Derinda Stewart is the CEO and founder of a nonprofit 501(c)(3) youth and family social services agency located in the DFW metroplex. Mrs. Stewart holds a Master of Science in Social Work (M.S.W.) degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as a Bachelor of Science and an Associates of Arts degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

With over 35 years of experience in non-profit management and 32 years of experience working with youth, families, and individuals in various communities, Mrs. Stewart has demonstrated expertise in grant writing and management, administration, youth development, supervision, program development, and program evaluation. She is a native Texan with a strong track record in these areas.

Mrs. Stewart is a native Texan with a strong background in management, administration, youth development, supervision, program development, and program evaluation. She was honored with the African American Business Leader of Excellence award for 2008 by the Xi Theta Omega Arlington Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Derinda is deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of youth, families, and her community. As the Founder and CEO of Creative Visions Social Services and Consultants, her goal in establishing the nonprofit was to address an unmet need in the lives of youth, individuals, and families. Her aim is to establish and leave a legacy of giving back and making a difference in the community, and most importantly, to follow a calling.

Her purpose is, “I have faith ‘I Can Do All Things through Christ Who Strengthens Me.'” Life to me means trusting in God, who will supply for all my needs. I think of myself as an outgoing, direct, and blessed person. The things I love most in life are my relationship with God, my husband, family, faithful friends, and sports.

Tommy Walker has been an employee with the organization for 11 years. He has 9 years of experience as an Eligibility Specialist determining eligibility for AFDC, CHIPS, and Medicaid for TDHS. Additionally, he has 15 years of experience in human service and social service, working with children, youth, and families in the areas of teen pregnancy prevention, abstinence education, financial literacy, youth development, program development, and life skills education. His skills and knowledge include 26 years as an experienced business entrepreneur, strong financial literacy education, and developing partnerships within the community among faith-based organizations, schools, and youth agencies.

Ken Green holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and has been with the organization for 15 years. He is highly skilled in outreach and collaboration, with experience working with multiple community entities. Ken has over 10 years of experience in developing, managing, and directing after-school and summer programs in various urban areas, as well as 9 years of experience in implementing pregnancy prevention programs. His skills and knowledge also encompass over 25 years of experience in building community partnerships with key stakeholders, recruitment, and training. In addition, he has dedicated volunteer experience, including serving as a Former Board Member of the Park South YMCA Board, Former Board Member of the Mayor’s Neighborhood Task Force, Former Board Member of the Dallas County Community Action Committee, and as a Pop Warner Football Coach.

Mikala McCracklin holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. She has 5 years of experience in implementing evidence-based programs. As a recent graduate with a master’s degree, she led evidence-based programs on juvenile delinquency for 3 years. She obtained funding from her graduate program to continue her research into juvenile delinquency. Mikala has worked with adolescents for the last 4 years, teaching them life skills such as navigating college and obtaining their first job. She also developed strategies to help high school students understand and manage pressure better.

Mikala grew up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood and has worked hard to guide young people on alternative paths out of such environments. Her valuable networking skills have benefited our team, as she has successfully connected our agency with various community partners through her extensive connections in the community. Mikala’s experience as a teacher at an alternative high school equipped her with the ability to administer standardized tests to students facing challenges in acquiring knowledge. Drawing insights from these test results, she developed tailored teaching methods to support each student individually.

Genedra Trotter has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on science. She has been with CVSS since 2007 and has played a key role in ensuring program effectiveness, particularly in program performance evaluation, assessment, case management, education and curricula assessment, pregnancy prevention, and youth development.

Ms. Trotter is a certified elementary and secondary teacher. She has been involved in the agency’s pregnancy prevention programs since 2009. With 20 years of experience working with youth of all ages, she possesses strong leadership and assessment skills. She initially joined CVSS as a full-time employee but is currently working part-time. Genedra Trotter has extensive knowledge, skills, training, and education in assessing, coordinating, planning, organizing, and implementing teen pregnancy prevention education and youth development services, making her a valuable asset for the agency.

Akili Johnson is a graduate of Texas Christian University-TCU. After completing an internship with Merrill Lynch, Akili received his undergraduate degree from Abilene Christian University in May 2001 with concentrations in Financial Management and Accounting. He currently serves as the Chairperson for CVSS Board of Directors.

His work experience includes roles as an Analyst, Controller, Lender, and now an Investment Officer, emphasizing investments, financial advice and guidance, retirement, estate planning, and business advisory.

In May 2023, Akili published his first book as a co-author of Exit Smart Vol. 6: Spotlights on Leading Exit Planning Advisors. This work highlighted conversations with the Nation’s leading Exit Planning Advisors. Akili also serves as the President of the Exit Planning Institute Dallas Chapter. Akili holds a Series 7, 66 FINRA registration and a Life and health license from the Texas Department of Insurance.

He is a CFP candidate completing his Certificate in Financial Planning from Southern Methodist University. Akili currently holds the SE-AWMA® from the College for Financial Planning, along with CPFA® from the National Association of Plan Advisors and the CEPA® from the Exit Planning Institute.

Nadajalah Bennett, is a University of Texas at Arlington-UTA alumni with a BA in Organizational Communication and a Master’s in Public Administration from The University of North Texas. She currently serves as the Vice Chair for CVSS Board of Directors. Nadajalah is an experienced executive administrative and project management professional with over 10+ years of experience helping organizations streamline their business administrative processes while providing an exceptional work ethic, a high sense of dedication, and a strong commitment to excellence.

Mr. Bell is a Chief Executive Officer and Construction and Engineering Expert with over two decades of experience managing projects within the federal government military sector and for private enterprises in the US and abroad. He is a retired US Army Captain Officer with 22 years of distinguished service and is a service-connected disabled veteran. He currently serves as the Secretary for CVSS Board of Directors

Mr. Bell is adept at overseeing general contractors and their subcontractors, inspecting multiple types of construction for code compliance, managing projects from inception to close, on time and under budget, presenting and reporting to stakeholders, and leading cross-functional teams of architects, engineers, and inspectors. His broad-based expertise includes strategic planning, engineering, water treatment, vendor relations, inspections, code compliance, infrastructure, and environmental engineering, 5G, sustainability, commercial and residential construction, budgeting, and fiduciary oversight. Mr. Bell is dedicated to building relationships and providing crucial support to stakeholders, senior executive teams, and boards.

“With over 30 years of experience in the field of information technology, Suresh Lingineni has established a remarkable career marked by innovation, leadership, and dedication. Over the past decade, he has taken on numerous leadership roles, driving strategic initiatives and fostering technological advancements in various organizations.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Suresh is deeply committed to giving back to the community through volunteer work. He actively participates in multiple volunteer organizations, utilizing his extensive IT expertise to support and enhance the missions of these groups.

Currently, Suresh serves as Treasurer for Creative Visions Social Services (CVSS), where he plays a key role in guiding the organization’s technological strategies and initiatives. His passion for social service, combined with his technical acumen, makes him a valuable asset to any team or project.

Mr. Thompson brings nearly two decades of experience in the banking sector to the table. He is a dedicated and results-oriented professional currently serving as the Branch Manager at Woodforest Bank in North Richland Hills. Throughout his 39-year career, he has upheld a steadfast commitment to excellence, fostering collaborative team environments, and demonstrating unwavering loyalty to his employers. John currently serves as the Assistant Treasurer for CVSS Board of Directors He is passionate about empowering customers and colleagues to achieve their financial goals.

Valerie is a Founder and Partner at Howard & Taylor Marketing Consulting. Throughout her career, she has specialized in developing consumer marketing strategies based on insights for small businesses, non-profits, and Fortune 500 companies. Her work is motivated by a desire to grow her community through purpose-driven efforts and to help her clients’ businesses thrive.

Melanie Murray Johnson, Esq., is a real estate and dispute resolution attorney licensed to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech and her Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law. The core values of her firm are dedication, diversity, compassion, and results, all of which are focused on client satisfaction. Melanie strongly believes that we must embody the changes we wish to see in the world, and that starts with volunteering to serve the community.

Jarrette Hawkins is a consummate professional with over 15 years of experience in the discipline of Business Analysis, Project Management, Systems Engineering, and Solution Architecture. Jarrette earned a Master’s in Business Administration, Project Management from Colorado Technical University and a Bachelor’s in Science Industrial Technology at Jackson State University. 

He specializing in the areas of turning issues into winnable solutions, providing tailored solutions that meet customer objectives, communicating technical concepts to non-technical teams and leadership and building relationships internally within a team and with the client/customer base to which the team supports.

Jovan Hawkins-Walker is a Chicago Native, born in the Midwest. I developed a passion for culinary arts in my early teenage years. As a senior in high school, he took a culinary arts elective and fell in love with the education that came with our food.  Jovan moved to Texas and began to pursue a culinary career.  

Within his first year working in the industry, Jovan became the lead cook at Guckenheimer, and worked various catering gigs with Chefs in the DFW, also staging at restaurants to obtain as much knowledge as he could. He soon began to earn his degree, pursuing my passion for the industry.  After graduating Mr. Walker worked as the Sous Chef at Blue Sushi Sake Grill, and later helped manage and open a new restaurant in Uptown Dallas grossing over 1 million in our first year’s opening.  He has managed several restaurant operations overseeing staff and implementing progress plans. 

Although his family is not in the industry, they have been my inspiration since the beginning and motivated me to take pride in my work. Jovan is the Executive Chef for a private school in Euless, Tx focusing on nutrition for student athletes.  His goal is to inspire people of all ages to do what you love and love what you do meaning to take pride in your work. If I can encourage healthy eating lifestyles along the way then that’s a bonus. 

Hobbies outside of cooking include weightlifting and video games. I’ve recently begun this weightlifting journey for over 5 years, and I only hope to continue building the mentality that allows me to see the positive outcome through consistency, discipline, hard work and dedication. I’m grateful to be part of a mission as graceful as Creative Vision Social Services and can’t wait to see what ways we can grow from here.

Karen Aldridge has dedicated 29 years to the field of education, serving in various roles such as elementary teacher, assistant principal, PYP Dean, and Academic Director/Principal in school districts across the DFW area. She joined the Uplift Education Network in 2017. As the founding Academic Director/Principal at Uplift Crescendo Preparatory, she is committed to creating a positive and supportive school culture that empowers both staff and scholars to achieve their full potential. Karen’s experience and leadership in education make her an invaluable asset to the school.

Karen’s involvement with Creative Vision Social Services demonstrates a commitment to serving the broader community beyond the school walls, ensuring that youth and families have access to meaningful support and resources. By leveraging her leadership skills and passion for education, Karen Aldridge is making a positive impact both within her school and in the community at large.

Karen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her dedication to serving the broader community is evident through her involvement with Creative Vision Social Services, which ensures that youth and families have access to meaningful support and resources beyond the school walls. By utilizing her leadership skills and passion for education, Karen Aldridge is making a positive impact within her school and the larger community.