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Date and Time: May 22, 2024 7:00PM-10:29PM (CST)
Category: By Invitation Only
Location: College Park Center, 600 S Center St, Arlington TX 76010,

In response to the growing demand for skilled tradespeople, the South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT) has been making significant strides in vocational education across Texas.

With a network of campuses across the state, STVT has committed itself to providing quality education and training in various technical fields.

STVT Arlington offers a wide range of vocational programs tailored to meet the needs of students pursuing various career paths.

“We feel there are a few points that set STVT apart from other vocational schools,” said Jennie Adams, South Texas Vocational Technical Institute Executive Director.

“First is our accelerated program timelines and flexible class offerings. We understand that many of our students are returning to the education environment for a career change or career advancement while also having family obligations. Our day and evening class options mean they can remain employed while taking courses in their program and they can go to school during the time that works best for them. Also, students can often finish their program in less than a year, which means they can return their full focus back to family and career obligations, Adams explained.

Two notable programs that are offered at the Arlington campus include its CNC Machinist training program and its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program.

The CDL training program is designed to train students for careers as professional truck drivers, providing comprehensive instruction in vehicle operation, safety regulations, and industry best practices.

The American Trucking Association (ATA) reported an unprecedented truck driver shortage in 2021 and projected a shortage of over 60,000 drivers for 2023.

It is expected that that number will increase to 82,000 in 2024.

Graduates of the CDL program are prepared to pursue opportunities in the transportation and logistics sector, a field with a growing demand for qualified professionals.

Computer numerically controlled machines (CNC) use raw materials and turn them into manufacturing components used across various industries, from healthcare to aviation. 

A CNC Machinist learns to read blueprints, sketches, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) files.

The Dallas Mavericks, in conjunction with Chime, the official jersey patch sponsor, are spreading cheer among graduating seniors from the Young Women’s Preparatory Network.

The Young Women’s Preparatory Network is a nonprofit agency that partners with public school districts across the state of Texas to operate the largest network of all-girls, public, college preparatory schools in the nation.

As part of a graduation celebration, the 134 graduating seniors from the Dallas and Fort Worth campuses will receive generous gift packages from the Mavericks, aimed at supporting their college journeys.

The gift packages, valued at over $1,200 each, include essential items such as laptops, $200 from Chime, $200 in additional gift cards, $100 worth of college gear, and an inspiring book to kickstart their collegiate adventures.

With a total donation exceeding $165,000 from the Mavericks and Chime, the graduation gifts will ensure that these college-bound seniors feel supported and celebrated.

The Mavericks also recently honored the graduates of the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy.

In addition to hosting a spirited pep rally, the Mavericks provided monetary donations for backpacks and laptops for the 39 graduates.

All of the graduates have committed to pursuing higher education or joining the Naval Academy.

On Wednesday, May 22, the Mavericks will continue their celebration of academic achievement by honoring the YWPN seniors with a special event.

The festivities will feature a panel discussion with Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, entertainment, music, and photo opportunities, creating a joyous atmosphere to commemorate the significant milestone.

The post Dallas Mavericks Celebrate Graduating Seniors with Generous Gift appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

In a significant development for the city of DeSoto, the DeSoto city council has named its new city manager during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

Majed Al-Ghafry, currently serving as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Dallas, has been appointed as DeSoto’s new City Manager.

Mayor Rachel L. Proctor made the announcement during Tuesday evening’s City Council Meeting.

“After conducting a comprehensive national search to find the very best City Manager to lead DeSoto into the future, we are proud to say that we have accomplished our mission and are bringing the best of the best to DeSoto,” said Mayor Proctor.

“While Majed Al-Ghafry has built an impressive track record of high-level accomplishments, it was the steady praise that we heard from those who knew him best that told us what we needed to know about his character and leadership abilities.”

The selection process for a new City Manager began back in November 2023 when the City Council engaged the municipal consulting firm Government Professional Solutions (GPS) to conduct a nationwide search.

After a rigorous evaluation, three finalists, including Al-Ghafry, were invited to DeSoto City Hall for a public meet and greet event on April 18th.

It was during this event that Al-Ghafry impressed with his demeanor, knowledge, and evident affection for DeSoto.

“When I told our residents back in April that I loved DeSoto, I meant it!  I’ve had many friends and colleagues from DeSoto over the years and they’ve shared the love and enthusiasm they have for this wonderful city with me,” said Al-Ghafry.

“I’ve also been able to experience DeSoto on my own as a neighbor and a professional, and I can see both its greatness and its untapped potential. This is a very exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to working with our Mayor and City Council, team members, and residents to make DeSoto the absolute best it can be!”

Al-Ghafry brings with him over 35 years of experience in leadership roles spanning both the public and private sectors.

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Majed Al-Ghafry, the Assistant City Manager for the City of Dallas, has been chosen by the DeSoto City Council to serve as DeSoto’s next City Manager. His appointment was announced by Mayor Rachel L. Proctor at Tuesday evening’s DeSoto City Council Meeting.

“After conducting a comprehensive national search to find the very best City Manager to lead DeSoto into the future, we are proud to say that we have accomplished our mission and are bringing the best of the best to DeSoto,” said Mayor Proctor. “While Majed Al-Ghafry has built an impressive track record of high-level accomplishments, it was the steady praise that we heard from those who knew him best that told us what we needed to know about his character and leadership abilities.”

The process of finding a new City Manager began in November of 2023 when the DeSoto City Council hired the municipal consulting firm Government Professional Solutions (GPS) to conduct a nationwide search.

On Thursday, April 18th, three finalists including Al-Ghafry were invited to DeSoto City Hall for a public meet and greet event. It was there that Majed Al-Ghafry distinguished himself with his demeanor, knowledge, and love of DeSoto.

“When I told our residents back in April that I loved DeSoto, I meant it! I’ve had many friends and colleagues from DeSoto over the years and they’ve shared the love and enthusiasm they have for this wonderful city with me.” Al-Ghafry continued, “I’ve also been able to experience DeSoto on my own as a neighbor and a professional, and I can see both its greatness and its untapped potential.”

“This is a very exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to working with our Mayor and City Council, team members, and residents to make DeSoto the absolute best it can be!”

Majed Al-Ghafry is an Executive Engineer and educator who has spent more than 35 years as a leader in both the public and private sectors.

He has worn many hats with the City of Dallas including overseeing all of Dallas’ infrastructure departments, Economic Development, Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization, Planning and Urban Design, Development Services, the Office of Historic Preservation and the Tourism, Conventions and Events Departments.

Before joining the City of Dallas, Al-Ghafry served as the Assistant City Manager of the City of El Cajon, California, and as the Public Works Director for the City of San Antonio.

Majed is a Credentialed City Manager who earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Texas, Denton, a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, professional engineering registrations in Civil and Traffic from the State of California and a professional engineering registration from the State of Texas. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas.

The post Dallas Assistant City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry Named New DeSoto City Manager appeared first on Focus Daily News.