Dejon Banks Hawthorne is a native Houstonian. She hails from a line of talented educators and successful entrepreneurs. Her unique experiences and rich path led her to LEAD. As an active alumna of The Kinkaid School, Dejon remains involved in serving our community and models lifelong learning. She has lived, studied, and worked with institutions throughout our nation and internationally. Her curious and adventurous spirit are fulfilled when traveling and spending time with locals by experiencing their culture and environment. Attaining undergraduate degrees in both Anthropology and Sociology from Wake Forest University in North Carolina prepared her well, for Dejon loves of people – especially adolescents. Studying society, analyzing social problems, and being a part of the solution is her passion. She believes that LEAD is an integral and meaningful part of our society’s solution. Dejon continued her studies and received a Masters in Education from Wake Forest University and Columbia University where she was chosen to be a Klingenstein Fellow. Her rich tenure with secondary students as both an educator and school administrator allowed her to work in public, private, charter schools. She shared her knowledge as an instructor at Appalachian State University and as a coveted and engaging speaker. Her path and passion for providing opportunities and experiences for youth prepared her to serve as the Executive Director for LEAD. In addition to LEADing, Dejon treasures time and talks with her insightful husband and memorable moments with her delightful daughter. Similarly, she cherishes traditions, trying new things, peaceful escapes to the country, game nights, and expeditions with family, fictive kin, and friends.