My name is Derell Edward Jones. My journey began in the city of Detroit, where I was born and raised. From a young age, I have been known for the joy I bring to others with my positive energy and commitment to service.

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Fueled by my passion and eagerness to connect with others, I began my service journey at Wayne State University's Math Corps Summer Camp and Bridge Program in 2005. This 6-week program combined mathematics with mentorship to empower inner-city Detroit students and enhance their mathematical skills. Over the years, my role within the program evolved, allowing me to reach a wider range of students. I progressed from Teaching Assistant to College Assistant, then College Instructor, and finally, a mentor for underclassmen in the WSU math department. My involvement with the Math Corps continued until 2013. Witnessing the positive impact I had on these students strengthened my desire to further uplift my community and beyond.

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After graduating from Cass Technical High School, I studied dance and acting (earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre – Acting) at Wayne State University. Toward the end of my matriculation at WSU, I found a deeper understanding of faith in Jesus, which guided my future endeavors.

The summer of 2011 presented an exciting opportunity—volunteering at the IYF World Camp in New York. This immersive program empowered young people through a blend of leadership training, faith exploration, and engaging activities. From professional-led academies to vibrant music and dance performances, thought-provoking lectures to inspiring sermons, the IYF experience resonated deeply. Witnessing the program's seamless operation, the radiating joy of everyone involved, and the lasting impact on the youth volunteers touched my heart – I craved to deepen my faith and be a part of something bigger.

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Determined to further contribute, I continued to volunteer to empower young people. Thanks to a connection made by Aku Kadogo (former Director of the Black Theatre Program at Wayne State University), I learned about an exciting opportunity to join Detroit Arts Immersion (an organization that provides arts programming for abused, neglected, homeless, and paroled youth across the city of Detroit). Led by Juilliard graduate Breanna O'Mara and a team of artists (from Juilliard, Wayne State, and U of M), Detroit Arts Immersion offered arts programming to underprivileged youth. My most impactful moment was at Covenant House, where sharing our crafts transformed gloomy hearts and faces into expressions of pure joy.

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My experience with Detroit Arts Immersion reaffirmed the positive impact creative expression could have on young people. Eager to continue to make a difference, deepen my faith in Jesus, and share it with others, I participated in IYF's English camp mission trips to Mexico and Haiti, in January 2012 and later that same year, respectively. In both countries, I shared my love for dance and English and introduced participants to Mind Education, a curriculum addressing essential concepts such as self-control, deep thinking, and connection.

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Volunteering in Haiti was transformative. I witnessed the resilience of a community still grappling with the scars of the 2010 earthquake. Leaving, I cried—overwhelmed by the desire to do more and immense gratitude for my blessings in America. This experience sparked a connection that inspired my continued service in Haiti and beyond. Over the years, I have had the privilege of bringing joy to youngsters in schools, juvenile detention centers, and even police academies.

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Following graduation from WSU, I pursued my dreams with a move to New York City, collaborating with industry leaders in dance, acting, and performance, including Aubrey Lynch II (original cast member and associate choreographer of The Lion King on Broadway) and Carlos Neto (choreographer for major brands like Warner Brothers and Sony). These experiences honed my artistic skills and expanded my vision of artistic education and service.

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I also joined the Gracias Choir, where I served as an acting and dance coach. For their Gracias Christmas Cantata production, I played a key role in training the choir's acting team and providing feedback on dance choreography. Touring prestigious stages across the United States, South Korea, and beyond, I performed for audiences exceeding 150,000 annually, a testament to the power of art to inspire and uplift.

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In 2017, I co-founded the IYF Dance Camp, bringing together students from across America for intensive training in dance styles like musical theatre, hip hop, and cultural dance. Through this initiative, I directed the American Dream Dance Team, a dynamic group that triumphed in international cultural dance festivals and performed for audiences as large as 40,000 in South Korea. Similarly, I founded the Memphis Belle Dance Team in New York, empowering young dancers through training and performances, even during the challenges of the pandemic. These efforts extended my impact through virtual platforms, reaching thousands worldwide.

 

In addition to my artistic endeavors, I have contributed significantly to educational and administrative fields. At Mahanaim School in Huntington, NY, I served as Director of the Academic Excellence Center and as Registrar, enhancing student success through innovative programming. As an instructor for Introduction to Drama, I developed course material and guided students in drama, staging, and acting techniques, nurturing their intellectual, technical, emotional growth as performers.

 

Most recently, I have joined the faculty at Five Towns College in Dix Hills, NY, as an adjunct dance instructor. In this role, I am excited to further share my expertise and the joy of dance, fostering students' growth and expanding their artistic horizons.

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Witnessing the transformations of students worldwide, particularly through initiatives like Memphis Belle, has inspired me to document these changes and develop replicable methods for success across diverse communities. To this end, I enrolled in Wayne State University’s Theatre, Dance, and Teaching Artistry online master’s program. Through this program, I aim to deepen my knowledge and expand my capacity to make a lasting impact globally.