I am an award-winning innovator whose work as a Marketing and Design executive, investor, author, and storyteller has been covered by The New York Times, CNN, Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, and The Associated Press. After triumphantly breaking through 13 years of foster-care spanning four foster placements, public housing, and becoming my own guardian at the age of 16 – I have channeled the uniqueness of my journey and talents into various products and processes that are creating a more equitable world while also generating value for investors. My first book, Million Dollar Scholar: Winning The Scholarship Race has assisted thousands of students from across the globe in avoiding higher education debt through free mentorship and guidance for scholarships and grants. The business ventures that I have co-founded – Million Dollar Scholar, BREAUX Capital, and DQ and Partners – have positively impacted the lives of over 55,000 youth and low to middle income families, creating pathways for higher education, career advancement, and financial wellness. As a communications expert, I have led lectures and sessions on marketing, culture, social impact, education, and equity at various high-impact companies and public interest organizations with highlights including SnapChat, Harvard University, The United Nations, and Clinton Global Initiative. I have also been invited to deliver keynote addresses at TED, State University of New York (SUNY), and the Carnegie Science Center, and Watson University.I hold a Masters of Science in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelors of Arts Sociology, Biology Minor from the Morehouse College. I completed secondary school at the esteemed Kenwood Academy High School on the South Side of Chicago. - Find my extended bio at: www.derriusquarles.com/bio - View my portfolio at: www.derriusquarles.com/brands - For climate and energy RFPs: https://www.ecohealthstrategies.com/