AMPLIFY Celebrates BIPOC Entrepreneurs at The Shops at Red Bird

By Joshua Carter Jul 12, 2024 #AMPLIFY Event #Dallas #Dallas Startup Week #The Shops at Red Bird

On Thursday, The DEC Network hosted AMPLIFY, an event previewing the organization’s upcoming Disrupt Dallas Summit at Dallas Startup Week (DSW24) in August.

The DEC Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small business startups.

The event, attended by 200 community members, served as a prelude to the highly anticipated Disrupt Dallas Summit.

AMPLIFY featured an inspiring and informative conversation between DeSoto Mayor Rachel L. Proctor and moderator Carlos White.

Mayor Proctor shared her journey as both a mayor and an entrepreneur, highlighting her efforts in the entrepreneurial landscape.

During the event, Mayor Proctor unveiled a new collaboration between the City of DeSoto and The DEC Network.

This partnership includes hosting entrepreneurial events at the DeSoto Chamber and assigning a DEC staff member to work part-time at the Chamber.

It also offers two hybrid business accelerator programs annually and provides access to various resources and events hosted by The DEC Network, including the RedBird Innovation Center.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the AMPLIFY awards, recognizing five outstanding BIPOC entrepreneurs for their hard work and accomplishments.

The awardees are:

Woman of Influence Award: Alyssa Azcarate, Teatro Cafe, for her leadership in business.
Man of Influence Award: Jaylen Lagrande, 316 Apparel, for his dedication and legacy in entrepreneurship.
Cultural Heritage Award: Melissa Bradford, Veritex Bank, for promoting diversity and inclusivity through her business.
Legacy Award: Elle Hall-Coleman, Girlfriend’s Budget!, for her enduring contributions to entrepreneurship.
BIPOC Corporate Champion Award: Texas Women’s University (TWU) Center for Women Entrepreneurs, for their comprehensive support and investment in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Dallas-Fort Worth.

AMPLIFY provided a glimpse into the forthcoming DSW24’s Disrupt Dallas Summit at Dallas Startup Week, scheduled for August 11-15, 2024.

All events during Dallas Startup Week are free to attend and will be held in person at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel & Convention Center.

By Joshua Carter

Joshua Carter, a Dallas native, is a seasoned journalist with a passion for storytelling. He holds a bachelor's degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from the University of North Texas and has previously worked for the Dallas Express. Throughout his career, Joshua has interviewed a diverse range of personalities, from Mark Cuban to Ice Cube, providing unique insights into their lives. With a commitment to excellence, he continues to captivate audiences with his compelling storytelling and insightful interviews.