Christina Helwig was born and raised in Dallas, and it has been the perfect place to grow her career and raise her family. She is currently the Chief Marketing Officer for AdvoCare, a health and wellness company based in Richardson. By staying in Dallas, she has been able to establish a successful career at the company she loves and pursue her professional goals, all while remaining connected to the community which she has known since childhood.

Tell us about your life in Dallas?  Being born and raised in Dallas, I have always considered this city my home. I had the incredible opportunity to work for the Dallas Cowboys and was part of the team that opened AT&T Stadium and led numerous memorable events, including Super Bowl XLV. Throughout my tenure, I’ve had a great adventure building my career and my family.

What made you Say Yes to Dallas and not move anywhere else? The decision to say “yes” to Dallas and not move anywhere else was driven by several factors. It was important to me to raise my children around family and since my family all lives in the area, Dallas was the perfect spot to build my life. Being able to share celebrations, milestones, and everyday moments with my entire family brings a sense of joy and fulfillment that I couldn’t imagine finding elsewhere. We also wanted a strong sense of community in the city we lived in, and Dallas gave us just that.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different? I love being able to walk around the neighborhood, visit the community pool, and build lifelong friendships with our neighbors.

Where do you go and what do you do on the weekends or days off? On my days off, I enjoy exploring the city. A few of my go-to spots include Klyde Warren Park, the Dallas Farmer’s Market, and Hillcrest Village.

What is your favorite restaurant in your neighborhood? I love exploring new restaurants in my area. For an adult dining experience, Brentwood is my go-to choice. The ambiance is sophisticated and inviting, and it’s the perfect spot for a night out with friends. When I’m looking for a place with more family-friendly fun, Lockwood is my spot.

What is your favorite outside activity, and where is your favorite place to do it? My favorite outdoor activity is heading to the lake, specifically Cedar Creek. There’s nothing quite like spending a weekend there, hanging out on the water, and enjoying quality time with friends and family.

Favorite festival/event? My favorite Dallas festival would have to be the Greek Food Festival. The festival features the best Greek dishes in town with dancing, traditional music, arts and crafts for the kids, and an overall amazing experience.

Where do you go to experience culture? Why do you like it? When I’m looking for a cultural experience in Dallas, there are several places in the city that I love to visit. One of my favorite ways to experience culture in Dallas is the AT&T Performing Arts Center, where you can watch performances that showcase the talent and artistry of both local and international artists. Another cultural haven in Dallas is the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA). I love that we have such a huge variety of artwork at the DMA that the entire family can explore and enjoy. Trips to the DMA are always on my list when I have visitors in town.

What is your passion, and how does Dallas help fulfill it? Dallas is the perfect place for me to pursue my passion for both my family and my work as the Chief Marketing Officer at AdvoCare. When it comes to my family, Dallas offers a supportive community, great schools, and plenty of family-friendly activities. We can explore places like the Dallas Zoo, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, or enjoy the beautiful Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The city’s emphasis on creating spaces for the whole family makes it an ideal place to raise my children.

Professionally, Dallas is AdvoCare’s home base and having the opportunity to live in the city where my job is has created the chance for me to grow in a strong business community. I am passionate about growing a brand that I love and believe in. At AdvoCare, I have the ability to expand my creativity and bring creative ideas to life.

Who is your local hero? Why? My local hero is Charlotte Jones Anderson, the daughter of Jerry Jones. She embodies all the qualities of an inspiring female leader, a successful businesswoman, and a devoted mother. Charlotte’s accomplishments in the business world are truly remarkable. She has played a significant role in the success of the Dallas Cowboys, serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of the team. Her expertise in marketing and branding has been instrumental in shaping the Cowboys’ image and expanding their fan base. Charlotte’s ability to navigate the highly competitive sports industry and make a lasting impact is truly commendable. She has broken barriers and paved the way for other women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Where do you feel you are nearest to your “tribe” in the Dallas Region? In the Dallas Region, I feel closest to my “tribe” when I visit any of the fabulous restaurants that the city has to offer. Dining out in Dallas provides a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for good food, culinary experiences, and the vibrant dining scene.

How do you interact with your community?I participate in local events that bring people together and contribute to the community’s vibrancy. By attending festivals, fairs, and community gatherings, I can connect with neighbors, local businesses, and fellow community members. These events foster a sense of unity and allow me to contribute to the collective spirit of the community.

Additionally, I serve on the board of the Spring Creek Civic Organization, where I actively participate in decision-making processes and contribute to the betterment of the community. Through this role, I have the chance to collaborate with other individuals in the community and work towards improving the quality of life in our neighborhood.

Lastly, I am actively involved with the AdvoCare Foundation, which focuses on giving back to the community through various initiatives. This year, we partnered with RISD schools to give back to teachers during Teacher Appreciation week and granted a total of $4,000 to the schools.

Tell us about your work and how people can get involved. As the CMO of AdvoCare, I get to help build a brand that promotes health, wellness, and gives our customers the opportunity to look and feel better. Whether you’re a busy mom on the go or just need some extra energy to get you through the day, AdvoCare Spark has you covered. Also, going into the summer months if you need that extra boost of hydration, we have Rehydrate that can help and keep you going in this Texas heat!

For more information and to get in touch, you can connect with Christina on LinkedIn.

How a Global Pharmaceutical Role and Equestrian led one Executive to DFW

There are a lot of reasons people move to Dallas-Fort Worth. For Lynne Faust, geography was key.

“You know, you truly can get anywhere you need to be nonstop, and I have a global role, so I need to be everywhere.”

Faust works for WuXi STA, a subsidiary of WuXi AppTec  a premier Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) that serves clients across the life science industry. She’s an organic chemist by training and worked in research labs for the first 8 years of her career, in Albany, New York. She moved down to DFW about seven years ago, taking on increasing responsibility for the North American business development team at WuXi STA, and now manages 12 direct reports.

These companies typically have moved through the phases of clinical trials owning the intellectual property to their drug, but don’t necessarily have all their own infrastructure to support the full product life cycle. As a contract research and development manufacturer (CRDMO), WuXi STA can step in and speed up the process to commercialization.

Faust’s team also supports clients who aren’t as far along. For example, they may have discovered a novel compound, but have very little lab space to produce enough drug for the investigational new drug (IND) process.

A Fork in the Road Leads to Opportunity in Dallas-Fort Worth

Elina Lavit, originally from the Soviet Union, charted a new course in 2021. Swapping San Francisco for Dallas, she’s now steering business development at OncoNano Medicine, a North Texas biotech that aims to revolutionize cancer treatment. In 2021, Elina Lavit was living in the San Francisco Bay area, where she worked for Myokardia. When BMS acquired it, she considered new professional opportunities, and after her family discussed their options, they chose Dallas-Fort Worth.

“We had friends who moved here, and as a family, we decided living in DFW would be a better fit,” she explained on a recent call.

Having lived in the Soviet Union for the first 11 years of her life, Israel for 24 years, and then San Francisco, the spaciousness and vibrant community of DFW was appealing, as were the opportunities—for herself and her husband, as well as their children.

“The education system is really profound. It allows my kids to strive and continue to enhance their capabilities. There are gifted programs here, which do not exist in all geographical areas of the U.S.,” lavit said. She adds that it’s a multifaceted system—not just about academics, but also music, art, and sports.

It’s no secret that the Dallas-Fort Worth region has seen a population surge—and with more people moving in, the region’s industry diversity is also growing. Life sciences is one industry that has taken root because of the ecosystem. Expertise in computer science has merged with academic and research institutions. People also find numerous corporate headquarters and a strong business community here.

Lavit speaks to both as a new transplant and someone with a biotech career.

She worked for Taysha Gene Therapies when the family relocated, and now heads business development at OncoNano Medicine, Inc., a company developing new products to diagnose and treat cancer. OncoNano’s leading platform, ON-BOARD, enables the encapsulation of therapeutic payloads and releases them at the solid tumor, which allows the targeting of solid tumors without harming surrounding healthy cells.

Lavit knows that DFW is not done growing, and being a part of that transformation and that energy is exciting. Other locations where she’s lived felt transitional, like no one was rooted. But here, she likes the mix of people whose families go back generations with newer residents like her family. Despite the region spanning more than nine thousand square miles, Lavit feels a sense of community and inclination to collaborate—a key part of her job and critical for innovation in general.

“People are more than happy to chime in and connect, to contribute what they know so that others can benefit,” she said.

“I think that connective tissue will just get stronger and the reputation of this region as the intellectual capital of the state will continue to grow.”

By the latest numbers, the population of Dallas-Fort Worth is larger than the populations of North Dakota, Wyoming, Hawaii, South Dakota, Montana, Main, and Alaska combined. The total hovers somewhere around 7.8 million. That reflects growth of 1.3% in one year—between 2020 and 2021—but the story itself has been happening for much longer and doesn’t look like it will slow down any time soon.

Here, transplants find a growing economy and a diverse culture that combines true Texas classics with global flavors. For Lavit and her family, it’s not all work all the time — they’ve been soaking up the local entertainment and attractions, including eating a lot of barbeque. No comment on which city does Texas barbeque best.

Voices contributor Nicole Ward is a data journalist for the Dallas Regional Chamber.

Chris Rodriguez is a Dallas native who now lives at Legacy West. He is a Senior Manager at Topgolf who credits his success to living in the Dallas Region. When he’s not in the office, he’s making use of the nearby live music scene and outdoor patios. Learn more about Chris’ story and why he decided to Say Yes to Dallas.

Tell us about your life in Dallas?

I have lived in the DFW area my whole life. Early in my career I had to relocate to Northwest Arkansas for a new opportunity. As soon I left, I knew my heart belonged back in Dallas. A year and a half later, a job opportunity presented itself back in Dallas. Without hesitation, I immediately said yes. Over the last 6 years I’ve worked my way up within organizations and owe it to being in Dallas. I’ve made lifelong friends along the way. We are all spread out across the metroplex, but it enables us to always have something to do. Whether it’s sitting on a patio having a drink, attending a show at a venue, or simply hanging out at a pool, we never get bored.

What made you Say Yes to Dallas and not move anywhere else?

First and foremost, my family is here, so that’s a given. However, Dallas has such a range of diversity and opportunities, it’s impossible to not want to be in the heart of it all. I have watched major corporations move into the area over the years and open the doors for new opportunities and career growth. I am a huge advocate for growth and development, and you can find it anywhere here.

Tell us about your city/neighborhood. What do you like best? What makes it different?

Plano/Legacy West is its own major city. I don’t consider this area as “the burbs”. It’s the perfect place to have high rise city living yet get a beautiful sunset at the end of the day. Everything in Legacy West is walkable and convenient. You will never go a day without trying a new restaurant or a new drink from your favorite patio.

Where do you go and what do you do on the weekends or days off?

Because we’re in Cowboy Nation, I start my days at the gym, CowboysFit. Plus, who wouldn’t want to workout at the Dallas Cowboys HQ?! But, after a great start to the day, I always meet up with family or friends. You will never catch me on the couch. I am a huge music festival goer, and Dallas has several venues that have great bands and DJs. You can probably always catch me at Stereo Live, Dos Equis Pavilion, or The Legacy Hall Beer Garden.

What is your favorite restaurant in your neighborhood?

Hands down La Hacienda Ranch! Not just because owner Mariano created the frozen margarita, but because the food is amazing. If everything looks good on the menu, go with the “Fernandez.” It’s a mix of multiple menu items, and you’ll get to try ‘em all.

What is your favorite outside activity, and where is your favorite place to do it? 

If there isn’t a music festival going on, I will get my steps in on Katy Trail or Arbor Hills Nature preserve. They’re both unique in their own way. When hiking at Arbor Hills, you forget you are in a city. I feel like it’s a hidden gem in the center of Plano.

Favorite festival/event?

The Texas State Fair is a must along with the multitude of Arts Festivals that go on in the DFW area.

Where do you go to experience culture? Why do you like it?

The Stock Yards in Fort Worth are the perfect place to take a step back from the city hustle. It almost makes you feel like you took a trip back in time.

What is your passion, and how does Dallas help fulfill it?

My passion has always been to help develop others, whether it is personally or professionally. I have been in the Learning & Development field for over 10 years now and I never grow tired. The world is constantly evolving and changing and so are we. My job is to learn from those changes and adapt them into ways people can understand. The best part of my job is the freedom to bring new ideas to life. If you look at Dallas, it’s doing the same. There is always something new or improving. Instead of looking at development as a problem, I look at it as inspiration. The next part of my career is to become a mentor to others. I have worked for large brands, Main Event/ Dave and Busters and currently with Topgolf and want to share my success in building training programs.

Who is your local hero?

I wouldn’t say I have a “local hero”, but I can say that I give all my gratitude to the leaders I have had in my career. It’s sometimes rare or impossible to have a leader that believes in you or challenges you, and I have been extremely lucky to have multiple leaders that helped me get to where I am today. My words of advice are to speak up, share your passion and goals, and never stop trying.

Where do you feel you are nearest to your “tribe” in the Dallas Region?

I feel that when I am in the office, I feel most at home. We are a very close and collaborative team that creates a family environment. We have huge ideas and love to share them with each other. There honestly is never a time where anyone is afraid to ask a question.

How do you interact with your community?

I am a huge extrovert and can talk to anyone. When I wear Topgolf shirts in public, it’s a great conversation starter. People always ask if I work for the brand. It’s the perfect opportunity to share my experience, hear theirs, or invite a first timer to visit a venue.

Tell us about your work and how people can get involved.

I work in the family entertainment industry and being a family first guy, there is no better job. Topgolf is continuously growing with endless opportunities. I would always encourage everyone to stop by a venue and see “The Spirit of the Shield.”

Two Dallas experts on the promise and perils of artificial intelligence

Sunday July 16 is national Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day and with the debut of large language models, AI is top of mind for many people. We asked the founders of Dallas AI — Principal, AI Customer Success at IBM, Babar Bhatti, – and Head of Applied Machine Learning at Best Buy, Aamer Charania, – for input on the man versus machine debate.

Q: From your perspectives, both in your day jobs, and as founders of Dallas AI, do you think people are appreciative or scared of it?
Bhatti: People (including myself) are both excited and concerned of the risks — especially impact to competition for jobs the jobs themselves. People with knowledge about AI tools and how to use them will have advantages.

Charania: Agree, the tech population seem to be very appreciative and super excited, but with due caution. I feel the rest of the population, especially non-tech folks are still figuring it out. The ‘coolness’ factor — whether it’s Alexa and Siri, Tesla’s full self-driving automobile, or more recently, Chat GPT — is attracting tremendous interest but folks are also concerned about the impact to their jobs and misuse like deep fakes, election meddling, and the impact of ultra-personalized social media on kids.

Q: Nicolas Sabouret’s book “Understanding Artificial Intelligence,” takes the position that machines aren’t actually intelligent since they depend on the data that humans supply. What do you think are the top three issues/problems that, with human help, AI could solve in the next five years/10 years?
Bhatti:

• Personalized agents running people’s work and personal lives (like relationships and healthcare);
• Automation everywhere! From offices to manufacturing, multimodal (text, images), and of course back-office automation with workflows;
• AI flying machines.

Charania: This one is hard. I could be overoptimistic but believe there are so many critical areas where AI will accelerate solutions, if not be at the center of it. My top 3:

• Personal agents (similar to above) taking on simpler tasks like scheduling, summarizing information, coming up with draft responses;
• Solving healthcare challenges, whether it’s accelerating drug discovery, treatments, reducing costs via automation, or making healthcare accessible to populations who do not have it today;
• Making education – especially higher education — accessible to all.

Q: What invention from the past would you compare AI to – in terms of its ability to be transformational?
Bhatti: It’s a cliche but … electricity and the Internet.

Charania: Agreed — electricity, the Internet, and cell phones.

Developed over centuries, electricity extended the day, allowing people to do things like work, cook, and read after the natural light had faded. A relatively modern invention — mobile phones enabled formerly unbanked people to join the modern economy, as well as allow us to multitask and transmit information quickly. These are inventions that have forever changed the world.

Just recently the FAA awarded a special airworthiness certificate to Alef Aeronautics for its Model A flying car. Who knows? Your flying Uber could be landing in your backyard before you know it.