Rachel L. Proctor 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.

She is the Owner and Administrative Director of the Neighborhood Christian Learning Center of Dallas, Inc. NCLC of Dallas has been owned and operated by Rachel’s family for over 30 years.

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Through her community involvement, Rachel recognized that there was a lack of go-to healthy food options in DeSoto for people to enjoy past the Southern region of Dallas. In conversations with community members, it was clear that people were looking for healthier food options that were closer to home. Having been a guest at Salata locations for years, as well as having a passion for health and wellness in general, putting faith into action, becoming a Salata franchisee was natural fit.

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As a life-long entrepreneur and consummate community advocate, Rachel is excited about the first of three location’s which came to market in 2024.

Mayor Proctor is a two-time published author as well as a host of multiple live events to help women entrepreneurs get their start in business and leadership.

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Community service is at the heart of everything she does. Her love for her alma mater, DeSoto High School, fueled her to launch a non-profit called EMERGE Leadership, Inc. (ELI) which to date, has provided young women with scholarships totaling nearly $25,000 since its inception.

She has been recognized numerous times which include:

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She is also a member of the DeSoto New Golden Voices Senior Choir. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington.