About us
WHAT WE DO
DEO works diligently to ensure that residents and businesses in under-served communities are prepared for and included in the economic growth that takes place within their community. We provide support services to a multitude of community stakeholders through community engagement and outreach, workforce development, workforce intermediary services, compliance, strategic partnerships, business development and capacity building.
Our MISSION
DEO’s mission is to create a team of professionals from public and private industries, small businesses, non-profit organizations, civic and faith-based associations and financial institutions to facilitate the economic stability within under-served urban communities.
Our VISION
DEO envisions a community where the residents and businesses, who were previously socio-economically deprived, become economically empowered to reap the benefits of the transformation of their community.
OUR Leadership team
Antoniese Starks-Ruffin
PRESIDENT
Antoniese is a DC Native, raised in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods of DC. While many succumb to their environment, it drove Antoniese to become a changemaker and champion for her community. Her experience in community engagement and non-profit management spans three decades, primarily overseeing organizations and initiatives in Washington, DC's Ward 8 Community. Antoniese is also an experienced accountant, a Board member of Families On The Rise, owner of EZ Business and Tax Solutions, a restaurant owner, President of non-profit, DEOCDC, and the Founder and President of DEO.
Andrece Bassett
DIRECTOR, WORKFORCE & BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
Andrece was born and raised in Washington, DC's Ward 8 community and began working in the community at an early age. She has over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector in the areas of community outreach, event coordination, volunteer management, case management, and program management. Andrece's endeavors in the non-profit section run parallel with her entrepreneurial endeavors. Andrece is a serial entrepreneur and business coach, financial wellness coach, and owner of a talent and events management company. She currently serves as the Director of Workforce and Business Engagement for DEO.