United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has selected eight early-stage social innovators for its 2026 Social Innovation Incubator cohort.

Over the next 12 weeks, each incubator member will work one-on-one with innovation designers from  SMU MADI (Southern Methodist University’s Master of Arts in Design & Innovation program) to research, refine, and test their social impact ideas in real-world environments.

“Together, they’ll test what works, improve their approach and build solutions that lead to clear, measurable results,” United Way of Metropolitan Dallas said on LinkedIn.

Cohort members

Here are the 2026 incubator members:

Caitlin Holcomb, The Wellmate :: A whole-health platform that helps consumers and providers connect to more accessible, collaborative care.

National Etiquette Professionals Network, Etiquette Training Institute :: A youth leadership and social-emotional development program supporting underserved communities.

Dominique Johnson, A Mindful Resource :: A nonprofit offering mobile and emotional first aid and mental health education to reduce stigma and increase access to support.

Shaunte Allen, MEd, CLDP, SMC; Allen Learnimy :: A multi-sensory learning system enhancing safety and performance for workers with limited literacy or language barriers.

Kwesi Hill, Our Care Community :: A peer support network for mothers dealing with postpartum depression.

David Stenson, EETZ Rescue :: An equitable perishable food distribution program designed to reduce waste and increase access to nutritious meals in low-income communities.

Kris Fanning, Texas TicKids :: A nonprofit increasing equitable access to arts, sports, and cultural experiences for youth across North Texas to bolster socio-emotional growth and opportunity.

Kristen Collins, Black to the Lab :: A STEM education learning toy designed to improve access to high-quality STEM pathways for underrepresented students.

Growing positive impact

United Way said that the Social Innovation Incubator invests human, social and financial capital in early-stage (discovery and experimentation stages) entrepreneurs in the social innovation sector. The Incubator offers organizational and leadership development, individualized mentorship, and a learning platform that helps participants develop a strong business plan.

“The program is designed for entrepreneurs who have experienced challenges and who strive to drive impact in education, income and health in North Texas,” the organization said on its website.

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