Deranique Graydon
Youth Communications Assistant
Staff
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, 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. 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.
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Nicholas Hall
Communications Manager
Nicholas Hall is a marketing professional, entrepreneur, and committed supporter of Black arts & culture…
Nicholas Hall, Communications Manager
Nicholas Hall is a marketing professional, entrepreneur, and committed supporter of Black arts & culture. A native Washingtonian, Nick is a creative at heart who finds himself most energized through collaboration and support of like-minded innovators. This dedication was cultivated during his years in Atlanta, GA, at Morehouse College. Since then, Nick has continued to hone his craft in areas such as digital marketing, design, social media marketing, event planning and community engagement; with a portfolio inclusive of diverse clientele such as Nike, Verizon, Subway, Delta Airlines, Allstate, AT&T, and many more. Nick has also been rewarded with the opportunity to support clients in the education space, crediting this work with sparking his interest in community advocacy & social justice. This dedication is enriched through his support of fundraising efforts, mentoring programs, and volunteer organizations such as DC Mutual Aid, UNCF, No Kid Hungry, and more.
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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…
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. Ms. Jenkins is a native of New Orleans, LA, a city known for its love of food and hospitality. Naturally Folami followed into the hospitality industry. Ms. Jenkins attended The University of New Orleans where she attained a degree in Hotel Restaurant and Tourism with a concentration in food and beverage.
Upon obtaining her degree in HRT, Ms. Jenkins set off to conquer Washington, DC. Arm with her citywide events experience and analytical thinking Folami quickly rose to become the go-to catering director. Her skills allowed her to turn around troubled catering departments and ensure client retention for flagship units. Ten years after her arrival Ms. Jenkins decided to start her own full-service catering company; Details Catering. Details Catering specialized in producing private events for high profile clients including Former First Lady Michelle Obama, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, The National Urban League and Red Bull to name a few.
Eventually, Folami’s love of her hometown caused her to return. Shortly after returning she was sought out by Mayor LaToya Cantrell to coordinate the city’s Tricentennial state visit of the King and Queen of Spain and the Tricentennial Essence Festival Welcome Party that hosted over 3000 celebrities, politicians and special guests. Recently, Ms. Jenkins has taken on the role of Digital Event Strategist for Curve the Runway. She has assisted the organization’s pivot from an in-person event to a virtual platform including a weekly social media talk show, dashboard hosted events, and a television channel on Freeli TV.
Ms. Jenkins has been profiled by The Washington Business Journal, Very Local New Orleans and appeared on news segments for various District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and New Orleans radio and news channels.
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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, 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. 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.
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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, 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, 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 –
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