Devon learned early that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about how you show up for people when no one is watching. Growing up in Cleveland, Devon was shaped by a family and church community that emphasized service, humility, and collective responsibility. His pastor, who was deeply involved in the civil rights movement and personally connected to leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., shared stories that humanized history, stories that centered people, not just moments.
“I heard about our leaders as humans,” Devon said. “How they laughed, danced, dressed, ate, how they showed up for one another. That changed my perspective on leadership.”
From a young age, Devon understood that impact didn’t require fame. Leadership, to him, meant consistency, care, and a willingness to support others even from behind the scenes.
Returning Home and Relearning the Path Forward
When Devon returned home after incarceration, that understanding was tested. Like many justice-impacted individuals, he struggled to find clear pathways forward.
“The resources are there,” he said. “But when you’re coming home, it’s hard to find them.”
Devon was referred to Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) by his parole officer, initially believing the program would place him directly into a construction trade. While that specific opportunity didn’t exist at the time, CEO became something more important: a place to regroup, adapt, and keep moving forward.
“It took a lot of trial and error,” Devon shared. “I had to get comfortable with hearing ‘no.’ I knew I’d hear more no’s than yeses, but as long as I kept going, I believed I’d get where I needed to be.”
That persistence would become a defining part of his leadership philosophy.
Growing Through Every Role
Devon’s journey through CEO is rare. He elevated from participant to Site Supervisor, to Site Director, with each role deepening his understanding of what leadership truly requires. As a participant, Devon never lost sight of what transitional jobs, known as work crews, meant to people trying to rebuild their lives.
“Crew solves real problems,” he said. “It pays bills. It helps keep a roof over your head.”
When he became a supervisor, that perspective guided everything he did. Devon led with practicality and care, sometimes organizing group grocery runs so participants could stretch their SNAP benefits and avoid spending their hard-earned wages on lunch.
“I was always trying to help people skip steps,” he said. “Give them lessons I learned the hard way.”
Now, as Site Director of CEO Cleveland, Devon carries an even deeper sense of responsibility. When he first joined CEO, participant-to-staff pathways were limited. Leaders within the organization pushed to change that and Devon was one of the first beneficiaries.
“I want to make sure no one feels like taking a chance on me was a mistake,” he said. “I want people to look at participants and say, ‘They could be next.’”
Devon began to fully understand the reach of his leadership when he was asked to support the launch of CEO’s Atlanta site as part of CEO Pros.“I didn’t even realize people were paying attention,” he said. “A lot of times, you’re just working.”
That realization continued as he watched participants from Cleveland transition into permanent roles, some within the city, others across CEO sites nationwide.“Seeing people who’ve been through incarceration find stability and growth and knowing I played a part in that, that’s everything,” Devon said. Over time, Devon’s definition of growth has shifted. “My growth isn’t just mine anymore,” he explained. “My success is tied to the success of others.” That belief is reflected in his leadership style, which he describes as servant leadership, listening deeply, recognizing people’s strengths, and making sure they feel seen.
“So many participants come home feeling like a number,” Devon said. “I want them to know they matter. That I’m invested in them.”
Writing History, One Person at a Time
During Black History Month, Devon sees his story as part of a broader legacy rooted not just in perseverance, but in possibility. “Being able to see someone who looks like you accomplish something you never thought you could, that matters,” he said. “And helping them do it matters even more.” For Devon, leadership is about opening doors and holding them open. “I’m helping people write their own history,” he said. “One person at a time.”
For justice-impacted and justice-aligned individuals who don’t yet see themselves as leaders, Devon offers grounded, honest advice. “Leadership starts with being a leader of yourself,” he said. He encourages people to let go of comparison and the pressure to “catch up,” something he believes can hold people back more than any external barrier.
“There’s no such thing as ketchup,” Devon explained. “It’s all mustard. Mustard takes time. You have to grind the seeds. It’s not smooth, it’s a little gritty. But that’s how it’s made.”
For Devon, growth isn’t about returning to where you think you should be. It’s about taking the next best step forward, exactly where you are. “When you focus on leading yourself first,” he said, “others will follow without you even asking.”
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