Meet the Founders

At Rooted in Our Purpose, everything we do begins with heart, intention, and a deep commitment to community. Our founders are more than visionaries—they're changemakers who turned passion into purpose. With diverse backgrounds and shared values, they came together to plant the seeds of a nonprofit rooted in love, equity, and sustainable impact. Get to know the people behind the mission—their stories, their why, and the purpose that drives them every day.

Giavante Douglas is a passionate social worker driven by a genuine desire to uplift and empower individuals. From a young age, she has always possessed a deep empathy and an unwavering commitment to helping others navigate life's challenges. Her calling to become a social worker was a natural progression of her innate passion for supporting those in need.

Deadre Ussery is a liberatory educational leader with over 20+ years in the field of education. Her greatest joy is being able to serve black and brown children, families, and communities in a way that edifies who and who they are. She is passionate about creating spaces that reflect the historically marginalized in a high-quality, culturally responsive environment. Her purpose is to eradicate the Opportunity / Achievement gap with an equity lens in an innovative manner that ensures excellence for each black and brown person.