I am both excited and humbled to announce that I have been named one of the most powerful business leaders in Dallas-Fort Worth by D CEO, the award-winning business publication of D Magazine. The 2018 edition of the Dallas 500 issue features executives in more than 60 categories, highlighting the achievements of “the people who really run Dallas-Fort Worth business.”

Dallas has continued to evolve into an epicenter of business, technology and artistic opportunity and I’m honored to be listed among some of the brightest and most influential business leaders in the country.

I have come a long way to reach this point, and I can attribute that to my dedication as well as those who have supported me on this journey. In 1995, I found Worldwide Express, a global shipping logistics company for small to mid-size businesses. Headquartered in Dallas, the company now has more than 125 local offices across the country. It is one of two primary UPS authorized resellers in the United States, and currently has sales in excess of $1.3 billion. I have worked alongside tremendous teams and am thankful to have guided Worldwide Express’ strategy and vision throughout its history of growth and success.

Additionally, I hold a positions within a variety of companies. Alef Mobitech Inc. is a mobile Internet enhancement firm that I currently am an investor in and advise the founder, Dr. Ganesh Sundaram. I am a majority shareholder and board member of beGlammed.com, and am on the board of advisors of TEDx and XPRIZE.

The arts are also a major focus for me. I sit on the board of advisors of the American Film Institute, and have partnered with the Dallas Film Society for a screenwriting competition titled THE SIONNA PROJECT for the 2016 Dallas International Film Festival. I also served as executive producer for the films Three Days in August, Signs of Humanity and Occupied, Texas.

It takes passion, patience and determination to find success as an entrepreneur, but it also takes support from the community. I can attribute much of my good fortune to a supportive network of mentors and peers, and relish in opportunities that allow me to pay it forward.

Thank you to D CEO and the city of Dallas for this honor.