Village Tech Schools hosted their annual Gala in Dallas this past Friday, a night filled with celebration, reflection, and inspiration.
The event celebrated teachers marking 5 and 10 years of dedication, welcomed attendees with greetings from current and alumni students, was emceed by Executive Campus Director Schretta Stewart-Mays and Pre-K-2 Campus Director Brandi Olmstead, and showcased an alumnus performing original music to launch his debut album.
Yet, the evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Heart of Design Award to Nakia Douglas, Executive Director of the Dallas Education Collective, recognizing his transformative contributions to education in Dallas and beyond.
Village Tech Schools, a network of public charter schools in Dallas, has built a reputation for fostering innovation, community, and student-centered learning.
The Gala itself embodied this spirit, blending nostalgia with forward-looking optimism.
Teachers who have shaped countless lives over half a decade or more were celebrated for their unwavering commitment, while the presence of current and former students as masters of ceremony underscored the school’s emphasis on empowering young voices.
The musical performance by an alumnus launching his first album added a layer of pride, highlighting Village Tech’s role in nurturing not just academic success but creative potential.
Amid these festivities, two awards were presented, with the Heart of Design Award taking center stage.
This accolade, bestowed upon Nakia Douglas, honors an individual whose vision and leadership exemplify the art of designing impactful educational systems—systems that prioritize innovation and student success.
Douglas, a Dallas native and seasoned educator, has spent over 26 years shaping the landscape of K-12 and higher education, and his recognition at the Gala reflects his profound influence on the community Village Tech serves.
The second award of the night went to Daniel Price, President of Hunt Energy Network, for his foundational role in starting Village Tech Schools. As a founding board member and early visionary, Price’s efforts helped establish the school’s innovative framework, a legacy that continues to thrive.
As Executive Director of the Dallas Education Collective (DEC), Douglas leads an organization dedicated to expanding access to high-performing schools in underserved areas.
His work with DEC builds on a remarkable career that includes founding the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy in Dallas ISD, where he served as principal and guided its first graduating class to 100% college acceptance.
His journey also spans roles as a teacher, principal, and executive director across North Carolina and Texas, always with a focus on uplifting students from challenging backgrounds.
At the Gala, Douglas’ receipt of the Heart of Design Award was met with resounding applause, a testament to his reputation as a collaborative leader and champion of student success.
The award celebrates his ability to design educational frameworks that are both innovative and effective, a mission that aligns closely with Village Tech’s own ethos. In accepting the honor, Douglas highlighted the collective effort and high standards that have driven success for both himself and Village Tech, framing it as a shared commitment to excellence. He articulated this vision, saying,
“You’re creating that looping cycle that allows instructors to begin from day one. When those kids come in, their parents understand you. The beauty of that is, the expectations you’ve embedded within your culture only allow and expect excellence—so even your weakest links are stronger than the strongest links at other campuses.”
Village Tech Schools’ decision to honor Douglas reflects their shared commitment to reimagining education in Dallas.
The school network, known for its personalized learning approach and strong community ties, has become a beacon of progress in the city’s educational landscape.
By celebrating Douglas, they not only acknowledge his individual contributions but also signal their alignment with broader efforts to ensure every child has access to a quality education.
The Gala’s other award recipients and the evening’s performances further underscored Village Tech’s vibrant community spirit, but it was Douglas’ moment that left a lasting impression.
His leadership at DEC, which recently launched a bold initiative to create innovative public charter schools, positions him as a pivotal figure in Dallas’ educational future.
With plans to open an elementary charter school by Fall 2026, Douglas continues to design opportunities that promise to reshape the prospects of countless students.
As Village Tech Schools celebrated their past and present achievements, the spotlight on Nakia Douglas served as a powerful reminder of the work still ahead.
His Heart of Design Award is more than a recognition of past successes—it’s a call to action for all who share his vision of a Dallas where education is a tool for empowerment.
Through events like this Gala, Village Tech and leaders like Douglas are designing a brighter future, one student at a time.