Ascend Dallas’ Post

🌟 Reflecting on a Year of Impactful Achievements and Setting New Horizons 🌟 As this year comes to a close, I find myself in a moment of reflection, brimming with gratitude for the journey and excitement for the path ahead. 🚀 Year in Review: Making a Difference This year has been one of transformative impact and meaningful progress. I had the privilege of servicing over 147 minority and women-owned businesses. We played a part in securing over $1.5 million in funding to fuel business growth. In addition, we had the opportunity to bring together County managers, City managers, community-based organizations, colleges, and major employers, fostering collaborations that will initiate significant changes in our community. Launching the Better Business Bootcamp and Incubator was a dream come true. Hosting a 16-week cohort and numerous networking events, winning my first grant, and contributing to a grant submission of over $50 million for the Rocky Mountain area were milestones that marked this year as unforgettable. 🎯 Looking Ahead: Goals for the Coming Year As we step into the new year, our focus is set on ambitious and impactful goals: Launching a business and manufacturing development lab in Rocky Mount to foster innovation and growth. Creating a wealth fund for underserved communities, turning dreams into tangible realities. Further developing my real estate company to create and support affordable housing projects, contributing to community development and empowerment. 💡 A Personal Note Balancing these professional pursuits with personal well-being and family time remains a priority. I am committed to improving my health, dedicating time for self-care, and being present for my loved ones. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Inclusive Data, @Nasdaqentrepreneurialcenter, #milestonecircles, NC IDEA, #BL #BlackThinkTank, Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce, OIC of Rocky Mount Inc., TURNING POINT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments, Edgecombe Community College, Nash Community College, U.S. Small Business Administration, and so many more. Your support, guidance, and collaboration have been the wind beneath my wings. Here's to a year of growth, impact, and shared success. Excited to see what we can achieve together in 2024! #BusinessGrowth #CommunityDevelopment #Empowerment #NewBeginnings

Exciting News: 🌟 🏰 We're on a mission to build more than just a theme park. We envision a living history museum that not only tells the stark truths about our past but also paves the way for a brighter future, creating a 💲1 billion impact in each community we touch. This ambitious project aims to generate jobs, offer trade classes, and champion industries like entertainment, retail, and real estate, all while constructing affordable housing communities around the parks. 🌱 Will you join our grassroots movement to address and heal from America’s haunted past? This is more than a business venture; it's a heartfelt mission to enrich, educate, entertain, and confront systemic issues head-on. 🚀 Our bold plan includes a request to the City of Taylor for 100 acres, transforming it into a beacon of learning, healing, and unity. But to bring this vision to life, we need YOUR support. 💬 We're kickstarting a grassroots movement to rally support far and wide. Help us by sharing our story and the profound implications of our project. 👩👩👦👦 As someone deeply affected by the criminal justice system, I'm calling on you to support our cause. By spreading the word through your platforms and email lists, you'll not only raise awareness but also help us gather the momentum needed for a project that promises significant economic, educational, and cultural benefits. 💡 As we aim to grow into a 💲1 billion company, our goal is clear: to support and fund organizations like yours, vital to our community's progress and well-being. This isn't just a call for support; it's a commitment that as we flourish, we'll be a key funding source for your initiatives, fostering a cycle of positive impact and growth. 🤝 I believe in the transformative power of community and collective action. Your early support could be the spark that ignites our journey towards shared goals and dreams. 🙏 Thank you for considering this. Let's chat about how we can collaborate and make a difference together. For more info or any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. #HauntedTexas #CommunityImpact #InnovationInEducation #SustainableDevelopment #UnityInDiversity #GrassrootsMovement #ChangeMakers #LegacyBuilding Let's make history together! 🌍✨

Here’s our vision for the next 5 years of our family business: Family businesses are more than just companies—they’re legacies. They pass down the values, morals, and traditions that shape not only the next generation but also the communities around us. Growing up in a family business, I’ve learned this firsthand. Each generation has added their own chapter, but one thing has always remained true: the importance of building something that not only thrives but gives back. As we look ahead, our mission is clear: → Grow:  We’ll continue expanding our reach, creating more opportunities for our team and community. → Build: We’ll invest in our people, ensuring our values—integrity, hard work, and respect—are at the core of everything we do. → Give Back: We’ll stay committed to serving the community that has supported us for generations. Family businesses have a unique responsibility, and we’re proud to carry that forward. Here's to the next 5 years of growing, building, and giving back—together. #BusinessGrowth #CommunityImpact #FamilyValues

Could not be more excited to launch our fourth round of the Reinventing Our Communities (ROC) Cohort Program today! Looking forward to working along 11 new communities from coast to coast, removing barriers to equitable workforce development and inclusive rental housing, to build stronger regional economies. -- Philadelphia, PA — The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia today launched its fourth Reinventing Our Communities (ROC) Cohort Program in 11 communities across the country. Each cohort of cross-sector community leaders is developing a locally tailored, multiyear plan to expand economic opportunities and strengthen their regional economy. Participants are focused on improving regional access to workforce development programs or affordable rental housing. Participating communities include Camden, NJ; Easton, PA; Lancaster County, PA; and Lebanon County, PA. During the 14-month program, communities are also engaging in webinars, coaching from national community development leaders, racial equity training, and peer learning. The Philadelphia Fed is partnering on the program with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, in addition to Equitable Cities Consulting, NeighborWorks America, and Race Forward.

Brigette Rouson, co-author of RoadMap’s new “Practicing Liberation” report (https://lnkd.in/ermiFcPF) on the surprise and joy she gleaned in crafting this report with Clay Smith: "As we brought together collective wisdom about practicing liberation from across the RoadMap consulting network, I was surprised and overjoyed to find that we cover so many approaches yet share one goal of elevating movement folks working to free the people. We coach individuals and groups, guide embodied practices with somatics and create community safety. We reimagine leadership and we design equitable compensation systems. We offer learning pathways that dive into historical analysis. We support those seeking nonprofit democracy in the workplace and those building the solidarity economy through cooperatives. Out of many ways, we make common space."

Good Morning My LinkedIn Peeps: It's hard to believe that just one year ago, I launched the first two pilot cohort groups for something I called #AscendingLeadersInColor, a protected space for Leaders of Color to authentically be REAL, to RECONNECT with other peeps of color, and to RECLAIM every part of who they are! 🤜🏼 🤛🏾 And now here we are, a year later and 98 days from expanding 4 Da Hood's ALC program from 5 to 13! On September 5, the first of five new cohorts will launch that month! And for the first time ever, three white affinity cohorts will debut! That's a total of EIGHT new cohorts! 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 My goal is to enroll 30 leaders of color and 10-20 white allies within Pima County, AZ, with an additional 20 leaders of color and 10-20 white allies outside of Pima County, AZ and across the globe! ✊🏽 ✊🏾 ✊🏻 I'm also implementing a new pricing structure which uses The Green Bottle Method. It's origin came from a blog titled "The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice" by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. She shares that a "sliding scale is a tool that allows for a product or service to be obtained at multiple price points based on the circumstances of the purchaser. This method allows folks who would most likely be priced out of something to have the chance to take part in it." It also seeks to address the systemic inequalities of race and class in our culture, which are inextricably linked in our country. If you are interested in joining #AscendingLeadersInColor, reflect on the Green Bottle Method (link below). After honestly assessing which “bottle” best describes your financial situation, determine what you’re able to pay towards participation in the nine-month program, then DM me: (1) Perhaps you’re well-resourced and able to contribute beyond the full cost per participant. Please do so. Your contribution enables us to offer scholarships to those in need. (2) Perhaps you’re securely resourced, and able to meet all of your financial needs and wants. Contribute $1,999 for the full cost of in-person participation or $1,799 for the full cost of virtual participation. (3) Perhaps you’re moderately resourced, and able to meet your financial needs and some wants. Contribute $1,499 (in-person) or $1,299 (virtual) depending on your capacity. (4) Perhaps you’re not able to bear $1,499 for in-person or $1,299 for virtual. We encourage you to reach out to us so we can talk things through. We’ll do our absolute best to help you join the ALC Movement! It would be truly amazing to have you be a part of this amazing program! I don't want any barriers to prevent you from joining ALC! 4dahood.com/cohort-dates https://lnkd.in/gjGjw-yy

Calling all WORKING MOTHERS! We are looking for 17 working mothers to be an inaugural part of The Best Leadership Community Ever. Our first three members include 1 entrepreneur (2 kids), 1 VP at a public company (3 kids) and 1 Director at a public company (2 kids). The goal is to get 20 working mothers chatting and figuring out how we mold this to make your life and your community better. Are you a working mother and want to join? See the link in the comments. 🙏 #workingmothers #femaleexecutives

In our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging training, we often discuss how staff need to be prepared and find resources for sufficient communication with families regardless of backgrounds, culture, language, lifestyles and community. For our #MelMonday discussion, we want to know what steps or tools your staff has used to build relationships with families with their own unique set of challenges. Maybe your contributions can help others who are struggling to build or maintain a connection with families in these circumstances. #HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #TheGravelyGroup

In our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging training, we often discuss how staff need to be prepared and find resources for sufficient communication with families regardless of backgrounds, culture, language, lifestyles and community. For our #MelMonday discussion, we want to know what steps or tools your staff has used to build relationships with families with their own unique set of challenges. Maybe your contributions can help others who are struggling to build or maintain a connection with families in these circumstances. #HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #TheGravelyGroup

Navigating the legacy of a family business involves empowering successive generations by leveraging their unique strengths and promoting unity. It's about ensuring continuity through shared values and strategic alignment, creating a cohesive framework that spans generations. By charting this course thoughtfully, families can build a lasting legacy that adapts and thrives across time and challenges. . . . #bluewateradvisory #bluewaterexcellence #familylegacy #familyenterprise #empoweringgenerations #youngleaders #futureleaders #leadershipdevelopment