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The Influentials

Texas has long been a place that attracts people who want to make a difference. It doesn’t matter who your parents are or how little money you have, if you possess a great idea and want to achieve great things, the Lone Star state welcomes you with no questions asked.

In this editorial series, CultureMap highlights those individuals who impact Dallas in a big way. These leaders help shape our city with new — and often bold — ideas. Some are powerful household names; others fly under the radar and work tirelessly behind the scenes without recognition.

With the sheer force of persuasion and determination, the Dallas Influentials are molding the economy, enhancing the culture and creating a blueprint for the 21st century — making our hometown a better place to live.

RADHA ARORA

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts president on spirituality, charisma and Chardonnay

By Kendall Morgan

May 9th, 2013 at 5:15 AM

No one knows posh destinations like Radha Arora. A 30-year veteran of the luxury hotel business, he earned his stripes in the industry as the youngest general manager in the ...


CATHERINE CUELLAR

The new Arts District executive director on Dallas' embarrassment of riches

By Kendall Morgan

Apr 24th, 2013 at 11:01 AM

There is no area of the city more vibrant than the 68-acre Dallas Arts District, the largest area of its kind in the nation. There, major cultural institutions share space ...


TODD FISCUS

The top event planner in the South on tequila, Dolly Parton and ballsiness

By Kendall Morgan

Mar 21st, 2013 at 9:22 AM

It just isn’t a party without Todd Fiscus. Not a memorable one, at least. The owner and creative director of Todd Events is known for lending a healthy dose ...


DEAN FEARING

Fearing's celebrity chef on multitasking, Dallas spirit and the best coffee in the city

By Kendall Morgan

Mar 1st, 2013 at 9:22 AM

Known as the “father of Southwestern Cuisine,” Dean Fearing has given Dallas a lot more than the lobster taco. Fearing spent 20-plus years at the Mansion on Turtle Creek, pleasing ...


CINDY RACHOFSKY

The avid philanthropist and art collector on incredible taste and can-do attitudes

By Kendall Morgan

Feb 11th, 2013 at 3:54 PM

As Dallas takes its well-earned spot as one of America’s top ArtPlaces, the city’s creators and collectors alike owe a debt of gratitude to Cindy Rachofsky. This self-described ...


LUCY BILLINGSLEY

The Dallas real estate visionary on optimism, adventure and the power of change

By Kendall Morgan

Jan 28th, 2013 at 2:00 PM

The topography of Dallas wouldn’t be quite the same without Lucy Billingsley. The real estate mogul has built her reputation on looking to the future, from colonizing the land ...


MAXWELL L. ANDERSON

The director of the Dallas Museum of Art on bittersweet chocolate, being unflappable and Dallas' inferiority complex

By Kendall Morgan

Jan 14th, 2013 at 1:55 PM

Editor’s note: CultureMap is proud to introduce a new series called The Influentials, in which we chat with the people who help shape the City of Dallas. First up ...


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