Dallas exudes its own unique energy, which is fueled, empowered and supercharged by its diverse people. Dallasites embody a maverick, can-do spirit, expressed in the city’s thriving arts and entertainment scene, iconic sports culture, creative culinary influence, and warm, welcoming hospitality.

Here are just a few local Dallasites that embody what it means to be a maverick, can-do spirit. These Can-Doers live by the soul-stirring state of mind that Dallas is filled with boundless potential. Can-Doers invite the community and visitors alike to be their best, boldest and most fearless self in a way that energizes our destination.

Chef Anastacia Quinones-Pittman, a 2023 James Beard Finalist, creates culinary wonders as executive chef at acclaimed restaurant José. Infusing her dishes with the vibrant flavors of her Mexican heritage, Quinones-Pittman expertly captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine. Her culinary mastery is evident in every dish, thoughtfully made with locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, on José’s rotating menu. Quinones-Pittman’s dedication to culinary excellence extends beyond the kitchen, as she is active within the Dallas community with numerous charitable events and initiatives.

Born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Armando Sebastian discovered his passion for theater and fashion at an early age, which later transformed into narrative painting. Infusing autobiographical details into his vibrant works, he explores themes of identity and gender amidst lively landscapes, drawing inspiration from poets and music icons. Over the past decade, Sebastian has exhibited extensively in North Texas, including prestigious venues like the Arlington Museum of Art and the Latino Cultural Center, as well as galleries in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York City. His accolades include the 2017 Artistic Merit Award from ArtSpace111 and featured participation in exhibitions like New Texas Talent at Craighead Green Gallery and MaricónX.

Cynt Marshall, the first black woman to lead an NBA team, has been CEO of the Dallas Mavericks organization since 2018. Prior to joining the Mavs, she had a remarkable 36-year career at AT&T, where she held diverse executive roles and culminated her journey as Senior Vice President – Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer. Beyond her corporate success, Marshall is deeply engaged in the community, serving on the boards of Dallas CASA, Dallas Regional Chamber, Texas Women’s Foundation, Texas 2036, T.D. Jakes Foundation, and as a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC).

Jeremy Biggers, a Dallas-born and raised award-winning creator, has made a significant impact as a painter, muralist, and filmmaker. His artistic journey began at Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he discovered his passion for painting, photography, filmmaking and graphic design. Recognized as "Dallas' hardest working multi-hyphenate" by D Magazine, he has collaborated with global brands such as IBM, Nike, Adidas and McDonald's. Biggers' art, rooted in personal experiences, explores themes of identity, particularly as a Black man in America, fostering sincere conversations and inspiring viewers to explore their own identities. His unique visual language, including the recurring "hyper-red" color, and symbolic dots representing personal connections, adds layers of meaning to his impactful creations.

Daron Babcock, a pioneering social entrepreneur, is the visionary founder of Bonton Farms, a transformative urban agricultural movement located in South Dallas. Leaving behind a thriving corporate career, Babcock and his wife, Theda, relocated from North Dallas to immerse themselves in the revitalization of the Bonton neighborhood. He shares his inspiring journey and insights at prestigious events worldwide, including TEDx Jacksonville, Philanthropy Southwest and engagements in Kenya, Romania, Brazil, as well as various forums across Texas.

Hatziel Flores, a self-taught contemporary artist from Dallas, Texas, has been a creative force since a young age. Exploring a range of artistic mediums, Flores found a particular fondness for spray paint. Through his vibrant work, Flores captures human energy and emotion, his captivating murals can be spotted throughout the city.

Born in Tokyo to a Japanese mother and a Cajun American father, Chef Michelle Carpenter's culinary journey reflects a rich blend of her diverse heritage and early experiences. Determined to become a true Itamae, she underwent two years of rigorous training in San Diego under master Itamaes. In 2007, Carpenter’s culinary journey reached a milestone with the opening of Zen Sushi in the heart of the Bishop Arts District. Her newest restaurant, Beatrice, pays homage to her Cajun family traditions and is rooted in Louisiana’s deep gumbo of cultures, cuisines, histories and peoples.

Haylee Ryan, a Dallas native and University of Dallas alumna, delves into the intricacies of memory and nostalgia in her artwork. Through her pieces, Ryan seeks to capture people and keep their memories alive. Ryan engages in multiple artistic spaces including commissioned paintings, gallery exhibitions and mural projects on both local and international scales.

Daisha Board, CEO and founder of Daisha Board Galleries, is dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized artists, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and those with disabilities. Through her galleries, Board provides a platform for underrepresented artists, fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the Dallas arts community. Notably, she made history by opening the first Black-woman-owned art gallery in Downtown Dallas.

Michelle Dekkers is a Dallas-based artist whose murals decorate indoor and outdoor spaces across the city. Dekkers embraces mural work as a means of making lasting changes to her cityscape, ensuring that every project resonates with the fabric of the surrounding community.

Twins Terrence and Tim Maiden, co-founders of the Maiden Foundation, have are dedicated to uplifting underserved communities in their hometown of Dallas, Texas. The Maiden Foundation provides impactful initiatives including, educational investments, community revitalization projects and youth development all aimed at creating a brighter, more inclusive future for residents of Dallas with limited financial resources.

Hatziel Flores, a self-taught contemporary artist from Dallas, Texas, has been a creative force since a young age. Exploring a range of artistic mediums, Flores found a particular fondness for spray paint. Through his vibrant work, Flores captures human energy and emotion, his captivating murals can be spotted throughout the city.

Arike Ogunbowale, is a standout professional basketball player for the WNBA's Dallas Wings. Ogunbowale completed her collegiate career at Notre Dame as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,626 points. Her WNBA journey began in 2019 as the fifth overall pick for the Wings; during that season, she earned the runner-up spot for Rookie of the Year. In her second year, she led the league in scoring with 22.8 average points per game, securing a well-deserved spot on the All-WNBA First Team. Her international success is equally as impressive, with five USA Basketball medals and participation in competitions across six foreign countries. Away from the court, Ogunbowale is very active in numerous community service projects including Special Olympics and the Ronald McDonald House.

Jeremy Biggers, a Dallas-born and raised award-winning creator, has made a significant impact as a painter, muralist, and filmmaker. His artistic journey began at Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he discovered his passion for painting, photography, filmmaking and graphic design. Recognized as "Dallas' hardest working multi-hyphenate" by D Magazine, he has collaborated with global brands such as IBM, Nike, Adidas and McDonald's. Biggers' art, rooted in personal experiences, explores themes of identity, particularly as a Black man in America, fostering sincere conversations and inspiring viewers to explore their own identities. His unique visual language, including the recurring "hyper-red" color, and symbolic dots representing personal connections, adds layers of meaning to his impactful creations.

Blake Wright, a Rockwall native, graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. His artistic journey continued through studies at the Miami Ad School and a residency at Rancho Linda Vista. Along the way, Wright has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Moschino, Neiman Marcus, The Cut and Barney's New York, showcasing his creative prowess and making a mark in the world of design and fashion.

We need YOUR help finding and telling more of these inspiring stories.

The story of Dallas is the story of its people. Our community, represented by our five core values, our brand pillars, is what gives our city just the right amount of swagger.

Our diverse community of people - a rich tapestry of cultures
Creative culinary influence - our unique recipe
Arts and entertainment - an unwavering commitment
Future-facing innovative audacity - a bold city that takes big swings
Iconic sports culture - locally revered, globally recognized.

Know of a local that exudes a maverick, can-do spirit in one of these core values? Nominate them to be featured and championed by Visit Dallas.