Derek Jones is a proud Bristol native whose lifelong commitment to community service continues to inspire others. With extensive experience in leadership, marketing, and team development, Derek has built a career focused on helping individuals and organizations reach their fullest potential.

As Co-Founder of DK Brand Collective, a professional development and consulting firm, Derek leads dynamic training programs that empower teams through leadership coaching, communication workshops, and organizational development strategies. His work with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams reflects his passion for growth, accountability, and positive culture building.

Derek’s dedication to service extends beyond business. He has served on several local boards, including The Men and Boys’ Fund, the Bristol Diversity Council, and currently serves on the Energy Commission Board for the City of Bristol, CT. His commitment to unity and progress drives his work with DK Movement Cares, where he helps design initiatives that uplift families, children, and communities in need.

Through hard work and integrity, Derek has earned recognition for his leadership and impact, most notably being featured in the Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry for his professional excellence and community contributions.

elly Houston has made it her life’s mission to give back to the community she loves through service, leadership, and empowerment. Originally from New York, Kelly built an accomplished career in the modeling industry, gracing numerous urban and fashion magazines and walking the runway for top designers during Fashion Week. Her natural charisma led her to become a red-carpet hostess and media personality, where she interviewed artists and public figures with confidence and grace.

After becoming a mother, Kelly shifted her focus to helping families as a Lactation Consultant before later expanding her passion for connection and impact into community leadership. Now based in Connecticut, she has served on several boards and committees, including the Bristol Diversity Council, Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, and the W.O.W. Event Advisory Board, where she continues to champion unity, equality, and inclusion.

As Co-Founder of DK Brand Collective, Kelly leads event planning, coaching, and empowerment initiatives designed to strengthen teams, elevate brands, and foster collaboration across communities and organizations. She is a Certified Quality Event Planner and an MBA candidate, blending creativity with strategy to design meaningful experiences that inspire growth and lasting change.

Kelly’s unwavering commitment to community and excellence continues to drive her work with DK Movement Cares, where she helps create programs that uplift families, youth, and individuals in need across Connecticut.

Tina, a Connecticut native, has dedicated her life to helping others succeed. After earning a Bachelor’s in Children and Family Studies and an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship, she overcame significant personal challenges to complete her education. With over 20 years of experience at the Meriden New Britain Berlin YMCA, Tina has held multiple roles, including preschool teacher, childcare director, and Director of Childcare Operations, where she became a recognized expert in early childhood education. She is also skilled in grant writing, securing funding for impactful initiatives. Tina’s passion extends to her work as a parent educator and visitation support specialist, where she supported families in difficult situations. Outside of her career, Tina is a proud mother of five and grandmother, enjoying family time, boating, and beach relaxation. As a mentor, she continues to inspire others with her positivity and dedication to helping children and families thrive.

A native of Waterbury, Connecticut, Sarah Hatcher has dedicated the last 25 years of her career to supporting and transforming the lives of the underprivileged youth across the state of Connecticut. She has been able to successfully take her educational background and lived experiences of trauma to transform her life to embody healing, compassion, empathy, and the understanding that is so necessary to govern change in the communities she serves. During this time, she has engaged in significant community outreach, advocacy specifically on the micro level, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, fundraising, social justice reform, and so much more. Her passion lies with having a niche knowledge of trauma informed care, motivational interviewing and therapeutic crisis intervention. She utilizes her decades of experience in this field of work to ensure that the youth she supports not only have their basic needs met; but, a supportive environment where they can learn the tools and life skills necessary to empower themselves to heal from their own traumas. Because of this experience, she has become known as a fierce advocate for the youth she serves.“