Author: United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
After Debut Night, Graduates of Our First All-Woman Social Innovation Incubator Cohort Are Ready to Change Lives
Social Innovators Make Their Big Debut
The Incubator provides an organizational and leadership development program exclusively for early-stage social ventures led and staffed by women and people of color. The social innovation team at United Way developed this initiative specifically for social entrepreneurs who are working to implement new and creative solutions to pressing problems facing North Texans in the areas of education, income and health. Each Incubator cohort goes through an intensive learning process, during which they refine and validate their business plans, receive leadership coaching and mentorship, and learn about key topics like marketing and branding. Their experience culminates on Debut Night, when each entrepreneur has an opportunity to showcase their work to some of North Texas’ most passionate community leaders. Much like The Pitch caps off the work of our Social Innovation Accelerator fellows, Debut Night is a chance to showcase the work of emerging entrepreneurs who have been historically impacted by the opportunity and resource gaps that exist for women and entrepreneurs of colors specifically. Part of United Way’s investment is to provide financial, human and social capital to our Incubator participants. The financial support comes in the form of a $2,500 seed investment upon completion of programming, while the program provides human capital through leadership coaching from professional mentors. Debut Night boosts the social capital side by allowing founders to leverage the relationships within United Way’s vast network, which creates a promising pathway to good exposure and meaningful relationships. As Jasmine Hillman, senior manager of innovation at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, explains, “I see Debut Night as a larger platform to say, look out for the next great innovators who will use their bold and creative solutions to contribute to healthier and stronger communities in the areas of education, income and health.”A Night of Innovation and Impact
During the March 21 Debut Night, 18 of the Incubator entrepreneurs presented to United Way team members; United Way Women of Tocqueville supporters and members; and the night’s judges, Dee Brown, senior manager of strategy at Accenture, Cassandra McKinney, executive VP of Comerica Bank and former United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Women of Tocqueville chair, and Mandy Price, the founder and CEO of Kanarys™. The entrepreneurs who presented were:- LaToya Thomas, S.E. Charities
- Jill Nastasia, Fearless Dallas
- Heather Villagomez and Elizabeth Garrison, Notre Dame School STAR Program
- Jennifer Hills and Krystal Hills, The Leadership Academy of Creative Arts (TLACA)
- Empriss Bennett-Moreno, Mindset Solutions MultiMedia
- Elizabeth Price, NSPIRE Tutors
- Cortina Jackson, Cortina’s Venture
- Kayla Mainja, Helen’s Project
- Latasha Cummings, We Are HER
- Rae Phillips, Reading Huddle
- Sherri Cook, Wholly Informed Sex Ed
- Olufeyikemi Ibitayo, Generational Shift USA
- Monique Muhammad, Code Pink Productions Inc.
- Patricia Brackens, World Explorers of America
- Tamia Parker, Commissary is Very Necessary
- Prinscilla Moore, Delighted to Doula
- Toneisha Qualls, Mind Molders
- Star Jackson, SerenelyStar Publishing
- Rae Phillips of Reading Huddle, Most Innovative
- Kayla Mainja of Helen’s Project, Most Impactful & Audience Choice Award
- Star Jackson of SerenelyStar Publishing LLC, Runner-Up for Most Innovative
Investing in Women Entrepreneurs
We are incredibly grateful to our cohort and award sponsors—The Eugene McDermott Foundation and Comerica Bank, as well as the United Way Women of Tocqueville Fund for Women and Children. Each has committed to investing in women-led nonprofits and businesses, and we are so inspired by their generosity. The Women of Tocqueville Fund for Women and Children was founded in 2017 specifically to provide targeted financial and skill-based investments in the areas of education, income and health for North Texas women and children. “Our goal through the Women of Tocqueville Fund is to encourage an equitable economic environment in which all women and children can achieve financial stability,” said Robbi Luxbacher, chair of the Women of Tocqueville Advisory Fund. “We chose to invest in United Way’s Social Innovation Incubator because it allows us to directly impact women entrepreneurs, who often face greater obstacles in launching a business or nonprofit. The inspiring women in this year’s cohort are developing innovative solutions to long-standing community challenges, and the Women of Tocqueville Fund is honored to help fund this important work.” “This marks the first-ever Women of Tocqueville-led fund at any United Way in the country,” said fund co-founder Kristy Faus. “As WOT members, empowering women and children are the pillars of our organization and are at the center of all we do.” “During the pandemic, we had an opportunity to sit back, think and try to imagine what things were going to be like on the other side of it—who would be most hurt that we might partner with when the pandemic was over,” said fund co-founder Carol March. “We felt it was important that the fund lift up other women and elevate our purpose. More than the socializing and networking, the WOT Fund gives us a cohesive and tangible purpose that is really resonating.” The fund, which has raised more than $16.5 million, will be a source of permanent support and provide annual distributions for programs that create opportunity and access for women and children to thrive. Thank you again to our mighty Women of Tocqueville supporters and members who helped make Debut Night a success, including: Jennifer Sampson, Rachel C. Ybarra, CPA, CGMA, Rachel B. Simon, Kristy Faus, Carol March, Neena Newberry, Lynn Fisher, Jerome Rose, Tyler Riddell, Leadership MBA, Linda Yohe, Nancy LaVerde, Kate Newman, Stacy Dunton, Ellen Barker and Michelle Thomas.Learn More About the Fund for Women and Children
The Women of Tocqueville Fund for Women and Children is a powerful force for lasting change in North Texas. Interested in learning more? Visit the fund’s website.New Year Message from Mandy Austin, Women of Tocqueville Chair

Job Training
Job Training Resources
Our community partners offer job training programs that enable hard-working individuals to gain new skills, advance their careers and move closer to the goal of financial stability.

See below for a current list of available job training and certification programs. For more information or to enroll, please contact the program directly.
Category: Healthcare
Program | Length | Details |
---|---|---|
Community Health Worker (CHW) | 12 weeks; Thursday nights 6-8:30 | Benefits:Opens doors to careers in nursing, respiratory therapy and medical lab technician roles, with starting pay of $22-$35/hour upon completion and hire
Also includes: Career counseling, digital skills, financial coaching, job leads/search/placement, retention support, interviewing/resume skills, professional skills training, referrals for transportation and childcare assistance
Requirements: Completion of 8th-grade reading level pre- and post-assessment, diploma or GED, ID or drivers license
Cost: $25 non-refundable application fee (scholarship available) Contact |
PCT, EKG, CPR and Phlebotomy Certification, offered by Oak Cliff Works | 26 weeks; Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Benefits: Opens doors to careers in health care with Methodist, with potential starting pay of $15-$16/hour
Also includes: Career counseling, financial coaching, job leads/search/placement, retention support, interviewing/resume skills, professional training skills
Requirements: Dallas residents with a high school diploma or GED paying 80% of Dallas HUD metro fair market rents and living at 125% below poverty level; must provide drivers license or ID, birth certificate, social security card, COVID vaccine card, immunization record, utility bill, pay stub for 1 month for all employed in household, health insurance card, social security card and birth certificate for children under 18, SNAP award letter, if applicable
Cost: Covered by Scholarship Contact |
Phlebotomy | 12 weeks; Tuesday-Thursday 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. OR Tuesday and Thursday nights 6-9 p.m. | Benefits: Opens doors to careers in nursing, respiratory therapy and medical lab technician roles, with starting pay of $22-$35/hour upon completion and hire
Also includes: Career counseling, digital skills, financial coaching, job leads/search/placement, retention support, interviewing/resume skills, professional skills training, referrals for transportation and childcare assistance
Requirements: Completion of 8th-grade reading level pre- and post-assessment, diploma or GED, ID or drivers license
Cost: $25 non-refundable application fee (scholarship available) Contact |
Category: Technology
Program | Length | Details |
---|---|---|
Helpdesk support technician, desktop analyst, business analyst, junior network admin, aq analyst, intelligence or infrastructure analyst, junior project manager | 23 weeks: 16-week virtual instructor-led training, plus 7-week paid internship opportunity. Monday through Friday 9 AM-1 PM or 2-6 PM | Benefits: Teaches tech fundamentals and results in CompTIA ITF+, A+ and Google IT Support/Project Management certificate
Also includes: Also includes: Career counseling, digital skills, financial coaching, job leads and placement, retention support, job search, interviewing skills, resume writing and professional skills training
Requirements: No pre-skills or qualifications needed; must be 18-26 years of age, with high school diploma or equivalent and legally authorized to work in the U.S. Also must be one of the following: transitioning active-duty service member through the DoD SkillBridge program, honorably discharged or member of the Guard or Reserves
Cost: FREE Contact |
Digital marketing and e-commerce, IT support, data analytics, project management, UX design, cybersecurity analyst, sales development rep, sales operations, social media marketing, front-end/back-end developer | Approximately 6 months (5-10 hours a week) | Benefits: Earn official certifications for Google, IBM, Salesforce and Meta development, marketing, sales, etc. Starting pay after completion and hire beginning at $48,000.
Also includes: Retention support, job search, professional skills training
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, English-language proficient, 18 years of age or older, U.S. resident
Cost: FREE Contact |
Category: Logistics
Program | Length | Details |
---|---|---|
Heavy Equipment Operator | 4 weeks | Cost: Free |
Forklift Certification | 4 hours, once or twice a month | Benefits: $18.80/hour starting pay after completion and hire
Also includes: Career counseling, digital skills, financial coaching, job leads/search/placement, retention support, interviewing/resume skills, professional skills training, transportation assistance
Cost: $80; free for qualified veterans Contact |
Professional Industrial Truck (PIT) | 2-day training offered monthly | Benefits: $18.80/hour starting pay after completion and hire
Also includes: Career counseling, digital skills, financial coaching, job leads/search/placement, retention support, interviewing/resume skills, professional skills training, transportation assistance
Cost: Free (breakfast & lunch included) |
Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) | 3-day training offered twice a year | Benefits: Opens doors to high-growth logistics industry, with starting pay of $15/hour after completion and hire
Also includes: OSHA workforce safety training, job leads/search, resume writing, professional skills training
Requirements: high school diploma or equivalent, age 18+, ability to work in the U.S.
Cost: Free (breakfast & lunch included) |
Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) | 3-day training offered twice a year | Benefits: Opens doors to high-growth logistics industry, with starting pay of $15/hour after completion and hire
Also includes: OSHA workforce safety training, job leads/search, resume writing, professional skills training
Requirements: high school diploma or equivalent, age 18+, ability to work in the U.S.
Cost: Free (breakfast & lunch included) |
Category: Miscellaneous
Program | Length | Details |
---|---|---|
ESL classes in partnership with Dallas College | 14 weeks; Monday and Wednesday 9-11:30 AM | Benefits: Provides important prerequisite skills for most office jobs and for greater earning potential Also includes: Digital skills, job leads/search, resume writing, professional skills training, childcare assistance Requirements: ID, no master’s degrees Cost: Free Contact |
Computer skills classes in partnership with Dallas College | 4 weeks; Tuesday and Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Benefits: Provides important prerequisite skills for most office jobs and for greater earning potential Also includes: Digital skills, job leads/search, resume writing, professional skills training, childcare assistance Cost: Free Contact |
IT and medical training, various industry certifications and navigation in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program and with Texas Workforce | 4 weeks; Tuesday and Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Benefits:Interfaith provides a variety of services and training opportunities to assist workers in navigating the North Texas job market
Also includes: Career counseling, financial coaching, job leads/search, retention support, interviewing skills, resume writing, professional skills training, gas and bus passes, childcare assistance for those in job search (case by case)
Cost: Free Contact |
Certificate programs, associate or bachelor’s degree (trades included) | Varies | Cost: Free
Format: In-person or virtual Location: Dallas, Johnson or Tarrant County Contact |
A Letter From Our CEO: Welcome to a New Year of Hope, Opportunity and Success
- When local students missed out on learning opportunities because they lacked access to connectivity and digital technology, we partnered with AT&T to launch Digital Connections, providing more than 2000 free laptops to southern Dallas families.
- When hard-working employees struggled to make ends meet, we enrolled hundreds more participants in Pathways to Work, enabling them to access better-paying jobs.
- As the cost of healthcare continued to rise, our Healthcare Navigators assisted tens of thousands of families with accessing affordable, high-quality insurance plans.
- And when we challenged our community to create an endowment to impact North Texas in perpetuity, you answered the call and we closed the groundbreaking $100 million Unite Forever endowment campaign over goal and three years ahead of plan. Huge thanks to everyone who supported the campaign. The impact these investments will have across North Texas is immeasurable.
- Increase by 50% the number of students reading on grade level by third grade.
- Increase by 20% the number of young adults earning a living wage, adding nearly $800 million in wages per year in North Texas.
- Increase to 96% the number of North Texans with access to affordable health care insurance.

Hear Policymakers’ Perspective on the 2023 Texas Legislative Session
Get Ready for the 2023 Legislative Session
The start of the 88th Texas Legislature is just weeks away, marking an important time for advocacy at United Way. We invite you to join us as we speak up and speak out for policies that will improve education, income and health; expand opportunities for our neighbors; and drive systemic change. Here are a few ways to get ready for the session so you can ensure your voice is heard:- Sign up for our Advocacy Alerts. We’ll let you know the best times during the 2023 session to contact your representatives about key issues around education, income and health.
- Know who represents you. Texas has new political maps for the state’s congressional, House, Senate and Board of Education districts. Click here to find your new districts and representatives.
- Learn more about our approach to advocacy in our blog article, How and Why We Advocate for the North Texas Community.
- Take a deeper dive into some of the key issues in this session. View our All Eyes on Austin event series, which explored important topics in education, income and health.
- Save the date to join us for United Way Day at the Capitol on March 1, 2023
¡Inscríbete Hoy en un Seguro Médico Asequible!
Déjanos Ayudarte Hoy
Con el apoyo de nuestros guías certificados, es fácil encontrar el seguro médico correcto para ti y tu familia. Regístrate hoy. Y un Guía te ayudará a:- Comparar planes de salud
- Entender tus opciones de beneficios
- Elegir el mejor pan de salud, calificado para tus necesidades
- Aplicar a subsidios para bajar tus cuotas mensuales del seguro
Sobre El North Texas Consortium
Somos un grupo local de organizaciones comunitarias dedicadas a aumentar el cubrimiento de seguro médico en North Texas. Liderado por United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, el Consorcio mantiene una red de Guías de Salud que asisten a los miembros de nuestra comunidad a registrarlos para cubrimiento de seguro médico.Aliados
Área de Cobertura
Condados de Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Henderson, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant y Wise.