Darrick Graham, Executive Director

Essential2Life is pleased to announce that Darrick Graham has been named as its new Executive Director, effective February 1, 2017. Highlighted by his time spent in nonprofit program management at Operation Hope at the King Center and previous entrepreneurial experience, Darrick brings a unique set of skills that will help  E2L and its FIFTEEN program continue to help students succeed and grow. Darrick has been a class team lead with FIFTEEN for three years, and previously served as an E2L Board Member.

Prior to accepting this new role, Darrick served as the Program Manager for the Small Business Portfolio for Operation HOPE at the M.L. King Center in Atlanta, before he was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 2015. During his time at Operation HOPE, Darrick helped successfully launch over 150 small Business ventures, through the Entrepreneurship Training Program.

Darrick received a Bachelor's in History from Morehouse College in Atlanta in 1998, and an advanced degree from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland in 2001.  He is  an active member of the Morehouse College Alumni Chapter, and was  previously affiliated with the Community Partnership & Housing Association of Baltimore, and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative with the City of Atlanta. 

Darrick shares that, "We love our city and we love our youth.  Our future lies within the hearts of our youth and it’s our responsibility to prepare them for the challenges ahead.  We have an opportunity to instill critical leadership skills in students who will have a profound impact in their homes and communities.  With the right tools, these students can represent a positive voice for their peers as they pursue a life of purpose and distinction. Together we can restore their hope and be a bridge for the better tomorrow we all hope for.  I look forward to the day, when everyone has an equal chance for a bright and thriving future."

Darrick succeeds Vince Hungate, the founder and initial Executive Director of E2L, who will remain involved with the organization and the Fifteen program.