Name: Derrik Anderson
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: 39
Title/Company: Executive Director/Race Matters for Juvenile Justice
Hometown: Aiken, SC
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration, Management of Non-Profit Organization
Current personal or leadership goals:
My current leadership goal is to continue building brave spaces where leaders can think critically, collaborate authentically, and move from insight to meaningful action.
Through my work in leadership development and Mastermind facilitation, I’m focused on helping mid-level and executive leaders strengthen alignment, shared accountability, and impact within their organizations.
I am especially enthusiastic about strengthening alignment across sectors and helping leaders navigate complexity, gain clarity or courage.
On a personal level, I am committed to leading from a place of balance with intentional reflection, being present in investing in my family, faith, and well-being, because sustainable leadership requires both competence and wholeness.
What’s your best advice for current Leadership Charlotte participants about making the most of the experience?
Lean in fully not just into the program day, but to the people. Leadership Charlotte is as much about relationships as it is about learning. Be intentional about connecting beyond the sessions. Intentionally following up with peers such as scheduling coffee. Be curious about other people’s perspectives and points of view.
The relationships you build will often become your most trusted thought partners long after the program ends. Foster connections that extend well beyond graduation. The real value of the experience shows up in the relationships you nurture afterwards.
What’s one lesson or moment from your Leadership Charlotte experience that sticks with you today, and why?
One lesson that continues to stay with me is the power of being in community with leaders from grassroots/community organizations, nonprofit, health and human service, government, education, and business – those encounters reinforced how complex challenges in Charlotte requires shared ownership. That realization reshaped how I approach leadership with a system-thinking mindset that values partnership over silos.
In what ways do you stay engaged in the Charlotte community, and how could fellow alumni join you?
I stay engaged by facilitating leadership development initiatives and convening leaders for intentional dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. I believe progress accelerates when leaders have structured spaces to reflect and align.
I am especially enthusiastic about creating structured brave spaces where leaders can pause, reflect, and solve challenges collectively.
Fellow alumni can join by participating in community conversations, mentoring emerging leaders, supporting local initiatives, or simply reach out to reconnect, explore shared efforts, and interest that move personal growth and/or Charlotte forward.
What’s your favorite way to recharge or connect with Charlotte on the weekend?
I enjoy recharging by reading or reconnecting with Charlotte by spending time outdoors riding my bike on the greenways, supporting local events, or simply being present in community spaces. Charlotte is a city that continues to evolve, and I appreciate taking time to slow down and observe the growth, diversity, and resilience of our neighborhoods and community.
Shout out a local nonprofit or initiative making a difference — what do they do, and why does their mission speak to you?
Race Matters for Juvenile Justice (RMJJ) works to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities within the juvenile justice system through data-driven advocacy, community engagement, and systems change. Their mission resonates with me because it reflects a belief that meaningful change requires both courage and collaboration and investing in the leadership of young people to strengthen the future of our community.
I support Leadership Charlotte because…
It develops and cultivate leaders who are committed not only to personal growth and success, but to collective impact. Leaders who understand that building a better Charlotte requires humility, courage, collaboration, and long-term vision.
What does “leading for a better Charlotte” mean to you?
Leading for a better Charlotte means making decisions with the long-term well-being of the entire community in mind. It means bridging sectors, listening across differences, and ensuring that growth and opportunity are accessible to all residents. Its leadership is rooted in stewardship, responsibility, accountability and not just influence and authority.
How do you carry forward the Leadership Charlotte values in your daily life or work?
I carry those values forward by intentionally creating inclusive environments and brave spaces where diverse voices are valued, encouraging, and prioritizing collaboration over competition.
Whether I am facilitating a group of leaders, coaching leaders, serving in a community role, or collaborating with community partners, I strive to model respect, authenticity, and transparency, toward shared goals.
What’s one book, quote, or podcast that’s inspired your leadership lately?
The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni continues to resonate with me because it reinforces the importance of trust, healthy conflict, and shared accountability. They are all foundational elements of effective leadership and strong community partnerships.