As a teen, Derrick was a mentee of then, City Councilman now County Commissioner, Lawrence Weekly in North Las Vegas.  He also had the opportunity to be educated for eight months in Adwa, Ethiopia, which helped form, his desire to obtain a leadership position in education reform.

After attending Texas Southern University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in History, Derrick’s goal became to return home, and bridge the achievement gap on the Northeast and Northwest sides of the city.  Currently, the education policies of North Las Vegas mirror that of the larger Clark County School District.  However, the disparity of socioeconomics and academic achievement between North Las Vegas and Las Vegas is large.  National Urban Fellows presents a unique opportunity for Derrick to put his skill sets into action.  Continued tutelage from his mentor, combined with the knowledge gained as a National Urban Fellow, Derrick will have an unyielding foundation in public reform.

Derrick has a vested interest in America’s education system.  As a high school educator and mentor, the early part of his career has been on the frontlines of a Title I high school to promote change in the lives of his students.  The experience and success as an educator will help shape the transition into the public policy sector.

In ten years, Derrick’s goal is to run for public office in North Las Vegas, Nevada.  As a teen there, he observed many successful politicians.  When seeking election into a public office in Nevada, being a hometown product is vital.  It is equally significant that a successful candidate have ties to the State Capitol.  Derrick was a delegate at Nevada Boys State in Carson City.  He still retains relationships with his Boys State classmates, which provides a cadre of political allies. 

It is essential for Derrick to couple career success with a personal passion for securing the educational attainment of students who are marginalized in today’s public schools.