Our Research Team and Business Experience

I started my business 19 years ago on the unemployment line. My commitment is that we will always provide the highest level "community-minded technology solutions“

ddrakeford@drakefordassociates.org

Derrick Drakeford, Ph.D. served on the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill, North Carolina Central University, and Shaw University in Raleigh, NC. Derrick holds Ph.D. in Education from UNC-Chapel Hill, a Bachelors in political science from Bethune-Cookman University, and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Government. He holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work; and certificates in Proposal Writing and Fundraising for Nonprofits from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana -Purdue University. Derrick received his Ph.D, from UNC-Chapel Hill.  He has written ten books: 1) Finding Your Purpose in 15 Minutes,2) Fundraising for Nonprofits: What the Bible Says, 3) Starting Your Business from the Unemployment Line, 4) Jada Goes to Pre-School: A Book on Transitions, 5) P5: The Five Secrets to Successful Grant and Bid Proposals, 6) The 2 Laws of Standardized Testing, 7) Inclusion:The Art of Story Listening,  8) The Purpose Lifestyle, 9) Seed, Time, & Harvest: The Organic Sales Process, and 10) 31 Kings: Mental Health Game.

Researcher

dr.brendancsaposs@learnpurpose.org

Dr. Brendan Corbett Csaposs is an Innovative Global Leader, Coach, & Educator with over a decade of experience in leadership, a doctorate in Adult Learning, and the tried and tested management and development skills to help lead business in any sector. As a child struggling with learning differences and behavioral challenges, Dr. Brendan was later driven into the classroom, teaching special education and making sure that his students knew that no matter what was facing them, they had the opportunity to succeed. He carried this mindset withhim into his first role as a principal at the young age of 25, both in terms of how he approached students with challenges, but also in approaching how to coach and develop his adult teammates.

Business Coach

La-Tasha Best-Gaddy is the Chief Strategist of Infinity Bridges, Inc. (IBI), a North Carolina based consulting and training firm that provides innovative solutions to systemic economic development challenges. La-Tasha has over 20 years of experience in the Accounting, Insurance, Financial Services, and Non-Profit Industry Sectors. She is a Business Counselor with the Small Business & Technology Development Center on the campus of NC Central University where she has obtained her BBA in Finance and her MPA as well.

Marketing Consultant

Daniel Holt is a marketing and communications expert with 20 years of experience developing and executing strategic and innovative coalitions, managing crises, and raising organizational profiles at the highest levels of the federal, campaign, non-profit, and private sectors. He has served in five presidential appointments across two White House administrations, directing teams in high-stakes environments across the U.S. and around the world. He is an expert communicator and negotiator who believes that creativity, flexibility, and personal connection are tantamount to solving organizational challenges, and that most problems in business and in life can be solved by connecting the right people. 

Marketing Assistant

Highly organized, communication specialist that challenges and hones substantial web and print content development and project management skills. Possesses excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills as well as exceptional writing/editing skills. Versed in a range of communication media and technologies.