January 2026

SDEP 2025 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon

Highlights and Impact

Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Chairman of the South Dallas Employment Project’s Leadership Council, and former DISD Superintendent, and Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew, SDEP Co-Founder and Chair of the SDEP Advisory Council, address attendees at the SDEP Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon.

Building Collaborative Community Capacity - Together

The South Dallas Employment Project (SDEP) was honored to welcome stakeholders and community leaders to our 2nd Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on January 12, 2026 at Dallas College Bill J. Priest Center. The event celebrated the collective impact of our growing network and shared a forward-looking vision for advancing economic opportunity across south, southern and west Dallas.

Over 175 Stakeholders, Investors, Leadership Council Members, SDEP Staff and Special Guests gather at the SDEP Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon.

A Growing Vision, A Measurable Impact

Founded in 2020 with just 14 founding organizations, SDEP launched its services in 2022, and has grown to 254 organizational stakeholders working collaboratively across workforce development, employability, housing, health, transportation, and economic development.

To date, this collective effort has:

• Supported more than 8,000 individuals and families
• Established 10 community-based SDEP Service Centers
• Built employer partnerships that lead to living-wage employment
• Strengthened systems that move families from generational poverty toward generational prosperity

Honoring Leadership & Public Service

We were honored to welcome and recognize elected officials and public servants whose leadership continues to support South Dallas communities, including members of the Texas Legislature and Dallas City leadership.

A special thank you to The Honorable Carl Sherman, former Texas State Representative, who delivered the keynote address and shared reflections on long-term community investment and collaboration.

The Honorable Carl Sherman, former Texas State Representative, delivers the keynote address at the SDEP Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon.

Organizational Stakeholders: The Foundation of Our Work

SDEP’s strength lies in its organizational partners who deliver services ranging from job training and education to housing stability, healthcare, transportation, recovery services, government documents and direct services.

2025 highlights included:

• Expansion to 10 shared service centers across South Dallas
• Access to Metrix Learning, offering 7,000+ training modules and certifications
• Expanded partnerships providing government ID assistance through VoteRiders
• New and strengthened collaborations with Dallas ISD, Dallas College, UNT Dallas, and the Commit Partnership
• Approval as a contributing HMIS organization, increasing access to housing resources

Dr. John Burruss (Metrocare CEO), receives the Outstanding Organization Stakeholder of the Year Award on behalf of Metrocare, presented by last year's award receipient Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux, recognizing Metrocare’s leadership in advancing mental health access and community wellness..

Employer Stakeholders: Creating Pathways to Living Wage Jobs

Employers play a critical role in SDEP’s mission. Through education, workforce alignment, and industry-recognized certifications, SDEP continues to build strong talent pipelines.

2025 milestones included:

• Expansion of Employ SDEP, engaging major employers with customized workforce solutions
• Growth to 37+ training partners, including Texas A&M and Jarvis Christian University
• New partnerships with nonprofit employment agencies to expand job placement opportunities

Ken Kuwamura (Chief Talent Acquisition Officer, Union Pacific), receives the Outstanding Employer Stakeholder of the Year Award on behalf of Union Pacific, presented by last year's award recipient Annette Underwood, VISTRA Corp, recognizing Union Pacific's commitment to inclusive hiring and workforce development.

Individuals & Families Stakeholders: The Heart of the Mission

In 2025 alone, SDEP served:

• 3,500+ total individuals, including 2,000 justice-involved
• Residents within Dallas County Juvenile Department facilities
• Individuals and families accessing IDs, employment pathways, housing support, and transportation resources

Ashley Hutto, Manager, West Dallas Multipurpose Center
, receives the Champion of the Year Award, presented by last year's award recipient Dr. Michael Hinojosa, honoring Ashley for her unwavering advocacy and leadership on behalf of the individuals and families the SDEP serves.

Community & Neighborhoods Stakeholders: Economic Development Impact

SDEP continues to focus on long-term neighborhood revitalization, policy advocacy, and job creation.

Key initiatives highlighted:

• Launch of a Bioeconomy Urban Agriculture Initiative in South Dallas
• Statewide advocacy through legislative engagement in Austin
• National and international recognition through participation in EarthX, showcasing sustainable economic development models that create jobs while improving the environment

Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Chairman, SDEP Leadership Council, receives the SDEP Founders Award, presented by last year's award recipient Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew (Co-Founder of SDEP), recognizing Dr. Hinojosa for his visionary leadership and enduring commitment to South Dallas.

A Story of Transformation

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

Mr. Durden reminded us all that "one decision changes everything." Listen to his story. Be inspired. Make that one decision to impact someone's life today.

Click video below to watch.

Deric Durden, a former SDEP client, delivers an emotional testimony at the SDEP Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon.

To those of you already involved as a Stakeholder of the SDEP, my personal thanks for the impact you have made in our collaborative efforts and community services.

For those of you not yet involved, I invite you to consider joining us, by making an investment of your time, talent, treasure, and influence in the SDEP to make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve, and the individuals and families who are the real Beneficiaries.

Wes Jurey
Co-Founder & Managing Partner,

South Dallas Employment Project 

How YOU Can Get Involved

Progress at this scale requires shared commitment. If you or 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.

We look forward to continuing this work with you in 2026.

SDEP Community Engagement

MLK Job Fair

SDEP Navigators, Cedric and Shardae, attended the MLK Job Fair at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center on January 14, building connections and sharing information about the services of the SDEP.

The South Dallas Employment Project is dedicated to connecting people with living wage employment opportunities that will help provide adequate shelter, food, and other basic necessities for these individuals and their families. This includes Career Training & Preparedness to provide individuals with the skills and competencies needed to be employed at a living wage in industry sectors with significant unmet demand that offer career pathways and a sustainable wage.

Hope Summit Sponsored by State Rep. Aicha Davis and Dallas College

John Benson, SDEP Director of Operations, and SDEP Navigators Amber and Shardae attended the Hope Summit at Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus on January 22, a full-day reentry conference featuring dynamic panel discussions, community partner networking, and a comprehensive resource fair for individuals impacted by incarceration.

Mr. Benson delivered a presentation highlighting the mission, purpose, and services of our organization. The summit brought together employers hiring on the spot, community service providers, and advocates dedicated to supporting successful reentry into the South Dallas community.

Designed for both justice-involved individuals and organizations working in justice reform, advocacy, and reentry, the Hope Summit created meaningful connections and expanded access to critical resources that support second chances and long-term success.

Do you have all of the trained skilled workers you need? If not, consider Employ SDEP. If you have an unmet demand for skilled workers, the South Dallas Employment Project can help meet those employment needs.

SDEP works with all major educational providers, and training partners, to ensure employers have access to job seekers with comprehensive training experiences.

Interested in learning more? Contact us today. Click on the Interest Form below to request more information, schedule a call, and/or set up a quick informational webinar.

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Prefer to contact us directly? Call John Benson at 817.228.9666 or email jbenson.rbridge@gmail.com.

Thank you to our dedicated Stakeholders - Organizations aligning resources & providing leadership. You are the SDEP​​​.