Desha Elliott

Desha Elliott has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. Currently, they are working at Accion Opportunity Fund as a Market Development Manager and Senior Advisor, where they develop strategic partnerships, creates targeted programs and services for specific clients, and provides business counseling. Desha is also a Research Assistant for the In Desha'sHands Initiative at Blue Cross NC Institute for Health and Human Services, focusing on addressing financial insecurity among women in Georgia.

Previously, Desha served as the Managing Director at Pantherum, where they oversaw various responsibilities. Desha also held the position of Global Partnerships Director at Rap Plug, Inc., where they initiated and developed relationships with corporate sponsors and industry partnerships. In this role, they also conducted strategic market research and executed business opportunities.

Prior to that, Desha worked as an Account Executive at DrDesha LLC, where they handled marketing campaigns and branding events for several well-known brands. Desha also worked as an Account Specialist at Urban Home Ent/FaithWerks Films and as a Founder at PB7App.

Desha has experience in media and publishing as well. Desha served as Editor in Chief and Marketing Director at B.O.S.S. Magazine, where they led a team, organized events, and built relationships with various stakeholders. Additionally, they worked as General Manager for Liberty Tax franchises, managing operations and training staff members in tax preparation services.

Desha has also worked at the Social Security Administration as a Desk Clerk.

Desha Elliott's education history includes a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Leadership and Policy from Clark Atlanta University, which they pursued from 2021 to 2024. Prior to that, they completed a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Management/Leadership from Strayer University between 2012 and 2015. Desha'sundergraduate education was at Northern Kentucky University, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree in Organizational Leadership from 2007 to 2011.

Additionally, Desha has attained various certifications. In 2019, they received a certification in Financial Management from the Office for Victims of Crime Training And Technical Assistance. In 2023, they obtained the Accredited Small Business Consultants certification from the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants. Desha also holds certifications in Microsoft Office Outlook 2010, Microsoft Office Powerpoint 2010, and Microsoft Office Word 2010 from Certiport. Finally, they have a certification in Organizational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University and a certification in Relaxation Therapy from the Stratford Career Institute.