Profiles in Leadership is a chance to look at the next movers and shakers of Fort Worth. The series explores what happens when we expand who is considered a leader, how the city will grow without the “Old Guard” in charge, and how some already have stepped up to make changes in the city.
The background
Paving a new way: Fort Worth looks for successors to Old Guard
A rejected Olympic bid helped lead to one of the most visionary projects Fort Worth has pulled off — Dickies Arena, a $540 million project paid for mostly by private investors led by billionaire Ed Bass. Fort Worth leaders attempted to get the 2012 Olympics in Cowtown, but the city lacked a state-of-the-art arena to…
profiles
Building with purpose: Community leader uses connection to revitalize Renaissance Heights neighborhood in Fort Worth
When Kenny Mosley got the opportunity to open a YMCA in southeast Fort Worth’s Renaissance Heights neighborhood in 2018, he couldn’t say no. “To bring (a YMCA) into a community that was exactly like the one that I…
Foundation president works to transform Fort Worth public libraries for the 21st century
Wherever Andrea Ash goes in the nonprofit world, her goal is to help build or rebuild programs to ensure sustainability. As president and CEO of the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation, she is now…
Veteran lighting up the holidays with new franchise
Felix Garcia started his north Fort Worth landscaping business after he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 2011. “I always knew I wanted my own business, so I started this and it…
New meatpacker CEO hopes to continue family and Fort Worth Western legacy
Juan Alfonso Ramos has fond memories of growing up on his family’s ranches in Chihuahua, Mexico and in southeastern New Mexico. The routine? Early-morning chores, school and then more chores. “It never really felt…
From cotton fields to corporate boardrooms, Fort Worth entrepreneur builds relationships
Fort Worth’s John Hernandez went from chopping cotton at age 9 to advising wealthy clients on how to invest their money. What’s the connection? All of his positions required building relationships.
Time magazine’s Kid of the Year learns you can’t win if you don’t try
Orion Jean is far from a typical sixth-grader. Earlier this year, while he was 11, he was named Time Magazine’s Kid of the Year and earlier in August he received the Gloria Barron Prize…
Fort Worth artist, professor and curator wants to diversify arts in city
When curators look to add depth to an upcoming art exhibit, Lauren Cross’ name is usually high on the list. The artist, professor and entrepreneur wants to bring more diversity to the art world…
Faith, justice guide Fort Worth chief equity officer to lift all voices
Breaking barriers is something of a lifelong journey for Christina Brooks. The 52-year-old has long been at the forefront of major change. The youngest of eight children, Brooks grew up in a multicultural, Catholic…
Executive chef wants to share ingredients of success
Toro Toro Fort Worth Executive Chef Jonathan Esparza is eager to share his story, particularly during Hispanic Heritage Month. As one of many Hispanics in the hospitality industry, he hopes to inspire the next…
‘Gladney baby’ hopes to use storytelling, love of film to create change in Fort Worth
Real change happens in small ways. That belief led Duke Greenhill back to his hometown of Fort Worth.“I believe in community, and this is the community that I came from,” Greenhill said. “And so…
How do you get ready to run a food bank during COVID? Gulf War, 9/11 experience helps
Julie Butner is accustomed to working under pressure. So when COVID-19 hit and forced the world to shut down, her experience in the Army Reserves and airline industry kicked into gear. Just three months…
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.