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Nick Hawkins

Background​

  • Parliamentarian for DFW Urban League Young Professionals
  • Financial advisor/planner with client-focused practice
  • Community organizer with involvement since age 15
  • Co-founder of 40 Acres organization with Russell Ballard
  • Young professional focused on building bridges within Black community

Professional Focus​

  • Financial planning and advisory services
  • Client base requiring professional image and credibility
  • Recently upgraded vehicle for client presentation purposes
  • Interested in potential position at TIA (Texas Investment Association)
  • Focus on responsible investing and community impact

Community Organizing Background​

  • Active in movement since age 15
  • Background with NAACP and various nonprofits
  • Current role as Parliamentarian for DFW Urban League Young Professionals
  • Co-leads monthly book club studying "The Miseducation of the Negro" by Carter G. Woodson
  • Focused on bridging gap between educated Black professionals and community

Key Philosophy & Mission​

  • Bridge Building: "There is a sentiment that is constantly growing that the learned scholars of the black community oftentimes get their education, get their skills, and don't come back and contribute in a meaningful way"
  • Long-term Commitment: Planning to commit "the next 15 years to help build the Urban League of Texas"
  • Coalition Building: Interested in fighting back against "growing influence of money in politics"

Partnership with Russell Ballard​

  • Co-founder of 40 Acres organization
  • Monthly book club collaboration studying Black intellectual history
  • Shared focus on connecting educated Black professionals with community needs
  • Joint organizing efforts around Urban League activities

Financial Services Philosophy​

  • Background in private equity where he had to "throw every black founder sim in the trash"
  • Moved to financial advisory to create more equitable system
  • Focuses on impact investing and community-oriented financial planning
  • Interested in clients who care about "direct community impact" not just returns

Political Engagement & Interests​

  • Seriously considering running for office "soon"
  • Asked detailed questions about campaign infrastructure and political strategy
  • Concerned about influence of outside money in Texas politics
  • References Pennsylvania charter school donor and federal-level influence as examples of concern

Professional Development​

  • Drives nice car for client credibility (transmission failure story with attorney meeting)
  • Considering vehicle upgrade if TIA position materializes
  • Understanding of professional image requirements in financial services
  • Network building through Urban League and community organizing

Interactions with Gary Sheng​

  • 2025-06-08: First documented interaction at Urban League Young Professionals event
    • Discussed financial advisory business and client presentation needs
    • Shared perspectives on community organizing and political strategy
    • Exchanged contact information for potential future collaboration
    • Gary showed interest in his organizing work and business approach

Investment Philosophy & Approach​

  • Previously worked in private equity with focus on "healthcare tech and legal tech"
  • Frustrated with traditional finance focus on "purely outside of the firm" returns
  • Now emphasizes "direct community impact" in investment approach
  • Seeks to "build a new system" rather than work within problematic existing structures

Strategic Interests & Goals​

  • Running for political office in near future
  • Building coalitions to counter wealthy political influence
  • Strengthening Urban League as organizing vehicle
  • Connecting Black professionals with community impact work

Network & Connections​

  • Strong ties to DFW Urban League Young Professionals network
  • Partnership with Russell Ballard on community organizing
  • Connections to financial services industry
  • Growing political network through organizing work

Austin/Texas Connections​

  • Regular attendee at Urban League events across Texas
  • Understanding of Texas political landscape and challenges
  • Experience with 89th Texas legislative session outcomes
  • Knowledge of outside political influence in Texas

Key Quotes & Perspectives​

  • On Community Responsibility: "The learned scholars of the black community oftentimes get their education, get their skills, and don't come back and contribute in a meaningful way"
  • On Political Money: Concerned about "growing influence of outside money from different states and private benefactors"
  • On Career Transition: Moved from traditional finance because "I really didn't want it to take me to the front of a race. I wanted to find a way to build a new system"

Potential Collaboration Areas with Gary​

  • Impact investing and responsible finance
  • Community organizing and political strategy
  • Coalition building across professional networks
  • Integration of business success with social impact

Notes​

  • Represents younger generation of Black professionals committed to community impact
  • Strong combination of financial expertise and organizing experience
  • Serious about political engagement and systemic change
  • Partnership with Russell Ballard creates potential bridge to Gary's existing network
  • Good example of professional using career platform for broader social mission