Faces of GRAND Prairie, A Community Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Grand Prairie Parks and Rec Updates with Kelly Eddlemon and Emily Linares May 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Faces of Grand Prairie podcast, Jenna Pecor interviews Emily Linares and Kelly Edelman from the Grand Prairie Parks, Arts and Recreation Department. They discuss their roles, the history and growth of the department, and the innovative events and programming that enhance community engagement. The conversation also covers the challenges of event planning, the importance of community feedback, and the future plans for Grand Prairie's parks and recreation initiatives.#grandprairie #parksandrecreation Jenna Pecor, Realtor, 214-558-4410Coffee News Grand Prairie: https://www.coffeenewsgp.com/My Jennarocity Estate Sales: https://myjennarocityestatesales.com/Amanda Herrera, Ameliorate Counseling, PLLC, https://amanda-herrera.clientsecure.me/Timestamps: 00:00Introduction to the Guests and Their Roles06:27Personal Histories and Career Paths09:19The Evolution of Parks and Recreation in Grand Prairie12:09Community Engagement and Real Estate Perspectives15:30Collaboration Across City Departments18:27The Role of the Parks and Recreation Commission21:32Upcoming Events and Community Programming31:40Exciting Changes Ahead for Local Events34:34The Challenge of Event Planning36:48Navigating Event Challenges and Adaptations42:23Creating Memorable Experiences for Families44:16Overcoming Obstacles in Event Management51:43Marketing Strategies for Community Engagement56:08Upcoming Events and Community Involvement

Getting to Know GPISD Superintendent Dr. Gabe Trujilio May 07, 2025

Show notes

Join Jenna and co-hosts Emily Aquino and Cadence Williams from Dubiski High School as we get to know our new GPISD Superintendent! Emily and Cadence are student leaders from the Media Technology Pathway. They prepared the questions for today's episode, and it was wonderful hearing how Dr. Trujilio answered them! This episode is full of advice and wisdom from our new superintendent and it was a pleasure to have a full studio today! Special thanks to the following people for making today's episode happen! School Board Trustee Emily LilesGay Lynn Broom, GPISD Communications DirectorAniska Douglas, Chief of Career & Technical Education and Innovative ProgramsTyler Case, Dubiski Teacher, Media TechnologyMeghan Wiggins with The Epic was our Production Engineer for today's episode. To donate to the podcast: https://facesofgrandprairie.org/support-local-journalismSponsors for today's PodcastJenna Pecor, Realtor, Bancroft Realty, 214-558-4410Coffee News GP, genesis@coffeenewsgp.comGrand Prairie United Charities, https://gpuc.org/Amanda Herrera, Ameliorate Counseling, PLLC, https://amanda-herrera.clientsecure.me/My Jennarocity Estate Sales, www.myjennarocityestatesales.com#GPISD #grandprairie #education #DubiskiHighSchool

From Little League to Vietnam: The Journey of a Life of Service with Ray Jean Bush Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

This conversation explores the life and experiences of Ray Jean Bush, a Vietnam veteran and active community member in Grand Prairie. Ray shares his journey from growing up in Grand Prairie, his involvement in local sports, and the impact of his military service during the Vietnam War. He discusses the importance of community support, education, and the role of veterans in society. Ray also reflects on his personal life, including his family and the purpose he finds in helping others. The conversation highlights the significance of honoring veterans and the contributions they make to their communities.

Vietnam Veterans of America, GP Chapter #1013

https://vva.org/chapter/vva-chapter-1013/

Run for the Wall, Honoring Veterans

https://rftw.us/

Grand Prairie Memorial Day Celebrationhttps://www.gptx.org/Community-Calendar/Memorial-Day-Celebration-2025Episode Sponsors:

Jenna Pecor, Realtor

https://jennapecor.com/

Coffee News GP

https://www.coffeenewsgp.com/

Honor Guard Flags GP

https://www.yardbook.com/hp/131402

Jennarocity Estate Sales

https://myjennarocityestatesales.com/

Nonprofit Spotlight:

Grand Prairie United Charities

https://gpuc.org/

Empowering Entrepreneurs with Mary Dominguez Santini, Founder of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Faces of Grand Prairie podcast, host Jenna Pecor interviews Mary Dominguez Santini, the founder of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Grand Prairie. They discuss the importance of community engagement, the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses, and the need for business education and access to capital for entrepreneurs. Mary shares her experiences in founding the chamber, the significance of cultural understanding, and the challenges faced by small businesses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and supporting the next generation of business leaders in the community.Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Grand Prairiehttps://grandprairiehispanicchamber.org/Episode SponsorsMy Jennarocity Estate Saleswww.myjennarocityestatesales.comCoffee News GPhttps://www.coffeenewsgp.com/Mansfield Driving Academyhttps://mansfield-drive.com/Jenna Pecor, Realtor Bancroft Realty https://jennapecor.com/

From the Gridiron to Leadership: The Journey from College Football Coach to GPISD Athletic Director with Coach Gary Bartel Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Coach Gary Bartell shares his journey from growing up in Grand Prairie, Texas, to becoming a successful college football coach. He discusses his early athletic experiences, the transition to college football at Texas Tech, and the challenges he faced in his personal life and career. Bartell reflects on the importance of mentorship in coaching and the impact of his experiences on his life and career. He also shares insights into the evolution of coaching styles and the significance of community in sports. Bartel discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a football program, the impact of COVID-19 on athletics, and her transition from coaching to becoming an athletic director.

Brian Bondy, President of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Discover the insights from Brian Bondy, the new President of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce, as he shares his vision for local business growth and community engagement.Episode Sponsors: My Jennarocity Estate Sales: https://myjennarocityestatesales.com/Coffee News GP: https://www.coffeenewsgp.com/Mansfield Driving Academy: https://mansfield-drive.com/Jenna Pecor, Bancroft Realty: https://jennapecor.com/Faces of Grand Prairie Website: https://facesofgrandprairie.org/Sign Up for the Monthly Faces of GP Newsletter: http://gem.godaddy.com/signups/9ff78e46af114e63ac1c4bdbea3489cf/join00:00 Introduction to Brian Bondi and the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce05:54 The Business Landscape of Grand Prairie09:10 Networking Opportunities and Community Engagement11:57 The Role of Small Businesses in Grand Prairie15:09 Sales Skills and Overcoming Challenges18:00 The Importance of Follow-Up and Customer Relationships27:38 The Weight of Responsibility in Business29:04 The Rise of Entrepreneurship Post-Pandemic31:02 The Importance of Local Business Expertise33:25 The Hard Work Behind Success34:19 Chamber of Commerce: Structure and Purpose35:44 Empowering the Next Generation through Education38:40 Innovative Education and Career Pathways40:06 The Shift Towards Trades and Technical Skills42:27 Chamber Events: Networking and Growth Opportunities44:22 Community Leadership and Vision46:48 Navigating Challenges in Business48:42 Connecting with the Chamber of Commerce#chamberofcommerce #grandprairietx #grandprairie #localbusiness

Talking Dalworth History and Family Legacies with Alex Dave, Founder of Dave's Legacy Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Join us as we sit down for a candid interview with Alex Dave, founder of Dave's Legacy nonprofit organization, to delve into the rich history and family legacies of the Dalworth community. Learn about the stories and experiences of one family that have shaped this vibrant neighborhood in Grand Prairie. Episode Sponsored by:Jenna Pecor, Bancroft Realty, 214-558-4410 https://jennapecor.com/Jennarocity Estate Sales https://myjennarocityestatesales.com/Dave's Legacy Nonprofit Website: https://www.daveslegacy.org/D Magazine "History of Dallas Food: The Legend of Eltee O. Dave and Dave’s Barbecue" https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2011/08/history-of-dallas-food-the-legend-of-eltee-o-dave-and-daves-barbecue/

Talking South Grand Prairie High School Football with Alumni JB Williams Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

This was a fun, albiet far too short, episode. My guest is one of the most recognizable alumni of SGPHS, JB Williams. JB tells how his passion for SGPHS football started his sophmore year and continued for years after graduation, running the famous SGPHS touchdown flag down the field for many years after. JB loves this city and loves our shared Alma Mater and it was a pleasure speaking with him on this very cold day! He will be back again to talk local Grand Prairie sports as soon as possible! This episode is sponsored by me! I am a Realtor with Bancroft Realty and own My Jennarocity Estate Sales, an estate liquidation company. Give me a call at 214-558-4410! But I'm looking for more sponsors!! If you're a business who'd like to sponsor the Faces of Grand Prairie, you can do so at our website, https://www.facesofgrandprairie.org!

Grand Prairie City Council Member Tony Shotwell Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

My guest today is Tony Shotwell, Grand Prairie City Council Member, Place 5. Our episode is sponsored by Jenna Pecor with Bancroft Realty and Jennarocity Estate Sales...if you're looking to downsize for yourself or a parent, this is Jenna's specialty! 214-558-4410

Grand Prairie City Council Member Junior Ezeonu Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

My guest today is Grand Prairie City Council Member Junior Ezeonu. Junior is the youngest council member ever elected in the history of Grand Prairie. We discuss issues all over the political spectrum, from term limits to being a partisan representative in a nonpartisan elected position. This video is sponsored and hosted by Jenna Pecor. Jenna is a Realtor with Bancroft Realty in Grand Prairie and provides estate sale services through her company, Jennarocity Estate Sales. If you are in the market for either of these services, reach out to Jenna at 214-558-4410!

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