Business and Leadership expert

From high-profile endeavors to local initiatives, Rachel L. Proctor serves her community as an experienced leader and advisor. Growing up in the family business, she developed her tireless work ethic and cultivated a deep commitment to community service through ministry.

Rachel established her career with a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, highlighted by her administrative direction of the Neighborhood Christian Learning Center of Dallas Inc., a family-owned business for nearly 30 years. Her passion for health and wellness led her to become an owner of Salata Salad Kitchen, addressing the need for healthy food options in her region.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Rachel was elected as the 22nd Mayor of the City of DeSoto, TX in February 2021 in a Special Election—stepping into leadership at a time marked by a global pandemic and the devastation of Winter Storm Uri. In 2025, she made history again by winning one of the most competitive mayoral races in DeSoto’s history. In a crowded field of five candidates, she secured a decisive victory with over 54% of the vote—eliminating the need for a runoff and affirming the community’s confidence in her leadership.

Her leadership extends beyond politics; she is a two-time published author, ordained Elder, and a host of multiple live events aimed at helping women entrepreneurs launch their businesses.

Rachel's dedication to education inspired her to launch EMERGE Leadership Inc. (ELI), which has since provided scholarships totaling nearly $25,000 to young women. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Dallas Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40" Class of 2016, the 27th Annual Distinguished African-American Alumni Award presented by the University of Texas at Arlington African American Alumni Chapter, UT Arlington School of Business 2023 Mavs 100 which recognizes the top fastest growing businesses among UTA Alumni, the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Leadership Award from the Grand Prairie NAACP, and the 2023 COSIGN of the Year Award.

Now, Rachel is building the Intentional Business Co., a faith-based business education company focused on empowering leaders with the tools to grow their impact, influence, and income. Connect with her at Hello@TheIntentionalBusiness.co.

If you're looking to bring grounded, faith-infused insight to your organization or event, Rachel offers customized workshops and keynote presentations that equip teams and leaders to grow from the inside out. She also specializes in helping leaders and entrepreneurs clarify their message, own their expertise, and activate their influence with intention. Click HERE to inquire about booking Rachel.

And if you’d like to stay connected through her leadership insights and practical strategies, subscribe to her “From the Ground Up™” newsletter on LinkedIn. It’s written for leaders who want to grow deep roots—with wisdom, strategy, and spiritual substance to match.