The 2024 WEInspireTX Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit is the place to be on Nov. 13, 2024, at Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club in Fairview. Set your plans now for that Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and …

REGISTER FOR WEInspireTX 2024 HERE

This will be the third year for WEInspireTX, a day-long summit for women entrepreneurs looking for game-changing insights, motivational strategies and connections to help you launch, grow and succeed in your businesses.

We have another incredible lineup of speakers and panelists this year, all eager to empower you with wisdom and practical takeaways.

Meet Our 2024 WEInspireTX Opening Keynote Speaker

Sports business owner, speaker, and author LaSonjia Jack – LJ – can’t wait to help you sharpen your ability to focus with proven strategies she shares in her opening keynote, “Three Things at a Time: Time to Get Focused.” She certainly knows about elegantly striking the right balance among priorities.

In October 2023, LJ and her son, National Football League linebacker Myles Jack, took majority ownership of the Allen Americans Professional Hockey Team, becoming the first African American majority owners in the East Coast Hockey League. Her family partners and invests in several other professional sports teams and organizations, including the Jacksonville Icemen, The Community First Igloo Ice Center, Tahoe Knight Monsters, Savannah Ghost Pirates, AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, Top Tier Sports, and Leeds United Soccer.

And these are just a few of her adventures.

LaSonjia also oversees operations for more than 120 retail locations nationwide for Atlanta, Georgia-based Cox Communications as the company’s AVP of retail and field operations. As part of her work with the company, she’s served on the Cox National Diversity Council and as its community liaison lead for the African American Employee Resource Group.

Another role? Board member. In that capacity, she serves the Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce in Allen, Texas, and Habitat for Humanity in Jacksonville, Florida.

Meanwhile, her values for her faith, family, and communities drive her many commitments to related endeavors, including providing scholarships, partnering with our military and veterans, aligning with faith organizations, feeding the hungry, and establishing youth programs. No doubt a good deal of her energy also goes to cheering on her athlete sons: NFL linebacker Myles, and Jahlen, a basketball player for Fort Valley State University in Georgia.

Her mindset: “I love the future. It’s where I LIVE!”

Leading up to all of this, LJ’s decades of telecommunications leadership has included serving the Microsoft Stores Team in Redmond, Washington as the senior director of business strategy and as a senior leader with AT&T and T-Mobile. She set her educational foundation with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business and a certification from the University of Darden Executive Leadership Program.

An aspiring author, LJ’s debut book about transforming your life and executing your passings is titled “The LJ Way,” and is available for pre-order on her website.

Connect with LaSonjia
LinkedIn
Instagram
Website

Surround yourself with like-minded women and gain invaluable insights and inspiration from an all-star speaker lineup at the third annual WEInspireTX Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit. Expect a high-energy, day-long gathering of women entrepreneurs sharing strategies and tools to help one another launch, grow and succeed in business.

No matter what the next step for your business, the summit is just what you need to take it. Moving forward is what matters most.

As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

That’s a favorite quote of our session speaker, who we’re here to introduce to you today.

Meet 2024 WEInspireTX Session Speaker, Elizabeth Mahusay

Supercharge your personal and professional growth with insights from dynamic coach and thought transformation expert, Elizabeth Muhusay. Through her TED talks, YouTube channel, and podcast, “Thinking That Matters,” Elizabeth shows people how the right kind of thinking is always the path to success. 

At the summit, Elizabeth will present her keynote, “Lead Like a Woman: Courageously Confident, Communicate, Connect, which focuses on the significance of how demonstrating courage is so powerful in being a transformational leader despite any external factors and pressures. She’ll share precisely how courage precedes confidence, how your communication style can be your superpower, and tips for appreciating and navigating others’ communication styles. Last, you’ll learn takeaways on how to more confidently connect with others in your business, family, and social networks.

Elizabeth excels as a professional sales and leadership coach, certified trainer, and keynote speaker for Southwestern Consulting. Throughout her career, she has trained thousands of people to overcome negative thinking while implementing proven systems that create a growth environment. A wife to her high school sweetheart, Fred, and mom to two grown sons, she has authored three books, most recently, “Pick Your Path: 21 Days to Set Your Mental Autopilot on the Right Course.”

While earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry education from the University of South Florida, Elizabeth participated in the Sun Coast Area Teacher Training Honors Program, in which she grew her communication and leadership skills, including expertise in Kagan Cooperative Learning and problem-solving techniques. She became a coach, mentoring and guiding aspiring teachers while earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a

focus on institutional technology.

Her first sales job? A chemistry teacher, she says — convincing high schoolers they could excel in a challenging subject. During her teaching years, she discovered the significance of nurturing human potential, both as a teacher and coach to a highly competitive dance team, despite not having any formal dance training herself.

Elizabeth has numerous leadership roles to her credit, including science department chair; leader for a 180-member direct sales team; licensed minister of the Gospel, leading the women’s ministry for her church; an active chamber of commerce volunteer leader; and now a team leader for Southwestern Consulting.

Connect with Elizabeth
LinkedIn

The 2024 WEInspireTX Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit is right around the corner on Nov. 13, 2024, at Heritage Ranch Golf and Country Club in Fairview. Go ahead and block your calendars for that Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and …

REGISTER FOR WEInspireTX 2024 HERE

This will be the third year for WEInspireTX, a day-long summit for women entrepreneurs looking for game-changing insights, motivational strategies and connections to help you launch, grow and succeed in your businesses.

Entrepreneurship can feel a little lonely sometimes, and it really shouldn’t – especially considering the incredible resources we have in one another. Come join a supportive network of like-minded, entrepreneurial women at WEInspireTX.

We have another incredible lineup of speakers and panelists this year, all eager to empower you with knowledge and (of course!) plenty of humor.

Meet Our 2024 WEInspireTX Emcee, Angi Burns

The summit promises an upbeat atmosphere full of positive energy all day, thanks in huge part to the contagious enthusiasm and spirit of our event emcee, Angi Burns, publisher of Allen City Lifestyle and Plano City Lifestyle magazines.

A North Texas native and former educator, Angi launched and operated a performing arts school before taking on the publishing world. She credits her success to her love for community connections and championing shared values.

Related: Hear Angi tell her story in our recent Getting Neighborly podcast

Besides being an entrepreneur, Angi is an award-winning actor, emcee and comedienne. She emceed the event last year with such a great reception from attendees, and we are so glad to have her back!

Angi launched Allen City Lifestyle magazine in record time in 2022, quickly following that by launching Plano City Lifestyle magazine in early 2023. As owner and publisher of both luxury publications, she says it’s been a joy to create new opportunities for people and businesses within her community to showcase their value.

“My mission is to spread positivity, support, and inclusivity throughout the community by connecting people and telling the stories of community leaders and business owners through quality editorial content, beautiful photography, and engaging events,” Burns says. “I am privileged to do this work — connecting members of the community and highlighting local businesses.”

A wife and mom of three, Angi’s educational background includes earning her bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and her Master of Education in education administration at Concordia University Texas.

Connect with Angi:
LinkedIn

Closing Keynote Speaker Julie Burch

Imagine a time when you rarely – if ever – worry about handling tough situations poorly or saying something you regret. Sound like a dream?

There are two ways to do it: First, you can just stop caring what anyone thinks, even when you’re in the wrong. Not recommended — especially not when you’re trying to grow a successful business!

Second option: Act from the powerful position of emotional intelligence, saying and doing the right things 99% of the time. Before you laugh and say, “That’s impossible!” Consider that it can be your reality once you sharpen your emotional intelligence—learning to pause, control your emotions, see all sides, and get rid of rashness and reactivity once and for all.

To master those strategies, make plans now to attend the third annual WEInspireTX Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit! Set for Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Accasia’s Event Venue in Fairview, the day-long event brings together women in business throughout the region for inspiration, education, and motivation.

Haven’t signed up yet? Here’s your link!

REGISTER FOR WEInspireTX 2024 HERE

We have another incredible lineup of speakers and panelists this year, all eager to empower you with insights, equip you with takeaways, and keep you entertained. Speaking of entertainment … 

Meet Our 2024 WEInspireTX Closing Keynote Speaker, Julie Burch

The “comedienne with content,” Julie Burch, will deliver the closing keynote, “You Make Me So Mad! Developing Your Emotional Intelligence,” to help you sharpen your emotional IQ, keep natural feelings in check, and transform reactivity into energy that moves you forward instead of setting you back.

While anger and reactivity can be tricky topics, Julie keeps it light, funny, and actionable all at once with her proven approach: “Solid business strategies. Brilliant comedic humor.”

Her favorite quotes blend the two. One is hers: “If you will do one thing differently every single day, you have the power to make every one of your tomorrows better than today!” which she underscores with a second from NFL Coach Bruce Arians, “No risk it, no biscuit!”

President of Julie Burch Speaks!, Julie is a highly experienced and sought-after speaker and trainer and has served many of the nation’s biggest organizations and brands. She’s delivered messages in all 50 states, three countries, and three territories. A 2017 Speaker Hall of Fame Inductee at the Society for Human Resource Management’s Southwest Conference, Julie has even appeared as a guest on “Good Morning America” with Diane Sawyer.

Always an advocate for women in business, Julie served on the National Board of Directors for the American Business Women’s Association for two years and on her local board of directors for five. She has co-authored three books — a business book titled “Success Simplified,” and two motivational books for women “The Princess Principle: Women Helping Women Discover Their Royal Spirit” and “Every Heart Has a Gift.” She also served on the Board of Directors for CYT- Christian Youth Theater of DFW.

She’s designed programs for industry leaders across sectors, including Texas Tech University and Texas Women’s University in higher education;  Fidelity Investments and Armstrong Bank in finance; Kaiser Permanente and Christus Health in health care; CoServ Electric Cooperative, Husky Oil, BP America, and Columbia Gas of Ohio in oil, gas, and energy; the Social Security Administration, the EEOC, the IRS, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force in government and military; Taco Bell, Sunway, Wingstop, and Holiday Inn in retail and hospitality; professional associations including The American Payroll Association, American Advertising Federation and The Society for Human Resource Management; and many more.

All of Julie’s presentations are dynamic, high-energy, highly interactive, and packed with real-world, tangible techniques the audience can implement immediately. And, of course, she loves to make people laugh.

“The more you laugh, the more you learn!” she says.Connect with Julie
LinkedIn

1.) Southern Methodist University This private research university in the University Park area of Dallas boasts strong academics, a beautiful campus, a convenient location, a generous financial aid program, small class sizes, and a notably successful alumni network. Whether you’re studying engineering, business, humanities, or arts, SMU has many different programs that will help to prepare students for the future. The academic community at SMU focuses on experiential learning through things like internships, research projects, and programs for studying abroad. The strong alumni network can help to provide SMU students with mentorship, career advice, job opportunities, and connections. 

2.) Dallas Baptist University This school, founded in 1898, offers a variety of educational opportunities for students at many different levels including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral. Dallas Baptist, as its name suggests, is a faith-based school, and it strives to develop students into leaders with a heart for service. There is a true community feel at Dallas Baptist. Its campus is located in North Texas and is nestled in the foothills of southwest Dallas, just a short drive from downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth. This great location allows students to enjoy all the amenities that an urban setting offers, as well as offering proximity to major corporations. 

3.) University of Texas at Dallas Also known as UTD, the University of Texas at Dallas is a public university situated in one of the fastest growing economic centers in the country. Located in Richardson, UTD’s mission centers on providing Texas and the US with excellent, innovative education and research. Created by bold visionaries and tech pioneers, UTD is a dynamic university that offers more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs across its seven schools. 

4.) University of North Texas at Dallas The University of North Texas at Dallas is perched on a hilltop that overlooks the downtown Dallas skyline. This public 4-year university offers 106 academic programs and serves the top job market in the US: Dallas-Fort Worth. The school offers students affordable tuition plans that pave the way to bachelor’s, master’s, or juris doctoral degrees. UNT Dallas aims to provide high-quality academic programs that include opportunities for experiential learning. Students at UNT Dallas benefit from the school’s many partnerships with non-profits, schools, and local businesses—allowing the university to expand educational access and offer unique learning opportunities. The school’s dedicated career center is a great resource for helping to get students into the right place in the workforce after graduation. 

5.) Texas Christian University Home of the Horned Frogs, TCU is a private university with a strong academic reputation. TCU’s core curriculum is geared to prepare students for life in today’s everchanging global society. This curriculum offers a breadth of knowledge and a range of skills that 9 out of 10 employers view as important for hiring college graduates. Located in Fort Worth, TCU manages to maintain a college town feel while having access to all that the Dallas Metroplex offers. While TCU is a Christian university, it welcomes students of all faiths. 

6.) Texas Wesleyan University Texas Wesleyan is a small community of less than 2000 undergraduates, which creates a close-knit campus environment. This means there are smaller class sizes and more opportunities for participation and connection in the classroom. Faculty mentorship is a major focus at TXWES, which can offer valuable guidance through academics as well as professional development. This university offers some unique academic opportunities through research, specialized programs, interdisciplinary opportunities, and an international focus. 

7.) University of Dallas: The University of Dallas is made up of the Constantin College of Liberal Arts, the Satish and Yasmin Gupta College of Business, and the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts. While it is a Catholic institution, it welcomes students of all faiths, and emphasizes critical thinking, strong communication skills, a broad knowledge base, and academic rigor. Its beautiful campus in Irving is part of the Metroplex.

When you’re considering universities in the Dallas area, be sure to take your personal priorities and preferences into account. Dallas offers such a dynamic environment for college students. The thriving job market and vibrant city life in the Metroplex make it such a great place to settle after your higher education is complete. Are you considering spending college years and post-graduate life in the Dallas area? You can learn more about living in one of the great towns in the Dallas Metroplex, Fairview, here. 

1. We’ve heard DFW is a big airport. How big is DFW International?  This major airport covers more than 26.9 square miles! Overall DFW’s property consists of 17,183 acres. The airport itself has five terminals and 171 gates. Truly, DFW International is like a city with its own zip code and city designation; it also has its own police, fire, emergency, and medical departments. 

2. Which airlines operate out of DFW International? You can travel all over the world from DFW. Cargo can too. There are 27 passenger airlines and 21 cargo airlines that fly out of DFW. Some of these include: Air Canada, Air France, Alaska, American, AeroMexico, Avianca, Boutique Air, British Airways, Contour, Delta, Denver Air, Emirates, Finn Air, Frontier, Iberia, Japan, Jet Blue, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Southern, Spirit, Sun Country, Turkish Airlines, United, Viva, and Volaris. 

3. If I need accommodations, are there hotels conveniently located near the airport? Absolutely! There are many hotels in the DFW area, and the airport has a few hotels that offer luxurious rooms, convenience, options for meeting spaces, and nice lounge areas. There are 3 on-property hotels as well as Minute Suites, which are located inside the airport terminal. Hotels at DFW include the Grand Hyatt, the Hyatt Regency, and Hyatt Place.

4. What kind of shops are available at the airport? A variety of shopping options are available when you have some downtime before or between (or even after) flights at DFW. From luxury brands like Chanel, Coach, Kate Spade, and Jo Malone to stuff for kids like Lego and Toys R Us, you’ll want to explore your terminal to see what gifts or goodies you can pick up for your trip. There are some opportunities for electronics and tech shopping at places like Brookstone and the iStore.  The usual airport goods are available at places like CNBC News and Hudson.

5. What dining options are available at DFW International Airport? Whether you need to pick up a quick bite, a cup of coffee, or you want a sit-down meal to fuel you for your travels, DFW offers all kinds of food and drink. Grab a pretzel at Auntie Anne’s, a scoop at Baskin Robbins, a sandwich at Boar’s Head, or a pick-me-up at Brewed, Dunkin, Starbucks, or Lavazza. If you want something a bit more substantial, try favorites like Buffalo Wild Wings, California Pizza Kitchen, IHOP, or Chili’s. You can always go for some Tex-Mex at Cantina Laredo, some Texas favorites at Pappadeaux and Pappasito’s, or some barbecue from Salt Lick. Cruise through your terminal if you have time, and you’ll find even more places for treats (like Pinkberry, Red Mango, Garrett Popcorn) and snacks throughout DFW. 

6. If I need to relax a bit during travel, are there lounges available? Of course! At DFW there is the Capital One Lounge, the Centurion Lounge, the Plaza Premium Lounge, Club DFW, AirFrance, the American Admirals Club, and several Minute Suites. There’s even an Xpres Spa at Terminal A. 

7. How do I get from terminal to terminal at DFW? The 5 terminals at DFW airport are connected by the Skylink light rail train, which runs inside of the secure gates. Outside of security, you can travel via the Terminal Link, a free shuttle van. 

8. My kids need to play while we wait for flights. Is there a place for that? DFW is a family friendly airport. There’s a McDonald’s play area at Terminal D with a foam play place and seating. There’s also a walking path through Terminal D. 

9. Is DFW a pet-friendly airport? Yes! DFW can handle animals from travel companions to law enforcement canines. There are designated pet relief stations throughout the terminals. Note that pets must be leased at all times, and you need to study up on the appropriate pet carriers needed for your travels. 

10.  Is there Wi-Fi? Yes! DFW provides free Wi-Fi as well as plenty of charging stations in its terminals. 

11.  It’s such a big airport. What is the parking situation? Great news: you can pre-book parking at DFW in a convenient  terminal lot. There are also options like Valet, Express, and Remote parking. Check out DFW’s website for more parking info. 

Will you be traveling to or from North Texas sometime soon? After you land at DFW, be sure to check out Fairview, a conveniently situated town with easy access to the DFW area, and a great place for businesses and families alike. 

A bit about the Lovejoy Independent School District. Founded in 1917, Lovejoy ISD serves more than 4000 pre-K through 12^th graders today. Located about 3 miles east of Allen and about 25 miles north of Dallas, this Collin County district has students that come from a surrounding area that covers about 17 square miles.

There are schools for all ages in Lovejoy ISD. 

• Preschool and Pre-K: For the littlest kiddos who range in age from 18-months to 4 years-old, The Carrie L. Lovejoy Child Development Center in Allen offers both Early Learning and Pre-Kindergarten programs. 
• Elementary: The two elementary schools in Lovejoy ISD include Hart Elementary in Lucas and Puster Elementary in the town of Fairview. 
• Intermediate: Sloan Creek Intermediate School in Fairview serves approximately 700 students in 5^th and 6^th grades. 
• Middle school: Willow Springs Middle School in Lucas serves 7^th and 8^th grade students.
• High school: Lovejoy High School in Lucas is Lovejoy ISD’s top-rated public high school. 

The schools are highly rated. Lovejoy ISD has continued to rank highly in national and regional school rankings, which take into account factors like strong academic performance and overall school environment. Lovejoy ISD has ranked in the top 1% out of more than 1200 school districts in performance on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exams. The Texas Education Agency gave Lovejoy ISD an A grade for accountability in 2022. 

Graduates are great. As a parent, you want your student to be educated and ready to launch into the real world. The Lovejoy ISD graduate aims to be intellectually equipped, open to the challenges of learning, well-rounded, engaged in a healthy lifestyle, and fair and respectful. Overall, the whole district has a mission to propel every person to personal excellence. 

Lovejoy ISD offers options for after school care. When families need extended care for their students, after school care is available through Lovejoy ISD. It has the Extended Day Leopard Academy; this is an opportunity for students to participate in enrichment activities on school campus both before and after school. 

There’s a variety of extracurricular activities. It is so important for kids to get involved and discover their interests, and it’s great when there’s a built-in environment to do so. For Lovejoy ISD students in pre-K through 5^th grade, there is an art and music program available. For students in older grades, Lovejoy offers award-winning fine arts programs in visual arts, band, color guard, orchestra, choir, theatre, and dance. For older students, there is also a variety of great programs in journalism, computer science, robotics, speech and debate, health occupations, and chess. There are also some great sports programs such as volleyball, swimming, cross country, track, wrestling, softball, powerlifting, basketball, tennis, baseball, football, soccer, golf, and more. 

For students with special needs, Lovejoy ISD has programs. Lovejoy ISD believes that children of all different abilities should have access to a great education. This school district offers services for students with different learning abilities. Parents are encouraged to be advocates for their children’s education. Lovejoy ISD includes 504 evaluations, different therapies, inclusion, technology, adherence to special education laws, and individualized education plans (IEPs). IEPs can be used for students who get services through the special education department. Eligible children with disabilities who are ages 3 through 21 are entitled to receive a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 

There’s solid college prep at Lovejoy ISD. Lovejoy students are well prepared for college. Lovejoy ISD has career and technical education programs, which are well aligned with state and national academic standards. These programs give students the chance to earn certifications. Students are also well prepared for higher education through things like rigorous academics and opportunities for AP courses. 

Parent involvement is key. Lovejoy ISD has plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved. There are various Parent Teacher Organizations in the district which include the Future Leopards Association, Hart Elementary PTO, Puster Elementary PTO, Sloan Creek PTO, Willow Springs PTO, Lovejoy High School PTSO, and the Lovejoy Council of PTO. 

Check out all that Lovejoy ISD has to offer. You can learn more about the mission of Lovejoy ISD online. And if you’re relocating to Texas, know that the Fairview Economic Development Corporation has a number of resources to help families who are developing their businesses, finding a place to live, looking for great schools, or settling into life in Texas. Learn more about living in Fairview here. 

Learn to be a star on the stage. Fairview Youth Theatre is part of North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA), and this organization offers free 2-hour workshops that are designed for new theater students. UpSTARt Workshops are fast-paced, high-energy, and fun-filled workshop opportunities that can help young actors to build their confidence onstage. These workshops are for actors from ages 5 to 18, and they offer a fun introduction to theater. These workshops are taught by a professional director with a degree in the performing arts. Each workshop is made up of 2 sessions, including a student session and a parent briefing. They help kids to learn tips and techniques for auditions and tools for acting. Check out the NTPA site for information on workshop dates in 2024. 

Catch a show!

See the King: All Shook Up. Inspired by the songs of Elvis Presley, this musical features some rockin’ hits. This show, put on by the Starcatchers troupe, runs March 8^th through March 10^th. 

Sunrise, sunset: Fiddler on the Roof. NTPA’s Community Theatre troupe is putting on a fabulous performance about family, love, tradition, culture, and change. The show runs on Fairview Youth Theatre’s Main Stage with dates from March 22^nd through March 30^th. 

Be a star!

A super show for grades 3 through 9: James and the Giant Peach Directed by Zayde Vetter, Roald Dahl’s classic book comes to life on the Fairview Youth Theatre stage when James grows a huge peach and embarks on a wild journey. This show is for audiences of all ages, and performances will take place at Fairview Youth Theatre’s Main Stage from April 19 to April 27. 

A fun performance for students from grades 6 through 12: Anne of Green Gables L.M. Montgomery’s enduring classic about the spirited Anne Shirley hits the stage at Fairview Youth Theatre. This play follows the main character and her friends from adolescence to young adulthood. Performances will take place from May 2^nd through the 5^th at Fairview Youth Theatre’s Main Stage. 

A show for all ages from 3^rd through 12^th grades: The Wizard of Oz Follow the yellow brick road to the Fairview Youth Theatre Main Stage. This production, based on L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, features the iconic musical score and plenty of magic. Director Samantha Reser leads this show. Wizard of Oz performances are set to go up at the Fairview Youth Theatre Main Stage from May 10^th through 18^th this year. Whether you opt to be an audience member or an actor, there are so many ways to support the arts and get involved with shows at North Texas Performing Arts this year. Fairview Youth Theatre is conveniently located in Fairview Town Center; come by! If you’re planning to catch a show, tickets are available online.

Consider your family’s needs. For this process, it’s important to decide what matters most to your family. Whether you prefer strong academics, a focus on STEM, lots of extracurricular opportunities, or an award-winning school, you will want to prioritize which things are most essential for your family, especially for your student. This set list of needs and priorities can help to guide your search for the best school district. 

Location matters. Are you seeking a downtown experience, country living, or life in the suburbs? There are school districts all over Texas, and there are so many different living situations to choose from. You may want to factor in commute times and amenities in the community when you’re choosing the location for your family’s new school district. 

Check the data. There is so much information available online; you can check out the stats on school districts before you even visit them in person. Visit different district websites to see information about what each school offers. Often there will be photo galleries to accompany the write-ups, which will offer a feel for the school. You can also get a feel for a school by following social media or other online accounts.  Modern-day data collection sites like Niche and Great Schools can help you to assess different ratings on things such as academics, test scores, graduation rates, and extracurricular offerings.  

Make a visit. While it’s great to collect data online, there is nothing like visiting a school in person. Will any of the school districts you’re considering offer open houses or tours? Plan ahead to make a visit so that you can experience school culture, meet faculty and staff, and see the campus in person when students are in attendance.  

Ask around. Social media pages are a great resource for parents who want to know more about the nitty gritty details of school and community life. You can also reach out to principals or teachers with your questions. Asking questions either in person to parents in the community or online can help you to get some insights into specific details you want to know about your prospective school districts. 

Check with your student. A school district and school is only a good fit if it’s a good fit for your student as well. Ensure that there are opportunities available for your student. Intangibles like social needs, personality, and learning style all are major factors in decision making for the right school district. 

Consider Lovejoy. Founded in 1917, the Lovejoy Independent School District currently serves more than 4000 pre-K through 12^th graders. This district is located 3 miles east of Allen and about 25 miles north of Dallas in Collin County. 

• A selection of schools: The Lovejoy ISD features The Carrie L. Lovejoy Child Development Center has Early Learning and Pre-Kindergarten for students from 18-months-old to 4-years-old. Hart Elementary and Puster Elementary are the district’s 2 elementary schools. Sloan Creek Intermediate School is for 5^th and 6^th graders, and Willow Springs Middle School is for 7^th and 8^th graders. Lovejoy High School is the district’s top-rated public high school. 
• Extended care is available. For families who may need after school care options, Lovejoy ISD offers Extended Day Leopard Academy; this option features enrichment activities for students. 
• A+ rankings. Niche.com ranks Lovejoy ISD with an A+ in the areas of academics, teachers, and college prep. The district has A grades for clubs and activities, and an A- for administration. Many of the Lovejoy schools have earned awards and recognition for academics in the Lone Star State. 
• Special education specialists. Lovejoy ISD knows that all children of all different abilities deserve a great education. The district offers programs for children who have different learning abilities—from ages 3 to 21. With the help of a comprehensive education team, individualized education plans (IEPs) can be developed for students who receive services through the special education department.
• Stay active and involved. Lovejoy ISD has a great Art and Music program fro students in Pre-K through 5^th grade. For older students, there are programs in fine arts, visual arts, band, color guard, orchestra, choir, theatre, dance, journalism, computer science, robotics, speech and debate, as well as a number of different sports. 

Are you ready to register your child for school in a new school district? The Fairview Economic Development Corporation has a number of resources to help families who are developing their businesses, finding a place to live, or settling into life in Texas. Learn more about living in Fairview here. 

1. Increased innovation. When you have a diverse workforce, it can collaborate as a team to bring together different experiences, backgrounds, ways of thinking, and problem-solving. All of these benefits can lead to even more good things like more innovative solutions and even better decision making. A diverse team offers a collection of unique viewpoints and approaches. This helps to spark more creative solutions and innovative ideas. In the dynamic business landscape that exists today—where adapting, changing, and problem solving are essential—this aspect of diversity is so valuable. Diversity can encourage a workforce to challenge established norms, initiate breakthroughs, and inspire advancements that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. 

2. Better business performance. It has been proven that companies and areas with diverse workforces can often perform better than less diverse counterparts. This is true in areas such as revenue, profits, and market share. A diverse workforce is also able to better collectively understand and connect with a wider range of customers. This can lead to increased market reach and customer satisfaction. 

3. Enhanced engagement and productivity. When your employees who are part of a diverse workforce feel valued and heard, it can lead to more employee engagement, better motivation, and increased productivity overall. There is a sense of more respect, inclusion, and belonging, which can help to foster better collaboration and communication among employees. In turn, when the diversity of your customer base is reflected in your workforce, it can help you to better understand customers’ needs. With a diverse workforce, you can more easily tailor products and services to your customers. 

4. Fairness and equity. Building a diverse workforce is about more than just diversity. Ideally, this kind of environment can help to create a more fair and equitable workplace for all employees. It offers opportunities to thrive, based on skills and abilities. 

5. Attraction and retention. A diverse workforce can translate to a company or region having stronger talent acquisition and retention. Attracting and retaining top talent from a variety of backgrounds can help to boost a company or region’s competitive edge. Customers increasingly have been shown to value inclusivity and representation.

Having a diverse workforce is a strategic advantage in today’s globalized economy. Through diversity, businesses can work to build a more successful future. 

Texas is home to a diverse workforce. One town that is taking diversity in the workforce to heart is Fairview, Texas. The town of Fairview was incorporated in 1958; it’s a progressive community located in Collin County, Texas, just north of Dallas.

• Workforce and education: Living and working in Fairview can help to give you access to one of the largest, most educated workforces in the United States. More than 70% of Fairview citizens have a college degree; There are also 30 colleges and universities within a 60-mile radius. This helps to keep a dynamic, diverse workforce close by, consistently.
• A great place for business: The state of Texas is business-friendly and tax-friendly too. Collin County—where Fairview is located—has experienced one of the highest sustained growth rates of any county in the United States since 2020. Population growth like this can be a great thing for business growth as well.
• Quality over quantity: Fairview, with its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, offers a prime location for businesses, access to an impressive workforce, an outstanding school district, amazing amenities, and a friendly community. 

Work with the Fairview Economic Development Corporation. The Fairview EDC can help to provide information for all available incentives and available properties in the area as well as development services like planning, zoning, permits, and business licenses. The Fairview EDC can also help to provide fully customized and comprehensive data on demographics and workforce. Working with the Fairview EDC can help you to connect with the right people in all aspects of your business. Texas is making an effort to diversify its economy and its workforce. Learn more online, or call at 972-886-4222.