Topic: North Texas

On episode 41 of Topic: North Texas, we are by Mesquite Independent School District Superintendent, Dr. David Vroonland to learn about the District's newest program, AYO. Through a partnership with Google and SoftServe, Mesquite ISD developed this first-of-its-kind technology to create an educational experience based on a student's strengths and interests rather than the standardized education system we are used to. Discover how this innovative AI program plans on using students' interests and passions to succeed in the classroom.

On episode 40 of Topic: North Texas, we stopped by the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center for a conversation with Director John DeFillipo. During our conversation, John shared the origin story of the wetlands and how it transformed from a working cattle ranch to a premiere water conservation center, research and educational facility, and wildlife refuge. Tune in to discover how a partnership with the North Texas Municipal Water District, has allowed the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center helps meet the region's growing demand for water.

On episode 39 of Topic: North Texas, I was joined by Dallas County Assistant District Attorney, Phillip Clark. In addition to his work as an attorney, Phillip was appointed by District Attorney John Creuzot to serve as the LGBTQ+ Community Liaison. During our conversation, Phillip discusses how a rise in cases involving LGBTQ+ members led to the need for a community liaison. By creating a task force, employees throughout the DA's office were able to develop respectful and responsive perspectives of social and legal issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.

On episode 38 of Topic: North Texas, I was joined by Vari CEO Jason McCann. Vari, originally known as VariDesk, is a workspace innovation company headquartered in Coppell that aims to help organizations scale their workplace to make a happier, healthier, and more productive environment. During our conversation, Jason shared how Vari is helping organizations create safer workspaces in the time of COVID-19 without compromising productivity and creativity. Jason also provided insight into one of the Company's newer projects, VariSpace, which offers fully furnished ready to lease office spaces located in Las Colinas and Southlake. 

On episode 37 Topic: North Texas, I am joined by Dr. Alise Cortez, a Dallas-based Purpose/Engagement Catalyst, Speaker, Consultant, Researcher, Author, and Radio Show Host. During our conversation, Dr. Cortez provides insight on how she helps companies, leaders, and individuals across the globe cultivate meaning and purpose in their leadership and work to achieve greater fulfillment, higher engagement, and a harmonic work-life integration.

On episode 36 of Topic: North Texas, Chris Lamond, partner with Thorn Run Partners, provides an update on the federal government and the atmosphere in D.C. following last week's event at the Capitol. During the conversation, Chris explains what we can expect with a Democrat Senate majority and how the second impeachment of President Trump could impact President-elect Biden's first few weeks in office.  

On episode 35 of Topic: North Texas, I am joined by Phil Camm, founder, and general manager of DFW's newest major league sports team, the Dallas Jackals. During our conversation, Phil provided a look into Major League Rugby, the Jackals' upcoming season, and the home of their new pitch, Globe Life Park. Sponsored by Dallas College.

On episode 34 of Topic: North Texas, I am joined by Kelly Murray, founder of the Murray Group, for a conversation on her career as a Certified Professional Coach and Certified DISC Practioner in North Texas. During our conversation, Kelly shared how she works with entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals to help clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and consistently move toward positive progress in their journey. Sponsored by Dallas College.

On episode 33 of Topic: North Texas, I was joined by Gerardo Interiano, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for Aurora, to discuss how this innovative company is developing and testing their one-of-a-kind self-driving technology. By fusing together top-tier engineering with state of the art machine learning, the company will bring together automakers, logistics services, mobility services and fleet management providers with the ultimate goal of making people’s lives safer, easier, and more efficient. Sponsored by Dallas College.

On episode 32 of Topic: North Texas, I was joined by infectious disease doctor and Co-Founder of Haven Diagnostics Michael Gao. During our conversation, Michael shared how Haven Diagnostics is using agent-based modeling software to help employers communicate their workplace in-office COVID-19 risk and infectious disease risk to employees.  Sponsored by Dallas College.

Hey y’all and thanks for tuning in to another episode of Topic: North Texas. This week, I was joined by JoAnn Malone, President and CEO of the Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce. During our conversation, JoAnn shared the creative ways the Chamber has supported the Keller business community since the outbreak of the coronavirus. From helping local restaurants to creating a grant program, the Greater Keller Chamber continues to prove that together we are better. Sponsored by Dallas College.

On episode 30 of Topic: North Texas, we are joined by Ken McNeeley, President of AT&T’s Western Region, for a conversation on his professional experiences and his ideas on how companies as well as employees can improve equity and inclusion in the workplace. Under Ken’s leadership, AT&T has elevated its support in the local LGBTQ community in ways that places it far and above other companies. From supporting the Equality California Leadership Academy to founding the LGBT Walk of Fame, Ken continues to work tirelessly to ensure AT&T continues to be a corporate leader when it comes to all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sponsored by Dallas College

On episode 29 of Topic: North Texas, we are joined by David Coale, an appellate attorney and partner for Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann, who provides an in-depth look at the Trump Administration's Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. During the conversation, Coale discusses Barrett's career as a law professor and appellate judge, what he expects to see during the Senate hearings, and if confirmed, what impacts Barrett could have as a Supreme Court Justice. Sponsored by Dallas College

On episode 28 of Topic: North Texas, we were joined by Irene Whiteside, a pianist located In Arlington, Texas. Irene sat down to discuss her career as a pianist and her upcoming performance for the PianoLink International Competition. Irene, originally from Canada, has been playing the piano since she was 4 years old. She attended the University of Calgary and received a scholarship for extended study in Salzburg, Austria. There, she studied under conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt, an expert on early music up to Mozart. Upon graduating, she taught piano at Mount Royal University and Calgary and performed across the country. Irene eventually re-located to Texas and after a 17 year absence from the piano, Irene began entering competitions. Help Irene win the Audience Appreciation Award for the PianoLink Competition, by liking Irene's performance video on Youtube.  Sponsored by Dallas College.

On episode 27 of Topic: North Texas, I sat down with Partner Bruce Hendrick and Associate Ted Harrington with Carrington Coleman to learn more about the CRF Funds and the rules laid out by the treasury department. During our conversation, they explained how the $150 billion dollar Coronavirus Relief Fund has helped and continues to help municipalities across North Texas recover from the economic impact of the Coronavirus. Sponsored by Dallas College

On episode 26 of Topic: North Texas, we are joined by a public school special education teacher. During our conversation, she shared how COVID-19 impacted her students with special needs. As the upcoming school year approaches, she shared how her district is preparing for in-person instruction and how her department has had to shift from very hands on instruction to one that will accommodate for social distancing. Thank you to our sponsor. 

On episode 25 of Topic: North Texas, Linda Goelzer, director of public relations for Carter BloodCare, joined us to discuss the effects COVID-19 has had on the blood supply in North Texas. During the conversation, Goelzer explained how Carter BloodCare has adjusted their donation process to accommodate for social distancing and keep donors safe. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 24 of Topic: North Texas, we sat down with Zaira Garcia, Texas State Director for FWD.US a bipartisan political organization working to improve the country's criminal justice and immigration systems. During the conversation, Zaira provided us with an update on DACA and the uncertainty Dreamers are currently facing while awaiting the Supreme Court's ruling. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 23 of Topic: North Texas, Dallas Independent School District (DISD) Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa spoke with us about the launch of Operation Connectivity. As school districts began to close following the COVID-19 outbreak, students shifted to online learning. While DISD was able to provide students with the proper electronic devices, many of them still lacked the ability to connect to the internet. In an attempt to solve the need for broadband connectivity, Dr. Hinojosa launched Operation Connectivity.

On episode 22 of Topic: North Texas, we sat down with Charlene Stark, the strategic initiatives consultant for the North Texas Commission, to discuss how the region has come together to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. From teaming up with community partners to hosting virtual meetings with state and local lawmakers, the North Texas Commission has been working tirelessly to make sure our region gets through these trying times. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 21 of Topic: North Texas, we sit down with Cory Montfort, a licensed professional counselor based in Plano, to discuss how mental health has been compromised following the COVID-19 outbreak. During the conversation, Montfort highlights the various ways couples and families can work to ensure positive mental health during this time. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 20 of Topic: North Texas, we continued our conversation on clean air in North Texas with Lori Clark, North Central Texas Council of Governments (COG) program manager and DFW Clean Cities coordinator. During this episode, we discussed how North Texas has benefitted following the outcome of the Volkswagen Clean Air Act Civil Settlement. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On this episode of Topic: North Texas, we sat down with Lori Clark, North Central Texas Council of Governments (COG) program manager and DFW Clean Cities coordinator, to discuss air quality in North Texas. During the conversation, we learned how COG Is monitoring regional air quality and the steps they are taking to reduce air pollution to meet Federal Air Standards. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 18 of Topic: North Texas, we sit down with Katie Martin Lightfoot, with the Center for Public Policy Priorities & Texas Counts, to get an update on the 2020 Census. With the outbreak of COVID-19, the U.S. Census Bureau has had to rethink the ways census data is typically collected. Katie shares how communities across the state are altering their marketing and outreach strategies to ensure Texas has a complete count.

On this episode of Topic: North Texas, we provide a brief update on the state of the coronavirus pandemic in North Texas.  Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 16 of Topic: North Texas, Patrick and I sat down with NTC's very own Kim Walton to discuss the importance of the 2020 Census. On March 12, everyone currently residing in the U.S. (regardless of citizenship) will begin to see information on how to complete the census. As North Texans, it is our job to ensure a complete count so our region does not miss out on vital federal funding. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 15 of Topic: North Texas, we traveled to the North Texas Municipal Water District office in Wylie. During our visit, we sat down with Tom Kula, executive director and general manager, and Billy George, assistant deputy-water, to learn about how the NTMWD provides essential water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal services to 1.8 million residents across 10 counties. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 14 of Topic: North Texas, we returned to the Polsinelli law firm to get an update on the status of U.S. trade. Our conversation, with Michelle Schulz and Luis Arandia, highlighted the recently passed USMCA, Phase 1 of the U.S. China trade agreement, and various sanctions the U.S. has placed on countries across the world. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On this episode of Topic: North Texas, we sit down with a few of the featured speakers from the 2nd Annual North Texas Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit presented by Citi. This inclusive event, hosted by the Commission, brought together business leaders from companies like AT&T, Fidelity, Liberty Mutual, and Citi to discuss how their companies are incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into everyday routines.  Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 12 of Topic: North Texas, we sit down with Charlene Stark, a strategic initiatives consultant for the North Texas Commission, to discuss the organization's upcoming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit. Tune in to get an inside look into the exciting details of this important event. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 11 of Topic: North Texas, we sit down with Dr. Becca Peixotto for part 2 of our visit to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. During our conversation, Dr. Peixotto provided an in-depth look into the museum's Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind exhibit. On March 22, the groundbreaking discoveries featured in this exhibit will return to South Africa. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 10 of Topic: North Texas, we traveled to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science for a conversation with Dr. Linda Silver, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the museum. Tune in to get an inside look into the museum's history, current and upcoming exhibits, and much more! Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

We’re seeing escalating taxes and tariffs with foreign countries having a significant impact on American businesses – and on American consumers. For instance, in addition to tariffs on some $365 billion in Chinese-origin imported goods, the Trump administration has imposed global tariffs on large residential washers, solar products, and steel and aluminum articles. Given the importance of international trade to our regional economy, and the growing prominence of tariffs and trade wars in the news, we wanted to visit with Michelle Schulz, a Dallas-based shareholder at the Polsinelli law firm. Michelle chairs the firm’s distinguished International Trade and Customs practice, where she is a nationally recognized leader in her field – including serving as a senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and as a member of the International Trade Administration’s Industry Trade Advisory Committee for Aerospace Equipment. Click here to visit the Polsinelli website. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On this week's episode of Topic: North Texas, we traveled to Mckinney to tour the Collin College Public Safety Training Center. The state-of-the-art facility provides students the opportunity to become trained in fire fighting or law enforcement.  During our visit, we sat down with the Director of the Law Enforcement Academy Scott Donaldson to learn how the training facility is attracting local and federal agencies.  Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On this episode of Topic: North Texas, we sat down with Mark Hays, Vice-Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development, to learn how the college is prepping students for careers that meet the needs of the North Texas workforce.  With the need for skilled labor and specialized certifications in such high demand, Dallas County Community College District is showing students that traditional four year institutions aren’t their only option. Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On this episode of Topic: North Texas, we visited KidZania Dallas located at the Stonebriar Centre in Frisco. As the first U.S. location, KidZania Dallas gives children the chance to experience real-life work experiences through role-playing.  Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On episode 5 of Topic: North Texas, Patrick and I sat down with the North Texas Commission's Vice President of Advocacy, Holli Davies, to discuss the Commission's state and federal legislative priorities.  During our conversation, Holli shared how the Commission along with the Chambers of Commerce across North Texas created the Regional Chamber Coalition to advocate for pro-business legislation on a state level. Although it was only the first year, the Coalition saw many wins during the previous 86th Texas Legislative Session.  In addition, Holli shared how the North Texas Commission is actively working to give North Texas a voice at a federal level.  Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On this episode of Topic: North Texas, we took a trip to Westlake to visit Fidelity Investment's Corporate Campus. During our visit, we sat down with Vice President of Public Affairs Scott Orr to learn how Fidelity is creating an inviting work environment for their clients and employees.  Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District.     

On our third episode of Topic: North Texas, we sat down with Harold Strong, president and CEO of Medical Innovation Collaborative (MIC), to discuss the growing biotech industry in North Texas. During our conversation, we discussed how MIC is bridging the gaps between higher education facilities that are conducting groundbreaking research, industry leaders who are implementing new technologies, and how companies are accessing state, federal, and private funding sources.   If you would like to learn more about MIC, please visit their website.    Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

On this episode of Topic: North Texas, we travel to the Dallas Arboretum to sit down with Dave Forehand, Vice President of Gardens, to learn more about Dallas's number one tourist attraction. During the tour, Dave gave us an exclusive tour of the grounds along with some insight on the history of the facility. Check out our blog for an in-depth look at the Arboretum's economic impacts, special events, and history!    If you would like to learn more about the Dallas Arboretum, please visit their website.  Be sure to follow the Dallas Arboretum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.    Special thanks to our sponsor, Dallas County Community College District. 

In the first episode of Topic: North Texas, I sit down with Officer Brad Uptmore of the Southlake Police Department to discuss the method behind their successful social media accounts.     You can like and follow the Southlake DPS social media pages below: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthlakeDPS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthlakePublicSafety/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southlake_dps/   Special thanks to our sponsor Dallas County Community College District.

We are excited to announce the launch of our podcast, Topic: North Texas. Our weekly podcast will highlight the things that make the North Texas region unique. From small town revivals to the development of high-speed rail, Topic: North Texas aims to show how North Texas is leading the way in industry, infrastructure, and workforce.