Meet Derek Rhodes | Founder & Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek Rhodes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derek, what do you attribute your success to?
Our success comes from the genuine way we engage with the young men in our program and in our community. We take a bottom-up approach which allows our scholars the opportunity to reciprocate their experiences in the program and in turn help us motivate the next generation of scholars.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I wanted to create a space for black young men to come be themselves and learn life skills that the school curriculum does not cover. I got to a point in life where I felt that the professional skills and experience I developed could provide value to thousands of young men and the growing network of amazing organizations doing similar work.

Our success comes from the genuine way we engage with the young men in our program and in our community. We take a bottom-up approach which allows our scholars the opportunity to reciprocate their experiences in the program and in turn help us motivate the next generation of scholars.

I want the legacy I leave behind to be one of opportunity and community. I want to be known for creating opportunities for the betterment of people in my community. I have been fortunate enough to have a remarkable network of mentors, family and friends who have served as that community support or the foundation for my success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Dame’s Chicken and Waffles

Foster Street Coffee

Durham Food Hall

Beyu Caffe

Durham Museum of History

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Dr. Roderick Heath, NCCU Men’s Achievement Center Jamaal Bowden, Durham Success Summit

Website: www.dssnc.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/DurhamSummit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/durhamsummit

Twitter: www.twitter.com/DurhamSummit

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DurhamSummit

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXwtogrrEbL8_Mppleci8Yw