Welcome, Essence—our new junior grant researcher

Welcome, Essence Deras—BBQ+’s new junior grant researcher! Essence, a Brooklyn native, is a writer, advocate, and scholar who recently graduated from Smith College with a bachelor’s in Education and Africana Studies. She is passionate about youth development and creating and sustaining equity within the current education system. She spent her undergraduate career writing grants for college and career-focused initiatives dedicated to eliminating inequities so youth can thrive in their personal and professional development.

In her new role, she’ll help build sustainable relationships with foundations and organizations that support BBQ+’s mission.