Age: 23
Company: DSE Solutions, a strategic and political consulting services firm
Title: Founder and CEO
Hometown: Florence, Kentucky
Resides: Old Louisville
Education history: University of Louisville — B.A. in political organization, and minors in socio-cultural anthropology, political science and social change
Hobbies: Watching and playing soccer, playing chess, and having fun with friends
X: @davidech9
Instagram: @davidech9
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidech/
Favorite tech gadget: Bluetooth speakers — Music makes life more enjoyable.
How did you get into the career you have today?
A healthy level of stupid. I believe in the power of community and trusting yourself and your ability to figure things out. I was able to build my skills and career through community work and campus leadership, with a mix of successes and failures.
I started my academic career at the University of Louisville as a marketing and economics double major, before being frustrated with the limiting structure of business school. I switched to political science but my passion wasn’t government, but rather community. I later decided to pivot to an individualized major my junior year and created a program for myself called “Political Organization.”
That new path allowed me to be multidisciplinary and to learn more about how to mobilize and connect with communities and the people that live in them.
In 2021 I spent six months in New York City working contracts with groups like NYC Action Lab and Atlas Strategy Group, opening up a new world of opportunities and ways to work in the intersection of my skills and passions.
What’s one thing Kentucky can do to improve its tech and/or startup ecosystem?
Diversify approaches to business and relationships, prioritize the value of lived experience and invest in our young Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
Traditionally, tech and startup companies have been the innovators and risk-takers in business, but the ecosystem in Kentucky will fall behind due to the traditional approaches that have a firm grip on business and professional development in the commonwealth.
What’s something about you that people might not know? I was UofL Homecoming King in 2021, the first Hispanic or Latino to be awarded that crown at the university.
Who has been one of your top mentors? Why?
I have two very important mentors in my life: Carlene Pinto and Michael Blake.
Most of my development as a young professional and entrepreneur has been through a non-traditional lens, and not relatable to many, but being introduced to both of these mentors has elevated my understanding of what is possible for me in the future, and what I should expect of myself in the present.
In 2021, Carlene offered me the opportunity to move up to New York and work a contract with her as an intern. Amidst my studies and 17 hours of classes, I packed my bag and made my way to the great unknown. Within the first month of the contract she offered me a full-time position with NYC Action Lab, as well as the grace to understand that while I might have not had the professional experience, I did have the practical experience and skills of organizing work. Her passion for community, and ability as a strategist pushed me to learn and elevate my work throughout my time in NYC. She was also the one that introduced me to my fraternity brother Michael Blake in the Bronx.
In working with and learning from Michael, it has become evident that he has an unrelenting drive to do what’s needed to make an impact across industries and communities. His passion to build is unparalleled, and he understands how to do so strategically. His care for his relationships is even more impressive, and something I admire greatly. He’s given me the opportunity to explore my passions in community/political work and the sports industry, working with Atlas Strategy Group and Next Level Sports and Entertainment, and build upon my skills to navigate the intersection of the two.
My development as an entrepreneur wouldn’t be possible without both Carlene and Michael’s investment of time, energy and faith.
