AMPLIFY Event and Disrupt Dallas Summit Preview: Celebrating BIPOC Entrepreneurs

Get ready, Dallas! We’re about to dive deep into an electrifying event that’s putting a much-needed spotlight on the incredible BIPOC entrepreneurs shaking things up in our city. Mark your calendars, set those reminders, cuz you do not want to miss this.

A Sneak Peek into AMPLIFY: Where Celebration Meets Inspiration

Hosted by the one and only DEC Network, the AMPLIFY event is set to go down on July eleventh, from eleven-thirty in the morning to one-thirty in the afternoon. And where’s all the action going down? None other than the DEC Network at RedBird, located at W. Camp Wisdom Road, Suite two hundred, in the heart of Southern Dallas.

Now, let’s talk about why this event is gonna be legendary. First off, it’s your exclusive sneak peek into the Disrupt Dallas Summit, a major highlight of Dallas Startup Week . This summit is all about pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and, you guessed it, disrupting the entrepreneurial scene. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a minute of the game-changing insights and conversations going down.

But wait, there’s more! AMPLIFY is also about celebrating the rockstars, the trailblazers, the movers and shakers of the BIPOC entrepreneurial community. We’re talkin’ about recognizing FIVE amazing entrepreneurs who are paving the way for others and making their mark on Dallas.

DeSoto Mayor Rachel L. Proctor Takes the Stage

Hold onto your hats, folks, because the keynote speaker for AMPLIFY is none other than DeSoto’s very own powerhouse, Mayor Rachel L. Proctor! Mayor Proctor is a true inspiration, a champion for progress and a fierce advocate for inclusivity. Get ready to be energized by her vision, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to empowering underrepresented communities. This is a keynote you won’t want to miss!

Moderating this epic conversation is the one and only Carlos White, a powerhouse in his own right. As a Corporate & Transactional Attorney and the City of Dallas’ First Franchise Impact Ambassador, Carlos knows a thing or two about building businesses and breaking barriers. He’ll be leading a captivating conversation with Mayor Proctor on what it truly means to disrupt the entrepreneurial ecosystem as a BIPOC leader. They’ll also be diving into the awesome partnership between DeSoto and The DEC Network, showing how collaboration can fuel innovation and create opportunities for all.

Disrupt Dallas Summit: Get Ready to Shake Things Up

Okay, let’s talk about the Disrupt Dallas Summit, happening on August twelfth, as part of the epic Dallas Startup Week . Hosted by The DEC Network and generously backed by Dell for Startups and Deloitte, this summit is all about, well, disrupting!

AMPLIFY Awards: Shining a Light on BIPOC Excellence

Now, let’s talk about the AMPLIFY Awards, the heart and soul of this whole shebang. These awards are all about recognizing the phenomenal contributions and successes of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color entrepreneurs who are making Dallas shine. We’re talking about game-changers, innovators, and community champions who are changing the game and inspiring the next generation.

But here’s where YOU come in, dear reader. The voting is open until June twenty-first at eleven PM CST, so get those votes in and show your support for these incredible nominees!

Celebrating the Visionaries: AMPLIFY Award Categories

Let’s break down the AMPLIFY Award categories, shall we? Each category highlights a different aspect of entrepreneurial excellence, and trust us, the nominees are all forces to be reckoned with:

• Woman of Influence Award: This award celebrates the incredible female entrepreneurs of color who are leading the charge in business, industry, and organizations. Think powerhouse CEOs, visionary founders, and all-around inspiring women who are shattering glass ceilings and paving the way for others. Nominees include the incredible Ayo Aigbe (Hangio), Alyssa Azcarate (Teatro Café), Brittney Adams (Focus & Frame Eyewear), and a whole roster of other amazing women.
• Man of Influence Award: This award recognizes the exceptional male entrepreneurs of color who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and legacy-building. They’re the role models, the mentors, the guys who are not only building successful businesses but also lifting others as they climb. We’re talking about changemakers like Casey Thomas (Councilperson, City of Dallas), Curtis Corbins (C Lee Transportation), Fritz Peitzner (Carriers Skate Shops), and a lineup of other inspiring individuals.
• Cultural Heritage Award: This award honors the BIPOC entrepreneur who is not only killing it in the business world but also using their platform to celebrate and preserve their rich cultural heritage. They’re the storytellers, the artists, the culinary geniuses, the fashion mavens who are keeping traditions alive and sharing their unique perspectives with the world. Nominees include Alyssa Azcarate (Teatro Café), Brianna Gonzales (The Social Chica), Jerry Hawkins (Dallas TRHT), and a host of other culture-shaping entrepreneurs.
• Legacy Award: This award recognizes the BIPOC entrepreneur who has made a lasting impact on the community through their years of dedication, innovation, and leadership. They’re the pioneers, the mentors, the steady hands who have paved the way for generations of entrepreneurs to come. This year’s nominees include Brandon Williams (Seeds2Stem), Effie Dennison (Texas Capital Bank), Elle Hall-Coleman (Girlfriend’s, Budget!), and other incredible individuals who have left an indelible mark on Dallas.
• BIPOC Corporate Champion Award: This award celebrates the corporation that goes above and beyond to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in DFW, particularly for BIPOC entrepreneurs. We’re talking about companies that are providing mentorship, resources, funding, and opportunities to help underrepresented entrepreneurs thrive. This year’s nominees include Accenture, American National Bank of Texas, Bank of America, and other corporations that are making a real difference in fostering inclusivity and innovation.

Dallas Startup Week : The Epicenter of Innovation

Alright, folks, get ready for the main event: Dallas Startup Week , the Super Bowl of entrepreneurship in our fine city! This year, it’s all going down from August eleventh to fifteenth, at the awesome Embassy Suites Convention Center in Frisco. And the best part? It’s totally FREE to attend, both in person and virtually!

Hosted by The DEC Network and powered by the awesome folks at Capital One, Dallas Startup Week is five glorious days of non-stop events, workshops, networking opportunities, and pure entrepreneurial magic. It’s where ideas are born, connections are made, and dreams are launched. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a fresh-faced newbie, or just curious about the startup scene, Dallas Startup Week has something for you.

What to Expect at Dallas Startup Week

Get ready for an immersive experience that will ignite your entrepreneurial spirit! Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

• Inspiring Keynotes: Prepare to be blown away by insights from industry titans, successful founders, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of business.
• Interactive Workshops: Roll up your sleeves and dive into hands-on workshops covering everything from fundraising and marketing to product development and scaling your business.
• Pitch Competitions: Witness the thrill as startups pitch their hearts out for a chance to win funding, mentorship, and priceless exposure.
• Networking Galore: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and potential collaborators from all corners of the DFW startup ecosystem.
• And So Much More: From fireside chats and panel discussions to startup showcases and after-parties, Dallas Startup Week is jam-packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired.

Don’t Miss Out: Get in on the Action!

Alright, folks, you’ve got the inside scoop on AMPLIFY, the Disrupt Dallas Summit, and the epicness that is Dallas Startup Week . Now it’s time to get in on the action! Here’s your call to awesomeness:

• Vote for AMPLIFY Award Nominees: Head over to the DEC Network website and cast your votes for the deserving entrepreneurs who are making a difference in our city. You’ve got until June twenty-first, so don’t wait!
• Learn More About AMPLIFY and Register: Get all the details about the AMPLIFY event, including the amazing speakers, the award ceremony, and how to snag your ticket. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this celebration of BIPOC excellence.
• Get on the List for Dallas Startup Week Updates: Sign up for the Dallas Startup Week newsletter to stay in the loop about all the latest announcements, speaker reveals, event schedules, and more. This is your golden ticket to staying ahead of the game.
• Sign Up for Dallas Innovates: Want to stay plugged into the DFW entrepreneurial scene year-round? Subscribe to Dallas Innovates, your go-to source for news, insights, and events happening in our thriving innovation hub.

Dallas, let’s show the world what we’re made of! Join the movement, celebrate BIPOC entrepreneurship, and let’s make Dallas Startup Week one for the books!