learn alongside our students. So the question becomes, how do we lean into what makes us human and build the muscles that will enable us to make the most of AI while continuing to cultivate our creativity, empathy, and other uniquely human qualities?

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Social Venture Partners San Antonio (SVPSA) is excited to announce the selection of its latest cohort of nonprofit leaders for the SVPSA Fellowship. This professional development cohort, which begins in September, is a proven program that empowers nonprofit executives by providing them with essential skills and resources to enhance their leadership capabilities and increase their impact in our region. Participants gain valuable insights into nonprofit management areas such as Finance, HR, Board Management, Marketing and Fundraising by meeting experts who are SVPSA partners. The fellowship aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and renewed energy among nonprofit leaders, equipping them with a strong network and today’s most effective business tools. “We know that when partners are investing their time and expertise in these nonprofit leaders, these organizations grow their impact,” said Becky Dinnin, Executive Director. “At the same time, with stronger relationships with the leaders, our partners gain a better understanding of how to address our community’s most pressing issues. It’s a win-win.” This year’s cohort includes a diverse group of leaders from nonprofit organizations committed to making a positive impact across our region. The Fellowship runs from September through March and includes monthly full-day sessions focused on nonprofit management topics. These sessions feature expert volunteer guest speakers and provide opportunities for structured peer-to-peer learning and networking. SVPSA is dedicated to supporting nonprofit leaders in building their skills and confidence in effective nonprofit management. The Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of SVPSA partners and community volunteers.

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