(Dallas, TX) — The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF), in partnership with Dallas ISD and Hilltop Holdings, proudly celebrated the next generation of innovators at the annual Hilltop Entrepreneurship Gala, honoring the winners of the Hilltop Entrepreneurship Challenge.
The gala marked the culmination of a months-long journey for Dallas ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) students who transformed ideas into real-world business concepts. Through mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on learning, students developed business plans, built prototypes, and delivered “Shark Tank”-style pitches to industry professionals.
From Idea to Impact
The Hilltop Entrepreneurship Challenge is more than a competition—it is a transformative learning experience. Students are challenged to identify real-world problems, develop innovative solutions, and present their ideas with confidence and clarity.
With support from Hilltop employee mentors and Dallas ISD educators, students refine key entrepreneurial skills including:
- Market research and financial planning
- Public speaking and storytelling
- Collaboration and problem-solving
Over the course of the program, students gain not only technical knowledge, but also the confidence to see themselves as future business leaders and changemakers.
Celebrating the Best of the Best
At the Hilltop Entrepreneurship Gala, top student teams from across Dallas ISD were recognized for their outstanding work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. These students represent the highest level of achievement in this year’s challenge:
2026 Hilltop Entrepreneurship Challenge First Place Winners
1st Place Winners
- Edwin Ramirez & Anthony Lopez – Bryan Adams High School
- Gizelle Terrones – Career Institute North
- Jonathan DeLuna – Sunset High School
- Walter Perdomo – Adelio Williams Career Institute East
- Italy Castelan – Career Institute North
- Yaretzi Perea – Career Institute North
- Alberto Nava & Triniti Childress – Charmaine & Robert Price Career Institute South
- Carlos Arnez – Career Institute North
2nd Place Winners
- Karla Cardona – Career Institute North
- Maurio Hood – South Oak Cliff High School
- Montserrat Marquez & Natasha Martinez – Career Institute North
- Danica Salazar – Career Institute North
- Zorielle Brown & Aiyana Horruntinier – North Dallas High School
- Yaretzi Romero – North Dallas High School
- Leslie Salazar – Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management
- Robert Martinez – Seagoville High School
Graphic Design Competition Winners
Hilltop Challenge Design: Kevin Hernandez – Skyline High School
Hilltop Gala Design: Joslyn Jones – Seagoville High School
Dallas ISD STEM Expo Design: Frank Espinoza & Adriana Villegas – Skyline High School
CTE Teacher Night Design: Evelyn Quevedo Navarrete – Seagoville High School
Middle School Showcase Design: Genesis Arriaga & Maritza Posada Sanchez – Skyline High School
Each of these students demonstrated exceptional innovation, resilience, and the ability to think critically about real-world challenges—skills that will serve them well in college, career, and beyond.
A Powerful Partnership
The success of the Hilltop Entrepreneurship Challenge is made possible through the strong partnership between Hilltop Holdings, Dallas ISD, and the Dallas Education Foundation.
Hilltop employees serve as mentors and judges, volunteering their time and expertise to guide students throughout the process. This hands-on mentorship bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, giving students invaluable insight into the business world.
Through this partnership, DEF continues to connect students with opportunities that expand what’s possible—ensuring every student has access to experiences that prepare them for the future.
Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Programs like the Hilltop Entrepreneurship Challenge are essential to preparing students for success in today’s economy. By combining academic learning with real-world application, Dallas ISD students are gaining the skills they need to thrive—whether they pursue entrepreneurship, higher education, or the workforce.
For many students, this experience is more than a project—it’s a defining moment.
About the Dallas Education Foundation
The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and serves as the direct and designated philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD. With a mission to inspire community investment to accelerate student success, DEF focuses on economic mobility by supporting early learning, advancing literacy, driving postsecondary success, and championing educators. Learn more at dallasedfound.org and follow @dallasedfound on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Threads, and YouTube.
About Dallas Independent School District
The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its students for college or a career. The district offers a competitive mix of innovative programs, choice programs, and instructional initiatives that support the increased academic achievement and the social and emotional development of its students. To learn more, visit www.dallasisd.org.
