Deranique Graydon
Youth Communications Assistant
Deranique Graydon
Youth Communications Assistant
Deranique Graydon is a Sophomore at the University of the District of Columbia, where she majors in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing…
Deranique Graydon is a Sophomore at the University of the District of Columbia, where she majors in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing. Ms. Graydon is originally from Nassau, Bahamas and moved to Washington, DC in 2015.
Deranique became involved with EnventU in 2016 when she joined the program as a junior in high school. She has loved EnventU ever since! Deranique has a passion for the event planning industry and plans to continue her involvement throughout her professional career. Through her enrollment in Ballou High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, Ms. Graydon first became interested in hotel ownership and event planning . Deranique plans to one day have a hotel of her own where she can incorporate event planning and host events. Ms. Graydon enjoys traveling to new places and eating exotic food.
Nicholas Hall
Communications Manager
Folami Jenkins
Strategic Planning, Digital
Folami Smith Jenkins is an experienced logistics-management professional for projects of all sizes who has provided consulting leadership for various organizations…
Lauren Reed
Project Manager
Lauren Reed has been working in the events industry for the past 7 years. She currently works as an events planner in Washington D.C., while also earning her MBA from American University…
Lauren Reed has been working in the events industry for the past 7 years. She currently works as an events planner in Washington D.C., while also earning her MBA from American University. She has helped produce a range of events from annual galas to intimate dinners, for brands such as Montblanc, Facebook, and BET. Lauren is also the Project Manager at the nonprofit EnventU, dedicated to training local high school students in professional development, centered around the events industry.
Christopher Suggs
AV/Lighting Instructor
Christopher Suggs was born in Washington, DC in 1977. He received a Certification in Humanitarian Studies, upon graduating from Central High School, Capitol Heights, Maryland…
Christopher Suggs was born in Washington, DC in 1977. He received a Certification in Humanitarian Studies, upon graduating from Central High School, Capitol Heights, Maryland, in June of 1995.
In September 1995, he joined the United States Navy, as a Quartermaster (ship’s navigator), serving on three ships based out of Norfolk, VA. Wanting to come back home to the Washington Metropolitan Area, Chris received orders to be stationed at the Pentagon, as military police officer, in 2001. He was awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Medal, for heroism during the attacks of 9/11 at the Pentagon.
In 2006, after being honorable discharged from the US Navy, Chris found his passion for serving his local church, Zion Church in any capacity needed. After serving a A/V assistant and drummer he decided to trade his drumsticks for stage lights in 2014. He serves as lighting director for two of Zion Church’s campuses in Landover and Greenbelt, Maryland. As an independent contractor, Chris designs lights for Jericho City of Praise, First Baptist of Glenarden and Bethesda Blues and Jazz. A few of the artist whom he has designed lights for include; Macy Gray, Vivian Green, Be’la Dona, Praise 104.1 Spirit Fest and Congressional Black Caucus Gala.
One of my favorite quotes:
“You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that is real joy.” – Arthur Ashe –