Last week, The Dallas Business Journal selected Ashley Sharp as a “Dallas-Fort Worth Top 40 Under 40” honoree for her accomplishments in the nonprofit and social innovation sector. This annually published list features rising stars in industries such as healthcare, technology, nonprofits, manufacturing, and financial services.
Sharp, who currently serves as Executive Director at Dallas-based nonprofit Dwell with Dignity, was honored to receive the accolade.
“Not only is it incredible and humbling to be recognized by my great city of Dallas, but as a self-identified entrepreneur, it’s also wonderful to see that recognized in the nonprofit space,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realize how thriving that spirit of entrepreneurship is in the nonprofit world.”
The Dallas Business Journal is the premier publication for local business news in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Their yearly rankings and awards, which are quite popular among local professionals and business owners, span everything from “Best North Texas Golf Courses” to “Dallas Women in Technology.” The “Top 40 Under 40” list is a particularly competitive category in a city robust with innovation, growth, and entrepreneurship.
“When I look at the other individuals on this list, I’m especially honored to have been recognized as part of such a powerful cohort,” said Sharp. “You just don’t meet the same kind of bold, fearless, trailblazing entrepreneurs in any other city. That’s what makes Dallas such a special place to live, lead, and grow a business.”
In 2016, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex surpassed Houston to become the 4th largest economy in the United States. With a GDP of more than $620 billion, Dallas-Fort Worth would have the 20th largest economy in the world if it were a sovereign state. It’s also considered one of the best places for STEM professionals (those who work in science, technology, math, and engineering). And, increasingly, it is home to a thriving landscape of nonprofit and mission-based organizations.
“In some ways, I consider Dwell with Dignity to be part of a larger movement of community-focused organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth who are working hard to create a more prosperous, equitable future for the next generation,” said Sharp. “We’re a community that cares about community, and that’s reflected in the strength of our nonprofit sector.”
The next cohort of 40 Under 40 honorees will be named in summer 2023.
