DEREK JONES

As an 8-year-old boy growing up in Bristol, success meant just surviving. Derek spent many tormented nights thinking about how he would stay alive. His mom, an alcoholic and drug addict, was in and out of the picture. His siblings had been taken away from him and relocated by the state’s Department of Children and Families. He moved between the toughest neighborhoods in Bristol, relying on smarts and charm to get him through school and keep a roof over his head. At 12, success meant fitting in to stay alive. Still without a place to truly call home, Derek found a constant companion in alcohol. He went from avoiding the drug dealers in the shelters where he was living to joining them. It was in this environment of chaos that he first reconnected with his father, who was able to extract him from a gang and send him to live with other relatives in nearby New Britain to keep him safe.

By age 15, success became football. As a cornerback at Bristol Central High School, he was recognized for his considerable athletic gifts, in which his coach stated if he continued on this path, he could earn a scholarship. Sadly, his dream of success on the gridiron was derailed he was kicked off the team during his junior year because of his alcoholism. But somehow, it was at this point that success redefined itself for Derek. At a football game he watched from the stands, he made a commitment that changed his life. He decided that he wanted a different kind of success, and that he would never again give up on himself. The obstacles didn’t stop piling up the suicide of a close cousin and two DWIs, and a continuous court battle for his son. But Derek’s dream of success burned brighter through all of those. He vowed to get in shape, keep his sons on track for their own successes, and someday buy a beautiful home in the city he grew up in. Today, Derek is achieving all these things, and his vision of success continues to radically evolve to benefit others. Currently, Derek is an Assistant Vice President Team Leader for Bank of America in which he develops and implements strategies for customer service within the home equity department. Derek is ranked in the top 5% for overall sales and delight performance. He received a Platinum Award from Bank of America for his extraordinary achievements in driving responsible growth and improving the operating environment. Guided by a focus on positivity, empowerment, and self-worth, Derek has replaced alcohol with a commitment to running and community outreach initiatives.

After meeting Kelly online and finding his other half, Derek knew they could grow together and use their shared experiences to inspire others. In the early years of their relationship, as they focused on personal growth and strengthened their bond, Derek and his fiancée Kelly Houston launched a luxury streetwear brand DK Movement in 2020. Their shared passion for helping others, fueled by their journey of individual and collective growth, inspired them to use the brand as a platform to give back and make a meaningful impact in the community. This Black-owned, Bristol-based brand was designed to channel proceeds from sales into helping individuals in need. In 2023, Derek took his commitment further by founding DK Movement Cares, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering and uplifting communities. Through innovative programs, outreach, and dedicated support, DK Movement Cares aims to create lasting, positive change for individuals and communities in need. Derek deepened his commitment to his community by serving on local boards, including the Men and Boys’ Fund, the Bristol Diversity Council, and the City of Bristol Energy Commission Board.

On August 12, 2024, Derek was inducted into Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all considered during the selection process. Though hard work and dedication have brought him far in his career, he credits his success to his drive to do more and improve, even in challenging times. Looking forward, he intends to create two programs through his nonprofit: one for former addicts and the other which is currently in the works Mind and Motion Plus, is for teenagers dealing with anxiety and communication issues. He aims to incorporate activities like running, communication classes, and community projects. His goal is to share his story to help inspire others across the nation while expanding DK Movement Cares nationwide as well.

KELLY HOUSTON

Kelly’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. Raised by her paternal grandparents after her mother left when she was just 4 months old, Kelly grew up grappling with feelings of abandonment, always questioning why her parents weren’t raising her. Although both parents were present in her life, her mother battled addiction, and her father had his own struggles. The inconsistency and instability created a longing for love and acceptance that followed her into adulthood. At 16, her world shifted further when her mother revealed that she was HIV-positive, a secret everyone but Kelly had known. This revelation, coupled with feelings of betrayal and confusion, drove her to alcohol as a way to numb her pain.

By 18, she had stepped into the modeling industry, where she found success and recognition, gracing the pages of urban and fashion magazines and walking for top designers during Fashion Week. Outwardly, Kelly seemed to have it all, but privately, she was battling deep-seated feelings of worthlessness and struggling with alcoholism. A decade later, at 28, Kelly embraced motherhood, a beautiful yet challenging milestone that
stirred deep insecurities rooted in her own childhood. Despite doubts about her abilities as a mother, she succeeded, and five years later, she welcomed a second child. But life threw unexpected hardships her way: within three years, she lost her grandfather, father, and mother, and her marriage ended shortly thereafter. Struggling with profound grief and loss, Kelly sought solace in returning to the industry she knew. Her career evolved, and she became a prominent Red-Carpet Hostess, quickly establishing herself as a recognized and sought-after personality. Yet, despite her outward accomplishments, she still yearned for lasting change and continued to battle her dependency on alcohol.

Everything shifted when Kelly met Derek online and found in him someone who truly appreciated her. Wanting a fresh start and inspired by his support, Kelly decided to move to Connecticut with her daughters, leaving behind the struggles of her past. As their connection deepened into a genuine love, Kelly found the strength to make significant changes in her life. Knowing Derek was a recovering alcoholic, she felt empowered to stop drinking and pursue a healthier, more fulfilling path. His unwavering support and acceptance helped her break the cycle of self-doubt, embrace self-love, and focus on building a future of purpose and service. Their shared passion for helping others led to the founding of DK Movement, and soon after, DK Movement Cares.

Today, Kelly serves her community with a dedication that reflects her own journey. She has sat on boards such as the Central CT Chamber of Commerce, the WOW Advisory Board, and the Bristol Diversity Council. Currently, Kelly works as a Childcare Director, where she dedicates herself to nurturing and guiding young minds, helping to shape our future leaders. Through DK Movement Cares, she and Derek work to inspire others to pursue a healthy, fulfilling life through positive choices and resilience, reminding everyone of the strength found in overcoming adversity and the transformative power of love and acceptance.