As we kick off an exciting new year at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re thrilled to unveil the 15 dynamic social entrepreneurs selected for the newest cohort of our Social Innovation Incubator. This transformative program is designed to empower these changemakers as they launch, refine and scale their innovative ventures. Backed by comprehensive support and resources, each innovator is driving meaningful impact and advancing equity in communities across North Texas. 

Read on to learn more about the Social Innovation Incubator and how it supports our mission to improve access to education, income and health. Discover the creative ways our partners are driving progress toward our shared goals and meet this year’s incredible fellows. 

We’re Driving Equity in Social Innovation 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, social innovation is at the core of our mission to improve access to education, income and health. Over the past 11 years, since the launch of our Social Innovation Accelerator, we’ve become a leader in this space, championing diverse social entrepreneurs who deliver measurable results. 

To advance our community-wide Aspire United 2030 goals, we approach all our work through a lens of equity. This focus is particularly vital in social innovation, where systemic barriers often hinder underrepresented entrepreneurs from accessing resources and funding. 

That’s why we created the Social Innovation Incubator, a 14-week organizational and leadership development program tailored to early-stage social ventures led by women or people of color. By bridging gaps in opportunity and resources, the Incubator builds innovative startups and drives transformative change. 

The Incubator equips participants with the tools to create validated business plans and launch impactful ventures. It also cultivates a more diverse pipeline for our Accelerator program, fostering sustained growth and innovation.  

2023-2024 Incubator Highlights 

• Nine entrepreneurs completed the program   

• 100% of Incubator entrepreneurs in the cohort were women-led ventures  

• 90% of Incubator entrepreneurs in the cohort identify as people of color  

• 100% graduation rate  

• 175 hours of mentoring and coaching provided to participants 

Collaborative Partnerships Create Greater Impact 

The Social Innovation Incubator flourishes through collaboration with three outstanding community partners: 

• Dallas College: Fellows gain access to the Dallas College Venture Club, a vibrant entrepreneurial community, and enjoy free dedicated workspaces. 

• Southern Methodist University’s MADI Program: SMU brings expertise in human-centered design, offering creative problem-solving and business development techniques. 

• eqALL: This virtual learning center leads strategic processes to foster connections and provide critical resources for entrepreneurs. 

Our list of dedicated Incubator investors includes the Fossil Group, CBRE and the United Way Women of Tocqueville Fund for Women and Children, the latter of which delivers targeted financial and skill-based investments in education, income and health for local women and children.  

The Women of Tocqueville Fund has invested in the Incubator for the last three years, providing entrepreneurs with the funding and resources necessary to build their start-ups and grow their impact. Visionary leaders from the Women of Tocqueville also serve as mentors, offering invaluable guidance to Incubator participants and helping to amplify their impact. 

Meet the Entrepreneurs 

The 2024 cohort of the Social Innovation Incubator will go through a 14-week learning program in which they will validate their business plan, receive personalized leadership coaching and seed funding, and set their venture up for future success.  

This year’s all-women cohort includes 15 entrepreneurs with bold visions for improving access to education, income and health in North Texas: 

• Shaunte Allen, Allen Learnimy: Addressing workplace literacy gaps in essential North Texas industries 

• Tia Arlington, Above All Things: Working to improve physical health and emotional well-being 

• Shevrondaline Breedlove, The G.U.D. Life: Provides social engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities 

• Carmelita Brown, Caregivers Toolbox: Empowering caregivers to care for their loved ones 

• Kenitra Eagans, To You From Us: Provides youth with hands-on STEAM education and mentorship 

• Barbara Edwards, RMT Cancer Network: Focused on transforming cancer prevention 

• Tyra Eli, Millennial Education: Equips learners of all ages through tutoring, mentorship, and college and career readiness programs 

• Kris Fanning, Texas TicKids: Provides underserved children in the DFW area with free tickets to live events 

• LaTorra Garland, Jacob Way: Supports the emotional needs of families affected by childhood cancer 

• Kischa Howard, Kham’s House: Provides comprehensive services beyond medical care to families 

• Shinee Gaston Jacobs, Storm Center of Hope and Service: Providing support to at-risk youth ages 14-28 affected by homelessness 

• Taler Jefferson, The Salome Foundation: Dedicated to rebuilding low-income communities 

• Sofia Nunez, Empower the Voice: Equips Hispanic families with tools to support their children’s education 

• Kentoria Roberson-White, Phoenix Health Alliance: Addressing the gaps in adolescent reproductive healthcare in Texas 

• Taji Wright-Fitzhugh, The Teacher’s Teacher: Providing support to teachers to address high attrition rates 

Support Social Innovation in North Texas 

Our Centennial year is an exciting time to step up and be part of our community’s social innovation movement, especially as we work to make it a more inclusive and equitable environment. We invite you to be a part of the change by supporting the Social Innovation Incubator, which in turn supports innovative organizations that are changing lives in their communities. 

Together, we can create opportunity for all North Texans to thrive. Donate today to support our social innovation programs.