Ideas. Opportunities. Diversity. Dallas. A City of Influence.

Ideas. Opportunities. Diversity. Dallas. A City of Influence.
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CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
welcome
what is big influence
marcus monson
angela amos
blake baker
vanessa benavides
malcolm gage jr.
krystal summers
dr. cordell adams
jaime duggan
sam santiago
joseph hernandez
gregory kilhoffer
about creative team
#DallasBigInfluence
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LOCATION
Joule Hotel | Timothy Oulton
CREATIVE CONCEPT
Brandpointe | Jasmin Brand
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Lobotrain Creative | Danny Villalobos
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tony Valadez
VIDEOGRAPHY
1820 Productions
#DallasBigInfluence
BIG INFLUENCE was created to recognize the innovative and influential
Dallasites that are up and coming leaders in the community, in their
businesses and in their field; people who make Big Things Happen Here!
For our inaugural launch, we are acknowledging some of Dallas’ best
and brightest African - American influencers. We are excited about the
optimism, hope and ambition that this special group of men and women
represent. Whether it’s in business, arts and culture or deep in the heart
of the community, our inaugural honorees give a voice to authentic
influence. They truly are making an impact.
But we’re not just stopping there. We want to recognize many more
of Dallas’ top influencers that embody the culture and soul that makes
Dallas not only the best place to call home but also a great place to visit
for work and play.
I look forward to connecting with you!
-Noelle
BIG
What is
Dallas is known as a city with BIG ideas. Big ideas that inject
excitement in the lives of every individual born and raised here, as well
as adventurous transplants looking for great opportunities and promising
futures.
INFLUENCE?
BIG INFLUENCE is about celebrating those big ideas but most importantly, the diverse people behind them. It is the people of Dallas that are
responsible for the energy that resides in every building, every park, every fabulous restaurant and every zip code in between.
BIG INFLUENCE will feature digital publications highlighting our influencers as well as a series of curated events designed to educate, engage and
entertain both Dallas residents and visitors alike. The influencers will serve as ambassadors, giving a voice to the city of success – Dallas.
BIG INFLUENCE is an important initiative of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau focused on recognizing and highlighting the contributions of
Dallas’ diverse residents.
For additional information visit www.dallasbiginfluence.com
Noelle LeVeaux
Chief Marketing Officer
Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau
#DallasBigInfluence
#DallasBigInfluence
#DallasBigInfluence
THE INFLUENCERS
STYLE
MARCUS MONSON | GUERLAIN COSMETICS
TRANSPLANT: McGregor, MN | NEIGHBORHOOD: Oak Cliff
Dallas is an epicenter of fashion, commerce, and the arts. Here, I am able to be myself, 100% of the time.
There is no judgment. Everyone looks at you and welcomes you with open arms.
#DallasBigInfluence
#DallasBigInfluence
EMPOWER
ANGELA AMOS | DALLAS HER PRIDE
BORN AND RAISED | NEIGHBORHOOD: Oak Cliff
HEART
BLAKE BAKER | PURPLE FOUNDATION, INC.
TRANSPLANT: Baton Rouge, LA | NEIGHBORHOOD: Joe’s Creek
Dallas has a big heart. A city is only as good as the people that live there. I’ve met a lot of people along the way that
have shaped who I am, and how I fit into this city. I feel like I’ve grown up with Dallas.
To be a Dallas influencer is an outstanding opportunity. I feel greatly appreciated that my services to the community
over the last twenty years have been recognized so I’m honored to be a part of it.
#DallasBigInfluence
#DallasBigInfluence
EQUALITY OPPORTUNITY
VANESSA BENAVIDES | TENET HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
MALCOLM GAGE JR. | PARK PLACE PREMIER COLLECTION
TRANSPLANT: Weslaco, TX | NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown
TRANSPLANT: Beaumont, TX | NEIGHBORHOOD: Las Colinas
My life is equality in Dallas. I freely move and work and play in this city just like anyone else does and I don’t even think
about it. To me, that’s equality.
The three words to describe Dallas are opportunity, diversity, and cultural awareness. Dallas has embraced diversity
probably better than anywhere else in Texas.
#DallasBigInfluence
#DallasBigInfluence
KRYSTAL SUMMERS |
CAVEN ENTERPRISES, INC.
TRANSPLANT: Laurel, MS
NEIGHBORHOOD: Uptown
Coming to Dallas was the perfect fit for me because it’s a big
city, but has a small southern charm and feel to it. I felt like it
was a lot easier being who I am in this city. It’s very accepting
for the most part.
ACCEPTANCE
#DallasBigInfluence
SPIRITUAL
DR. CORDELL ADAMS | C. CORDELL ADAMS, M.D. PA
TRANSPLANT: Jacksonville, TX | NEIGHBORHOOD: South Highland Park
Dallas is welcoming. It’s not New York. You’ve never heard of northern cuisine or northern hospitality.
Southern hospitality...take me home!
#DallasBigInfluence
COMMUNITY
JAIME DUGGAN | THE DUGGAN LAWFIRM, PLLC
TRANSPLANT: Southern California | NEIGHBORDHOOD: Oak Cliff
We all work really hard for the things that we have and everyone kind of works together to build that inclusive
community. I’m loving it here and don’t have any plans to ever leave.
#DallasBigInfluence
PROGRESSIVE
SAM SANTIAGO | S & M HOLDINGS
TRANSPLANT: Carolina, Puerto Rico | NEIGHBORHOOD: Turtle Creek
We are really blessed to have a great group of individuals and leaders coming from all walks of life, to make sure we
make this a safe place and an equal place for all. The reality is that people in Dallas are very warm, very welcoming, very
open-minded, and very willing to see things from a different perspective.
#DallasBigInfluence
HOPE
JOSEPH HERNANDEZ | COMMUNITY ACTIVIST & VOLUNTEER
TRANSPLANT: Las Cruces, NM | NEIGHBORHOOD: North Oak Cliff
Every single person, whether you’re young or old, is seasoned enough, concerned enough, to have
a vested interest in the community to make sure that we all get a piece of the pie.
#DallasBigInfluence
CONNECT
GREGORY KILHOFFER | CAVEN ENTERPRISES, INC.
TRANSPLANT: Weatherford, OK | NEIGHBORHOOD: The Cedars
Dallas, I believe in my opinion, offers a lot for anyone wanting to start a new business here. Not only are we centered in
the middle of a huge metroplex, but we have a strong LGBT community that is constantly bringing in events year around
which really helps the community.
#DallasBigInfluence
About The Creative Team
Founded in 2007, Brandpointe is a
full-service strategic branding and
communications solutions firm.
Their dynamic approach to branding and marketing includes strategic planning, innovative branding
concepts, and building continuous
online and offline engagement
utilizing creative content, digital
media and strategic events.
1820 Productions is a full service
television production company
formed in 2001 and is the vision of
award winning Director/Producer
and content creator Korey Miller.
1820’s precise balance of business
savvy and creative zest has yielded
the company over fifty prestigious
awards and has garnered the team
an Emmy for its recent documentary
entitled “The Offenders”.
Tony captures tradition with style
and makes images that are unique to
you. Anyone with a camera can take
a picture, but Tony can manipulate
light in a way that intensifies the
moment and captures the spirit of
emotion like no other! All this while
providing elegance, style and individuality.
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Stay Connected
#DallasBigInfluence