Derek Bluford (he/him), is the Finance and Operations Coordinator, where he combines his expertise in business operations with a deep commitment to social impact. With experience spanning nonprofit leadership, legal services, and reentry advocacy, Derek helps manage the organization’s operations, financial processes, and cross-departmental workflows to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. His background includes founding a reentry support nonprofit and years of legal field experience, from paralegal support to litigation assistance. He is currently earning his Master of Business Administration and plans to return to law school to earn his Juris Doctorate, further strengthening his ability to lead and advocate effectively.

Beyond his professional work, Derek is deeply invested in advancing equity and opportunity for justice-impacted communities. Drawing on his own lived experience, he has taught life skills courses in correctional facilities, covering topics such as legal studies, financial literacy, parenting, and recidivism prevention. Derek’s career reflects his belief that strong operations, sound financial stewardship, and a solid legal foundation are powerful tools for driving meaningful change.