AAENF - Dallas
The WEB Connect had the honor of attending with host Christopher Plumee for the Quarterly African American Executive Networking Forum at Maggiano's Restaurant-Plano.
Upon arrival, there was a host who escorted me to the newly renovated first floor ballroom. Guests were served with Crispy Zucchini Fritté, Balsamic Tomato Bruschetta, Mozzarella Marinara, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Meatballs. My favorite was the Meatballs and Mozzarella Marinara.
Before the forum started, I had the pleasure of meeting Linda Ayoade and reconnecting with Nikki Delk. While we were able to casually talk and exchange information on LinkedIn, I could not help but to notice we all had one thing in common. We were attending this forum to meet other like minded individuals just as ourselves.
Linda Ayoade is a Creative Director and Brand Strategist in the Dallas area. Her skill, techniques and passion for her craft has flourished to produce a successful business, Loi Graphics. While she's had the pleasure of working with big brands, HBO, McDonalds, Frito Lay, just to name a few. Her heart of gold and establishing authentic connections has been her currency for her success. For more information about LOI Graphics: LOI Graphics
Nikki Delk is an associate professor in Biological Sciences and the Assistant Vice President for Research Development in the Office of Research and Innovation at UTD. Additionally, she was a former U.S. Air Force Captain. She mentors, gives back to the community, and develops her craft in ballet. Nikki's determination, courage and wit has been transmissible to individuals she encounters on a day to day basis. Her vision has been a trailblazer for other industry supporters. Check out Nikki Delk positive impact in Dallas: Dallas Morning News- Featured Nikki Delk
February is National Black History month. When I lived in Virginia, it was a family tradition for my great grandmother to teach me history about the family and learn about Richmond, VA history. However, this African American Executive Forum allowed me to take a peek into the History of Dallas, Tx taught by Don Pinkard. Mr. Pinkard spoke about the African-American history of Dallas, TX. His opening comments were about the attorney and real estate investor Joseph E. Wiley, who started a Cotton Gin in the 1900s, black owned and African American operated in Dallas, Tx. Next was Juanita J. Craft. Craft was a momentous leader who helped define the modern civil rights movement and left a profound impact and legacy in the Dallas community. She was the first woman to vote in North Texas. Through her success of achieving her awards, Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award (1984); NAACP Golden Heritage Life Membership Award (1978), she was able to change the community by registering over two hundred NAACP chapters in Dallas, Tx. My great grandmother taught me, knowledge is a form of influencing and changing a community. If you can seek to understand, you can successfully change culture. While this was the highlight of my evening, there was much more in store.
Don Pinkard and Jocelyn Pinkard host Dallas African American tours every year. They have successfully hosted over one thousand individuals each year. Being Dallas natives, they have hosted tours for several years. Year after year, residents provide feedback to the Pinkards of the Dallas tours. The tours can be catered to schools, family reunions, and church groups. While the tours are taking place, the Pinkards create a memorable experience by sharing music and contests on the tours. For more information about the tours: African American Dallas Tours
The remainder of the evening, African American Executive Networking Forum highlighted Dallas natives and residents whose success in business granted the opportunity of launching their own business.
Theopolis 2021 Pinot Noir
Theodora Lee spoke to us about her current success in the wine industry. The senior partner, trial lawyer, Jack Daniels connoisseur, had no interest or desire to be a wine buff. However, a dinner invite at a friend's vineyard, sparked her interest in wine after she drove a tractor through their vineyard. Thereafter she began to search for land. Who would've thought her risk of purchasing sheep land in Anderson Valley, CA would turn into a gold mine, later being named Theopolis Vineyards. In 2003, she planted her vineyard and sold her first harvest in 2006. In 2012, she faced hardship. She had to pick 10 tons of grapes in the rain. After delivering the grapes, the buyer rejected the grapes. In the midst of devastation, she wanted to give up. Ms. Lee's financial deficit did not defeat her. She went to her neighbors for help. One of her neighbors crushed the grapes. Then she worked out a deal for bottling the wine. In 2012, she received her first award in the wine industry and has set the trend to continuously receive gold awards for her wines. Her meticulous technique has afforded the path of solid success. Theopolis Vineyards have achieved, year after year, gold awards with Petite Sarah, Pinot Noir and Symphony. Ms. Lee's advice was to anticipate problems. Farming has been challenging at Theopolis Vineyards with the four seasons. But, Ms. Lee has chosen to push harder towards her goals, being different in the industry and creating relationships while traveling. Today, she will be the first African American to host a French River cruise. For more information about Theopolis Vineyards: Theopolis Vineyards
Devin Butler, a Dallas native, but a resident in the Big Apple, NYC, she never thought she’d return back to Dallas. Shortly after her divorce in 2015, she returned back to Dallas. “The best part of my life began when I returned back to Dallas” says Butler. She incorporated her faith to redefine her relationship with God when joining a redemption and recovery program called Pursuit at One Community Church. As she was regaining her identity, the program provided keys to her spiritual and physical wealth. She felt prompted one day to sell earrings. “How am I going to provide for my family selling earrings? This does not make sense!” thought Ms. Butler. As she took the risk and launched the business, JoyPop. She continued to work her dream job as a Title Officer with Fidelity. During Covid, she lost her job and decided to devote all of her time to JoyPop. Today, she has been able to replace her income averaging 10k in sales per month with JoyPop. Earrings and Lapel pieces are all circles. Ms. Butler learned through her program that “no one grows in rows.” “We only grow in circles. we only grow in spaces where we can look across the table and connect with another human being.” Relationships are very important to Ms. Butler. Without the relationship she’s built her business would not be where it is today. For more information about Joy Pop: JOYPOP
MJ Huling, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, moved to Dallas achieving expertise in the Affordable Housing Industry. One day, working at a property in Ft. Worth, she arrived at the apartment to give notice about late rent. Quickly after her arrival, she found herself riding in the ambulance to the hospital. Within hours her tenant passed away in the hospital. Her focus shifted and the need to provide transportation for geriatric patients took priority. Years later, she launched Green Car Company. Green Car Company provides a ride sharing service for seniors. “I chose Tesla for transportation, because I wanted sustainability” says Huling. Green Car Company is currently in a pilot stage. However, the goal is to own a fleet of Tesla’s providing affordable ride sharing services for seniors to still obtain mobility.
Deya Smith-Taylor, former National Senior Producer for the American Heart Association and Senior Producer with Tom Joyner Morning Show, is an Author and Media Personality, Producer and Certified Life Coach. Her specialty in life coaching is Social and Emotional Intelligence where she recently released her iconic book "You're Successful, But Are You OK?: Real Self-Care Strategies to Preserve Your Sanity and Get You Through the Workday." The loss of a close friend compelled her to write a book about prioritizing yourself. She spoke about the importance of meditation and self care prior to starting your work day. Book purchase can be acquired on Amazon: You're Successful, But Are You?
Additionally, I had the honor of seeing some of the ladies from Women of Power & Influence of Dallas
Jade Tinner, B.B.A, Dee Baker, MBA and Jeneca Willis, MBA. These ladies have proven track records of being forerunners in their industry. It's always an honor to just be in the room with trail blazers. There is one thing all these ladies have in common. They are always giving and willing to roll their sleeves up to help one another. The character of integrity and trust is intentional through their business.
Jade Tinner, B.B.A former VP of Community Investment for the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, commUNITY advocate and founder of OUR Foundation (501 c 3 organization) has been able to infiltrate the young men community. Her recent success with the Dallas elementary school will influence young males in a positive way through mentoring and hands-on experience. Please send donations to: OUR Foundation
Dee Baker, MBA former VP, Communications and Marketing of DFW Airport, and now owner of Dee Baker Amos & Associates provides coaching for executive leaders, and consulting for business in goal and plan development. Dee has a passion for giving back through mentoring business leaders in corporate america by creating an awareness of work culture, maneuvering through industry changes and achieving career goals. For more information: Dee Baker Amos & Associates
Jeneca Willis, MBA former VP, Relationship Manager Dealer of Finance with BB&T, is now Vice President in the Commercial Banking sector at Truist Financial Corporation. Her passion for helping people and establishing relationships has been proven through the years. Her willingness to contribute her knowledge and resources to everyone is profound.
The networking events have been a continuous success. There is one event held each quarter. This permits the opportunity for business owners to come together and grow their businesses through relationship building. Christopher Plumlee is very strategic about the amount of people attending the events, as well as the individuals who are invited to the events. His goal is to grow business and grow it in a safe, authentic community. His definition of safe has been genuine relationship building, encouragement and support. Christopher Plumlee continues to grow the community through awareness and support of Dallas successors. Regions Bank has cultivated a relationship with Christopher to sponsor events for this networking opportunity to be a part of that continuous success.