In a world dominated by men, it’s no small feat that a Dallas based, highly successful tech accelerator was not only co-founded by a woman, but also counts 2 other women as top executives. It’s also no small feat that when Gabriella Zielke co-founded her company in 2009, there were only 10 tech accelerators in existence worldwide; now there are more than 5000.
An impulsive purchase of a cheap microphone at the age of 16 literally changed the life of Garland native Justin Mohrle. With no musical training or background, this now 24-year old started writing songs, and recording them with that same cheap microphone, which lead him to multiple writing and performing credits on Dr. Dre’s chart topping ‘Compton- A Soundtrack”; red carpets, parties, all-night recording sessions, and a reputation throughout as being courteous, appreciative, professional, and soulful.
Growing up in south Dallas, Tim and Terrence Maiden (AKA The Maiden Twins) could have easily followed the path of many of their friends—a dead end route of drugs and unemployment. But these graduates of Carter High School chose a different path. Both twins earned football scholarships to TCU. Upon graduation, both were scouted by the NFL, and yet again, the Maiden Twins took the path less taken. Instead, they chose to enter the work force. Both climbed their respective ladders quickly, while all along maintaining a burning desire to give back to the south Dallas community that they say shaped them. Just five years after graduation, the twins started the Two-Wins foundation with the goal of “building communities and changing lives”. For 10 years, they’ve been doing just that.
Chef and Restaurateur After cooking in kitchens across the country, Chef Matt McCallister found a fresh start in Dallas at FT33, his first solo venture, which he opened in October 2013 at the age of 31. FT33 and Chef McCallister quickly rose to local and national acclaim earning recognition from D Magazine, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, and James Beard Foundation.
Founders of Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co.
In 2010, Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson founded the Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co., the first artisanal bourbon and whiskey distillery in North Texas. They became partners because of their shared vision to create uniquely Texan expressions of classic whiskeys, which we could offer at an exceptional value. Thus, TX Whiskey was born.
Designer and Social Entrepreneur
Abi Ferrin has a passion for empowering women and has been doing so through her eponymous clothing line for 14 years. As a fashion designer, she has had a perfect platform to inspire women, and as a philanthropist she created her company to support women while dressing them.