An Emerging Leader in the Dallas-Fort Worth Startup Events Scene: Kendall Castillo
Kendall Castillo is the Senior Manager of Events for The DEC Network, a 501c3 non-profit that helps entrepreneurs start, build and grow their businesses. She is motivated by creating events that help entrepreneurs come together and develop new skills to help their businesses grow. As a woman of color, she is passionate about helping women and people of color entrepreneurs.
Through her leadership, Kendall and her team have hosted memorable events, including Women X Tech, The State of Entrepreneurship and Dallas Startup Week. Additionally, she oversees the operations at The DEC Network’s new Fort Worth Entrepreneurship Center. In her free time, Kendall enjoys spending time with her fiance and their dog, Bandit. We asked Kendall a few questions about her career path and organizations she helps to lead.
When it comes to event planning for The DEC Network, what approach do you take to ensure that the events are impactful and provide significant benefits for entrepreneurs?
I love being behind-the-scenes and watching the magic happen. I believe that everyone deserves to have a space to belong: that’s the approach I take in planning an event. Entrepreneurship can be very lonely, so I want to create a space where they don’t have to be lonely anymore. Our event doors are always open and always free to walk in. I don’t want anyone to have any hurdles to coming to one of our events.
You help oversee a lot of interesting events for startups and investors. Could you provide more insight into a few of them? How do these events contribute to the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dallas and Fort Worth?
Our annual Women X Tech Summit will feature keynote speakers and workshops to give women entrepreneurs an opportunity to interact directly with some of the leading Women in Tech in North Texas.
The State of Entrepreneurship celebrates the people, places, and passions keeping the Dallas-Fort Worth startup ecosystem thriving—now more than ever. Considered the “Superbowl” of Dallas entrepreneurship, this amazing event will bring together Dallas’ most dynamic innovators and leaders to celebrate the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Dallas Startup Week (DSW) is The DEC Network’s largest, premiere event for DFW small business owners and entrepreneurs. Sponsored by Capital One, the program includes a five day celebration that builds momentum and opportunity around entrepreneurship and innovation. DSW began in 2015 with the goal of orchestrating an entire week of entrepreneurial activities that equip, encourage, and educate current and aspiring entrepreneurs to start, build, and grow their businesses. DSW was also created to help increase the awareness and impact of the entrepreneurial community across North Texas.
The Future of Venture Forum is one of four summits and forums of the week, and will serve as an event for investors, startups, and key stakeholders to come together to share their insights and knowledge on unique problems facing investors and startups in the current economic climate.
Click the image to view Kendall being interviewed by the local news
Ensuring diversity and inclusion in events is crucial. How do you implement strategies or practices to create an inclusive environment that welcomes entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds?
Like I’ve mentioned, my goal, no matter what kind of event, is to provide a space for ALL to belong. It doesn’t matter what they look like, where they come from, what their story is, they will ALWAYS belong at one of our events. As a woman of color, I know what it’s like to not always have a place at the table. That’s not okay and not fair. My goal will always be to have a place for everyone at the table. Not to say that’s easy, it’s totally hard! But, the way that we create that place is by listening more than talking. Get to know people, hear their stories, and HELP them.
Apart from event planning, what other aspects of business development do you focus on in your role? How do you identify and nurture partnerships or opportunities that align with The DEC Network's mission?
I work alongside our fundraising team to make sure all of our Signature Events at The DEC Network are free. Additionally, I oversee the operations at our new Fort Worth Entrepreneur Center in the Near Southside area. When you work at a small non-profit, you wear many hats. Our two North Stars are growth and parity, and with that comes lots of change. With that being said, every one of our team members are changemakers and when they see a need, they fill a need, including our Executive Team.
Could you share success stories or testimonials from entrepreneurs who have benefited from The DEC Network's support? How have these events contributed to their entrepreneurial journey?
One of my favorite people on this planet is Erica Molett, CEO and Founder of Kandake Tech, Beyond the Ball, Inc, and Expansion Solutions, LLC. She is a serial mom-prenuer and rockstar. In 2020, she was part of our Revive Dallas Fund Program and has grown ever since. She has become our Gaming and ESports track captain for Dallas Startup Week, Women X Tech speaker, and more. She’s everywhere and anywhere, and I’m so glad we get to be a part of her entrepreneurial journey.
What upcoming events or initiatives does The DEC Network have in the pipeline? Are there any new programs or collaborations that you are particularly excited about?
In September, we have Dallas Startup Week! This year will be our 8th year of DSW. On September 14, we’ll have The Future of Venture Forum. We have a dynamic lineup of speakers and keynotes, including Troy Aikman. Registration is open now and there’s something for everyone! Register at b.link/DSW23.
What advice would you give to aspiring founders who are seeking investment opportunities and aiming to build meaningful connections within the industry?
It’s always about who you know! Take advantage of every opportunity you can to network and tell people about your business. Bring your business cards, you’ll never know who you’ll meet.
If you can accredit one key driver of your career, what would it be?
Passion. If you're not doing something you aren't passionate about, it's not worth it. Do something that MATTERS to you, you'll be way happier being the change you wish to see in the world.
What are your favorite things to do in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas?
Some of my fiance and I's favorites are Game Theory in Fort Worth, Four Day Weekend Comedy Show in both Fort Worth and Dallas, MUTTS with our dog Bandit, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs and Texas Rangers!
What are the opportunities for Texas' future that you look forward to?
Growth and expansion for DFW to be one of the best places of opportunity for all!
View more about Kendall Castillo on her Texas Venture membership page here.