NXT Fest would not be possible without the incredible student-centered partners that have worked tirelessly to make it impactful! For the last six months, about 20 entities have beautifully collaborated and co-planned through 10 committees to execute the event. We invite you to enjoy their stories and connect directly to the ways they are moving this generation of young leaders to the #NXT best thing!
Name: Willie Ford
Organization: Officer Down Foundation / Black Police Association of Greater Dallas
Contact Name: Willie Ford
Contact Email/Number: bpaoffice@bpadallas.org/214-421-7644
Organization Website: https://www.bpadallas.org
How do you work with students currently? Please describe your work.
The Officer Down Foundation and Black Police Association of Greater Dallas work with nonprofit organizations that focus on positive interactions with the youth in our community.
Why is working with students so important to you?
Because we are committed to bridging the gap between community and law enforcement. The youth in the community are a significant part of accomplishing our goal.
If readers could plug into your work, what would that look like/how could they do that/what would they do?
The easiest way is to contact our office and see what is scheduled on the calendar.
Name: Lindsay Willess
Organization: United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
Contact Name: Lindsay Willess
Contact Email/Number: lwilless@unitedwaydallas.org/214-978-0032
Organization Website: https://unitedwaydallas.org/
How do you work with students currently?
United Way of Metropolitan Dallas (UWMD) serves students indirectly through investments made in youth-serving programs across our four-county service area. UWMD hosts high school students from around the metroplex to participate in Future Focus Camp, a two-week summer camp of career exploration activities and corporate site visits.
Why is working with students so important to you?
Student voices are insightful. Student ideas are innovative. Student dreams are inspiring. Working with students provides clarity for today and hope for tomorrow.
If readers could plug into your work, what would that look like/how could they do that/what would they do?
Future Focus Camp is always in need of volunteers who are willing to share personal academic and career journeys, assist with resume building and mock interviews, or host students on a tour of their company/workplace.
Name: Franklin Meredith
Organization: FM1 Consulting Services LLC & City of Dallas
Contact Name: Franklin Meredith
Contact Email/Number: Fmeredith99@gmail.com/214-329-5519
How do you work with students currently?
I create opportunities and access to higher education. I serve as a mentor to 72 mentees around the country.
Why is working with students so important to you?
My college professor, Dr. Hamilton, and my strength and conditioning coach, Marshall Hayes, served as my mentors in college. I was not serious about higher education and their influence on me allowed me to graduate from Delaware State University with honors while taking 19, 20, 21 credit hours in my last three semesters of college.
If readers could plug into your work, what would that look like/how could they do that/what would they do?
I create business opportunities through leveraging of my existing business relationships. As the principal consultant and CEO of my firm, I have to be well versed in multiple industries to conduct business. Currently, I consult and advise in event management, talent management, audio interpretation installations, marketing, advertising, and business development.
Name: Kiara Dismuke
Organization: Big Thought
Position/Role: Manager of Talent Recruitment
Contact Email/Number: Kiara.dismuke@bigthought.org/214-704-1136
Organization Website: bigthought.org
How do you work with students currently? Please describe your work.
Big Thought is committed to closing the opportunity gap by unleashing creativity and strengthening social-emotional well-being. We do this in two ways: we deliver innovative direct-to-youth educational programs, and we partner with like-minded community organizations to create change at the systems level. I am tasked with recruiting the artists and organizations to pour into the children we serve.
Why is working with students so important to you?
I was fortunate enough to grow up around individuals that poured into me constantly, and I see the way it changed the trajectory of my life. My life’s mission is to fill that same role in the students we work with today.
If readers could plug into your work, what would that look like/how could they do that/what would they do?
Every first Monday of the month, I host an information session at Big Thought Headquarters (1409 S Lamar Street Suite 1015 Dallas, TX 75215) from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. There, they can learn about each initiative under the Big Thought umbrella so they can decide where and how they can plug in. If they have any questions, my contact information is listed above.
Name: Victoria Tsalikis
Organization: Dallas ISD Police Department
Contact Name: Officer T
Contact Email/Number: 469-618-6787
Organization Website: https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/52023
How do you work with students currently? Please describe your work.
I am currently a part of the community outreach unit with DISD Police Department, therefore I create programs that involve positive interactions with police, youth, and families. This might include an actual activity or just creating a space for conversation.
Why is working with students so important to you?
As cliché as it sounds, I work with students because they are our future. Our destiny is in their hands so it is important to me to help mold our fate. It is my personal responsibility to make our youth knowledgeable of the things that they are ignorant too. It’s not their fault if they don’t know where to look. My guidance is the least that I can do.
If readers could plug into your work, what would that look like/how could they do that/what would they do?
Get me in front of the people. The conversation will flow fluidly, I just need the opportunity to bridge the gap or renovate the pre-existent bridge.
Name: Eva Arreguin
Organization: Big Thought
Contact Name: Community Engagement Specialist
Contact Email/Number: Eva.arreguin@bigthought.org/469-621-8922
Organization Website: bigthought.org
How do you work with students currently? Please describe your work.
I am working on strengthening our community relationship and support with my SEL background and connecting on different levels with city council etc. Helping make sure they’re represented and their voices are heard by building relationships and programs catered to them. Working closely with DCOL and beyond to provide incredible opportunities for the youth in a familiar way.
Why is working with students so important to you?
I have a passion for working with students because I believe the power is in the youth, and they’re the movers and shakers of the future.
If readers could plug into your work, what would that look like/how could they do that/what would they do?
Come out and support Big Thought or any of our events or programs! Nothing brings us more joy than our families and youths enjoyment of what we can provide. Contact me to create something together or find me on social media.