Derwin Sisnett to speak at Tenth Annual Men In Black Awards Feb. 11
By Diana Fedinec
Public education and community development changemaker, Dr. Derwin Sisnett, will be
the keynote speaker at the virtual celebration of Project M.O.S.T.’s (Men of Southwest Tennessee) Men In Black Awards on Friday, Feb. 11, 10:00 a.m. –
12:00 p.m.
Sisnett has spent the last decade revitalizing neighborhoods into holistic community systems in support of high-performing schools. The Men In Black awards recognize the outstanding academic achievements and community service of M.O.S.T. members.
Come join in this celebration!
REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
The virtual event is a free public event offered via Zoom however registration is required. To register, click this Eventbrite link:
SPEAKER BIO
Dr. Derwin Sisnett is a co-founder and partner of Maslow Development Inc. (Maslow), a real estate & community development firm that advises, designs, and develops
mixed-use communities anchored by high-performing schools. Dr. Sisnett has spent the
last decade in community development, public education, and venture capital with a
particular focus on coalescing and maximizing community assets.
Prior to Maslow, Dr. Sisnett co-founded and served as the CEO of Gestalt Community Schools (GCS), a charter management organization that develops high-performing, community-based charter schools in Memphis. Under his leadership, GCS grew into one of the highest-performing networks of schools in Tennessee and anchored over 40 acres of a mixed-use development that he spearheaded, including a performing arts center and affordable housing.
Dr. Sisnett earned his BA in Psychology from Emory University, an MFA in Creative Writing from Hollins University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Memphis. He has held board seats at arts, healthcare, foundation, and education-based companies. In 2015, Dr. Sisnett became the youngest person to chair the board of Memphis Light, Gas and Water, the nation’s largest 3-tier public utility. In 2019, he joined the inaugural board of the governor-appointed Tennessee Public Charter School Commission. He is a Broad Academy Fellow and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
For more information about the event, contact Project M.O.S.T. Director Kariem Abdul-Salaam at ksalaam@southwest.tn.edu.