schools
UTA student's effort to bring people together
By Laura Harris at NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
Kevin Vasquez wanted to find a way to get people off of their phones and back into real-life conversations.
Vasquez, 24, is currently studying business and entrepreneurship at the University of Texas at Arlington.
“I am working toward one day owning a cafe and restaurant where I can host so...
Key takeaway So where would a busy 20-something come up with an idea to bring total strangers together on Dallas’ Katy Trail?
Why this matters in Southlake News
The success of Kevin Vasquez's Walk & Talk events on the Katy Trail has implications for communities like Southlake , where residents often balance busy lives with a desire for meaningful connections. As a hub for young professionals and families, Southlake could benefit from similar initiatives that encourage face-to-face interaction and a sense of community. Vasquez's experience shows that even small, informal gatherings can spark significant connections and a sense of belonging. The fact that his events have drawn over 250 participants in just three months suggests a strong appetite for this type of community-building activity. Southlake residents may be inspired to replicate Vasquez's model, using local parks and trails as venues for their own Walk & Talk events, potentially fostering a stronger, more connected community in the process.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Kevin Vasquez wanted to find a way to get people off of their phones and back into real-life conversations.
Vasquez, 24, is currently studying business and entrepreneurship at the University of Texas at Arlington.
“I am working toward one day owning a cafe and restaurant where I can host so...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Laura Harris at NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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