South Dallas Employment Project

2nd Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon: Collaboration That Delivers Results

The South Dallas Employment Project (SDEP) convened stakeholders, partners and community leaders for its 2nd Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on January 12, highlighting the measurable impact of collaborative, systems-level work across south, southern and west Dallas.

Since its launch in 2020, SDEP has grown from 14 founding organizations to 254 organizational stakeholders, collectively supporting 8,000+ individuals and families through workforce development, education, housing access, and employer partnerships that lead to living-wage employment.

Emceed by Wes Jurey, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SDEP, and Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Chairman of the SDEP's Leadership Council, the event featured keynote remarks from The Honorable Carl Sherman, former Texas State Representative. The luncheon also recognized outstanding partners in 2025 whose leadership continues to drive transformational change: Founders Award recipient Dr. Michael Hinojosa; Ashley Hutto, Champion of the Year; Metrocare Services, Organizational Stakeholder of the Year (accepted by John Burruss, M.D., CEO); and Union Pacific Railroad, Employer Stakeholder of the Year (accepted by Ken Kuwamura, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition).

Guests also heard a powerful testimony from Deric Durden, whose journey from incarceration to employment, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency exemplifies the impact of coordinated community support.

As SDEP looks ahead to 2026, the focus remains on expanding employer engagement, strengthening education and training pipelines, advancing neighborhood-based economic development, and continuing to align resources in ways that produce lasting outcomes.

Progress at this scale requires shared commitment. If your organization is looking to hire talent, strengthen workforce pipelines, invest in community impact, or align services for greater outcomes, we invite you to join the South Dallas Employment Project. Your time, talent, influence, and investment help turn collaboration into opportunity — and opportunity into lasting change.

Show your support for our previously incarcerated and returning citizens by ordering popcorn through this unique pop-up link: https://popup.doublegood.com/s/k7k541nl

Does anyone have kids that need glasses? Contact Inspired Vision Compassion Center for vision health...

Does anyone have kids that need glasses? Contact the center for vision health

Thank you Jordan Allsup and Clean UP usa for your partnership and all that you are doing in our community! 🙏 We’re excited to launch this collaborative transportation initiative with you soon!