Elevate Effect

Welcome to season 2, episode 5 of The Elevate Effect. In this episode, Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with public speaker, author, and mental health advocate Wes Woodson, along with Yuwa Assih, vice president of the Mayor's Teen Council, for an important conversation about youth and adolescent mental health. Mayor Stephen Mason and the Mayor’s Teen Council are passionate about mental health in the...

Welcome back to the Elevate Effect's second season! On episode 4 Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with Rachel Laca, superintendent of Cedar Hill State Park, and Julie Collins, director of Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, to discuss The Great Greenway. The Great Greenway is DFW's largest outdoor district. Spanning over 2,800 acres with 36 trails and seven parks. The perfect outdoor experience to get awa...

On episode three of the Elevate Effect's second's season, Mayor Stephen Mason has a conversation with Duane Dankesreiter , senior vice president of research and innovation at the Dallas Regional Chamber and Cedar Hill EDC board member, and Shawn Quildon, vice president of Holmes Murphy and president of Cedar Hill's EDC board. This episode holds an enlightening discussion about new business develop...

On episode two of the Elevate Effect’s second season, Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with Samuel “S3” Arnold III, professional boxer and Cedar Hill resident. The episode dives into S3’s life as a boxer, his recent NABA championship win, and what it’s like living and training in Cedar Hill. Listeners can expect an upbeat conversation that highlights both his journey in the ring and the small-town ch...

Season two of The Elevate Effect kicks off with an insightful conversation centered on the future of education in Cedar Hill. Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with the Cedar Hill Dr. Maria Gamell, superintendent of Cedar Hill ISD to discuss the role education plays in strengthening our community. This episode explores how Cedar Hill ISD is preparing the next generation to thrive, while staying rooted...

Mayor Steven Mason closes out Season 1 with a rapid‑fire tour through the podcast’s most memorable moments. From high‑school phenom Jeremiah Hernandez’s full‑ride to SMU to city‑wide breakthroughs in business, public safety, health care and transit, this “best‑of” sampler shows how Cedar Hill and the Best Southwest are elevating everyday life. 🎧 In this highlight reel Youth on the rise – Hear how...

Cedar Hill Mayor Steven Mason welcomes Tommy Hendricks (Executive Director) and Kim Britton (Deputy Executive Director) of Star Transit for a conversation on how app‑based, curb‑to‑curb service is reshaping mobility in Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and DeSoto. In this episode you’ll discover: How residents can schedule affordable, on‑demand rides in minutes Ways Star Transit links the Best Southwest to...

In this inspiring episode of Elevate Effect, Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with Michael Stewart, President of Methodist Charlton Medical Center, to explore the power of purpose-driven leadership in the world of healthcare. With a deep commitment to both patient care and community well-being, Michael shares his journey through the medical field and how his values have shaped his approach to leaders...

In this engaging episode of Elevate Effect, Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with John Mays, a dedicated community leader who wears many hats as President of Cedar Hill All Pro Dads, owner of a boutique fitness studio, and founder of Cedar Hill Dads Aviation. With a passion for mentorship, wellness, and adventure, John shares how his diverse experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and impa...

In this compelling episode of Elevate Effect, Mayor Stephen Mason explores the vital role of compassion in public safety with two of Cedar Hill’s top leaders: Police Chief Ely Reyes and Fire Chief Rafael Reyes. With decades of experience between them, these dedicated public servants share insights on how empathy and trust-building play a crucial role in law enforcement and emergency response. Toge...

Great leaders are often shaped by the communities they call home. In this inspiring episode of Elevate Effect , Mayor Stephen Mason is joined by two remarkable public servants who have deep roots in the communities they now lead. Representative Toni Rose of Texas House District 110 and Mayor Rachel Proctor of DeSoto, Texas share how growing up in the areas they serve has shaped their passion for p...

Mayor Stephen Mason welcomes two local leaders to discuss what makes Cedar Hill a fantastic place for families to put down roots. Dr. Trevena Nelson, principal of Plummer Elementary School and a proud mother of two Cedar Hill High School graduates, shares her passion for shaping young minds in the city’s top-rated schools. Franchesca Alvarado, a local realtor, pastor, and community advocate, offer...

In this episode of Elevate Effect, Mayor Stephen Mason dives into the distinct connections between nature, wellness, and community in Cedar Hill, Texas - widely known as the natural heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Joining him are Irene Ogeto, also known as the Black Hiking Queen, who has inspired a following of over 40,000 by championing inclusivity and empowerment in outdoor spaces, and...

In this episode of Elevate Effect, Mayor Stephen Mason explores what makes Cedar Hill, Texas a great city for businesses to thrive. Joining him in the Poetic Justice Studio are two influential business leaders: Mike Tansey, Southwest Division President of Pratt Industries, a national leader in recycled paper and packaging which recently opened a facility in Cedar Hill, and Brianna Gonzales, owner...

In the debut episode of Elevate Effect , Mayor Stephen Mason sits down with Jeremiah Hernandez, a Cedar Hill ISD graduate and first year Southern Methodist University scholar who earned a prestigious full-ride scholarship. Hernandez opens up about his path to success, sharing how the Cedar Hill community played a key role in shaping his future. This inspiring conversation highlights the powerful i...

Get ready for the Elevate Effect , the City of Cedar Hill’s official podcast hosted by Mayor Stephen Mason! Named for our city’s unique position as the highest point between the Red River and the Gulf of Mexico, this podcast highlights the ways this thriving community is “elevated” in more ways than one. Explore conversations with notable guests, listener Q&As, and exciting city happenings. Do...