Community Connections - Fall 2026
Description
Community Connections - Fall 2026
Hosted by First United Bank - Plano Parkwood
Our twice-a-year event features a guest speaker with ample opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with other community members. New this year, we will spotlight an Inclusive Business leader. A charcuterie spread with wine and bottled water is graciously provided by the North Texas Disability Chamber.
Please consider bringing a guest or two to come join you. There will be ample networking opportunities available.
Inclusive Business Spotlight: TBA
Guest Speaker: Matthew Baek, President & Founder, The Stray Point Project
Please register in advance. If you have any event-related questions or concerns, please contact us at hello@ntxdc.org. Thank you.
Agenda
- 4:00 pm
Check In / Networking
- 4:45 pm
Opening Remarks
Dylan M. Rafaty, North Texas Disability Chamber D'Andre Allegra, First United Bank
- 4:55 pm
Featured Speakers
Matthew Baek, The Stray Point Project
- 5:30 pm
Post-Speaker Networking
- 6:00 pm
Event Concludes
Lineup
Dylan M. Rafaty
President & CEO North Texas Disability Chamber
Matthew J. Baek
Matthew J. Baek is an artist, author, illustrator, educator, and nonprofit leader whose career has focused on visual communication, storytelling, and inclusive arts education. He has authored and illustrated eight children’s books published through Penguin and other publishers, with his books translated into multiple languages. His illustration work has also appeared in publications and projects for organizations such as The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, AARP, USA Today, Johns Hopkins, and Samsung. Matthew also worked as a Senior Graphic Designer supporting PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, launched by President George W. Bush in 2003. He is also the owner and Director of Stray Point Art Academy in North Texas, where he leads a team of instructors and helps shape the academy’s educational and creative direction. Today, Matthew’s primary focus is The Stray Point Project, the nonprofit organization he founded to create meaningful artistic opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and artists with developmental disabilities. Guided by the belief that every person is wonderfully made and has something meaningful to contribute, the Project provides individualized art instruction, exhibitions, community partnerships, and opportunities for artists to share and sell their work. Through The Stray Point Project, Matthew seeks to change the way people see disability—not by focusing on limitations, but by recognizing creativity, dignity, purpose, and the unique contribution each artist can make to the world.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
