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Elevate Effect

by City of Cedar Hill

Government Places & Travel

Season 2

Real Life, Real Feelings: Teen Mental Health

Welcome to season 2, episode 5 of The Elevate Effect. In this episode, Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with public speaker, author, and mental health advocate Wes Woodson, along with Yuwa Assih, vice president of the Mayor's Teen Council, for an important conversation about youth and adolescent mental health. Mayor Stephen Mason and the Mayor’s Teen Council are passionate about mental health in the community, especially for young people. 1 in 5 young people are living with a diagnosed mental health condition. In this conversation, they explore the challenges facing today's youth, ways families and communities can provide support, and managing mental well-being. Subscribe to The Elevate Effect and be part of the conversation. To learn more or submit a question to Mayor Stephen Mason, visit: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/elevateeffect. Don't miss the City’s Music in the Park Series: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/musicinthepark. For more events and happenings around Cedar Hill, visit: https://www.visitcedarhilltx.com.

The Great Greenway

Welcome back to the Elevate Effect's second season! On episode 4 Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with Rachel Laca, superintendent of Cedar Hill State Park, and Julie Collins, director of Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, to discuss The Great Greenway. The Great Greenway is DFW's largest outdoor district. Spanning over 2,800 acres with 36 trails and seven parks. The perfect outdoor experience to get away from the city life. Subscribe to The Elevate Effect to join the conversation. To learn more or submit a question to Mayor Stephen Mason, visit: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/elevateeffect. Explore upcoming community events: • Music in the Park Series: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/musicinthepark • Juneteenth Festival: https://www.lancaster-tx.com/2696/BSW-JUNETEENTH-FESTIVAL

Business Boom in Cedar Hill and DFW

On episode three of the Elevate Effect's second's season, Mayor Stephen Mason has a conversation with Duane Dankesreiter, senior vice president of research and innovation at the Dallas Regional Chamber and Cedar Hill EDC board member, and Shawn Quildon, vice president of Holmes Murphy and president of Cedar Hill's EDC board. This episode holds an enlightening discussion about new business developing in Cedar Hill and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Gain more insight on Cedar Hill's Downtown Action Plan, or listen for the latest restaurants and retail to watch out for. Subscribe to The Elevate Effect and join the conversation driving our region forward. For more information or to submit a question to Mayor Stephen Mason, visit: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/elevateef.... To learn more about Cedar Hill's Street Dance, please visit: cedarhilltx.com/streetdance. Visit cedarhill.com/calendar to stay-up-to-date on our Food Truck Thursdays series.

A Fighting Chance

On episode two of the Elevate Effect’s second season, Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with Samuel “S3” Arnold III, professional boxer and Cedar Hill resident. The episode dives into S3’s life as a boxer, his recent NABA championship win, and what it’s like living and training in Cedar Hill. Listeners can expect an upbeat conversation that highlights both his journey in the ring and the small-town charm that makes Cedar Hill special. Subscribe to The Elevate Effect and join the conversation driving our region forward. For more information or to submit a question to Mayor Stephen Mason, visit: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/elevateeffect. To learn more about Cedar Hill's Street Dance, please visit: cedarhilltx.com/streetdance. Follow Samuel Arnold III on Instagram @samuelarnoldiii or on TikTok @samuelarnoldlll.

Elevating Education in Cedar Hill

Season two of The Elevate Effect kicks off with an insightful conversation centered on the future of education in Cedar Hill. Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with the Cedar Hill Dr. Maria Gamell, superintendent of Cedar Hill ISD to discuss the role education plays in strengthening our community. This episode explores how Cedar Hill ISD is preparing the next generation to thrive, while staying rooted in the values that make our city unique. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping local schools today. Subscribe to The Elevate Effect and join the conversation driving our region forward. For more information or to submit a question to Mayor Stephen Mason, visit: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/elevateeffect. To learn more about Cedar Hill's annual Block Party, please visit: cedarhilltx.com/blockparty

Season 1

Best of Season 1

Mayor Steven Mason closes out Season 1 with a rapid‑fire tour through the podcast’s most memorable moments. From high‑school phenom Jeremiah Hernandez’s full‑ride to SMU to city‑wide breakthroughs in business, public safety, health care and transit, this “best‑of” sampler shows how Cedar Hill and the Best Southwest are elevating everyday life. 🎧 In this highlight reel Youth on the rise – Hear how local student leaders turn classroom grit into scholarships and service. Entrepreneurship & innovation – From corrugated‑box empires to coworking spaces and salad franchises, discover why founders keep choosing Cedar Hill. Outdoors, wellness & safety – Hike the escarpment with the “Black Hiking Queen,” meet the Reyes chiefs behind police‑fire teamwork, and learn how Methodist Charlton’s surgical robots and Star Transit’s curb‑to‑curb rides are reshaping local quality of life. 👍 Like what you hear? Follow The Elevate Effect so you never miss an episode, and share this season finale with a friend who loves community‑driven stories. 🔗 Useful links • City of Cedar Hill – cedarhilltx.com #ElevateEffect #SeasonFinale #CedarHillTX #CommunityLeadership

Driving Opportunity

Cedar Hill Mayor Steven Mason welcomes Tommy Hendricks (Executive Director) and Kim Britton (Deputy Executive Director) of Star Transit for a conversation on how app‑based, curb‑to‑curb service is reshaping mobility in Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and DeSoto. In this episode you’ll discover: How residents can schedule affordable, on‑demand rides in minutes Ways Star Transit links the Best Southwest to DART Light Rail and the wider DFW region Fare options that keep rides accessible for seniors, veterans, and riders with disabilities What expanded service could mean for jobs, education, and local quality of life Links & resources Star Transit – startransit.org Download the StarNow app on iOS or Android https://www.cedarhilltx.com/75/Agendas-Minutes

Purpose in Practice

In this inspiring episode of Elevate Effect, Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with Michael Stewart, President of Methodist Charlton Medical Center, to explore the power of purpose-driven leadership in the world of healthcare. With a deep commitment to both patient care and community well-being, Michael shares his journey through the medical field and how his values have shaped his approach to leadership. Together, they discuss the evolving landscape of healthcare, the importance of servant leadership, and how Methodist Charlton is making a lasting impact beyond the hospital walls. From building stronger community partnerships to supporting frontline workers, this conversation offers meaningful insights into leading with purpose and compassion. Find more details on the Cedar Hill Street Dance happening on Saturday, April 26 here: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/3204/Street-Dance To submit a question to Mayor Stephen Mason and explore more about Elevate Effect, visit: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/elevateeffect

Fatherhood, Fitness, and Flying

In this engaging episode of Elevate Effect, Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with John Mays, a dedicated community leader who wears many hats as President of Cedar Hill All Pro Dads, owner of a boutique fitness studio, and founder of Cedar Hill Dads Aviation. With a passion for mentorship, wellness, and adventure, John shares how his diverse experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and impact. These two dynamic leaders discuss the importance of fatherhood initiatives and upcoming trends and opportunities in aviation that everyone should be aware of. John also highlights ways families can get involved in Cedar Hill All Pro Dads, an organization dedicated to strengthening father-child relationships. To get involved with Cedar Hill All Pro Dads, visit: https://www.chisd.net/services/family-and-community-engagement/parent-organizations/all-pro-dads. Discover details on Party in the Park here: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=14984. Have a question for Mayor Stephen Mason’s Listener Q&A segment? Submit it here: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/elevateeffect.

Compassion Behind the Badge

In this compelling episode of Elevate Effect, Mayor Stephen Mason explores the vital role of compassion in public safety with two of Cedar Hill’s top leaders: Police Chief Ely Reyes and Fire Chief Rafael Reyes. With decades of experience between them, these dedicated public servants share insights on how empathy and trust-building play a crucial role in law enforcement and emergency response. Together, they discuss the collaboration between police and fire departments, the importance of community engagement, and how their teams work tirelessly to keep Cedar Hill safe. Through personal stories and professional wisdom, this conversation highlights the heart behind public service and how everyday citizens can contribute to fostering a safer, more connected community. Learn more about the Senior Meal Program here: https://www.cedarhilltx.com/2856/60-Meal-Program To submit a question to Mayor Stephen Mason and explore more about Elevate Effect, visit https://www.cedarhilltx.com/elevateeffect

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