MEET DERRICK

Raised in Tulsa, he grew up in a large, blended family and was deeply influenced by church, music, and sports. His father, a longtime Tulsa Public Schools bus driver, coach, and church deacon, instilled in him a strong foundation of service, leadership, and community. From an early age, he demonstrated initiative—becoming an assistant manager at 17 and a program coordinator for the Salvation Army at 18. 

Derrick attended Graceland University on a football scholarship before returning to Oklahoma, where he earned his degree from UCO. Along the way, he supported his wife, Tequia, through her education and career in social work while raising their two children, Nia and Ethan.

His career has centered on youth development, education, and leadership, spanning roles in recreation, ministry, and corporate training. In 2012, he founded One Mind One Spirit (OMOS), a company focused on team building and professional development. He later served as a leadership facilitator with Paradigm Shift, traveling nationally and internationally to train leaders and strengthen organizational culture across diverse sectors.

A significant part of his work has focused on building trust between young people and law enforcement. Through partnerships with the Oklahoma City Police Department and Oklahoma City Public Schools, he developed and led programs that foster meaningful connections between students and officers, particularly in underserved communities. His efforts have included juvenile intervention initiatives, in-school mentoring, and community events designed to create safe spaces for dialogue, strengthen relationships, and support positive outcomes for youth.

In 2024, he joined Restore OKC as Youth Workforce Director, where he helps create pathways for young people through entrepreneurship, job training, and community-based initiatives, including urban farming, small business development, and affordable housing. 

Derrick is also an ordained minister, author of five books, and active civic leader, serving on numerous boards and advisory groups focused on youth leadership, education, entrepreneurship, foster care, and the arts. His work is driven by a commitment to closing gaps in education, employment, and the justice system while expanding opportunities for youth, families, and underserved communities.

Education, Boards and Community Work:

B.S. Kinesiology (Recreation Management) - University of Central Oklahoma

M.A. Theological Studies - Southwestern Christian University  

Previous Board & Committee Service

- Metro Technology Center, MCA Advisory Board

- Metro Technology Career, Entrepreneurship Board

- University of Central Oklahoma, Outdoor Recreation Curriculum Advisory Board

- PIVOT, Board of Directors

- OIC, Business Academy Council

- Innersports Academy, Advisory Board

- YoungLife, Board of Directors

- Foster Care & Adoption Association of Oklahoma, Board of Directors

- Leadership OKC, Youth Leadership Exchange Board of Directors

Current Board & Committee Service

- Twin Cedars, Board of Directors

- Vanguart Performing Arts Foundation, Board of Directors 
- PIVOT, Program Committee
- Sunbeam, CQI Committee
- OKC Youth Safety Advisory Committee 

-Eastside Rotary