Open to opportunities

DeShantis Huff

@deshantishuff

Message

Mission-driven leader in education, nonprofits, and impact-focused program work.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing me to leverage my skills in grant management and public policy to drive impactful community initiatives.

I am a passionate and mission-driven leader with over a decade of experience in education policy, nonprofit management, and grant administration. My career began in the public sector, where I served at the State Charter School Commission, leading strategic initiatives and supporting school accountability and growth. From there, I’ve expanded into managing multimillion-dollar grants, building programs for small nonprofits, and supporting diverse teams through inclusive leadership.

With a strong foundation in public policy and a concentration in nonprofit management, I’ve successfully written, reviewed, and managed grants; built high-performing teams; and created sustainable programs that serve underrepresented communities. I’m deeply committed to equity, community empowerment, and driving meaningful change—whether through education reform, nonprofit development, or corporate social responsibility.

I’m now seeking new opportunities to lead or support initiatives that align with my core values: access, impact, and innovation.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Grant Reviewer

Current

Indiana Department of Education

May 2023 - Present (2 years 3 months)

Evaluated and scored grant applications for alignment with state and federal education priorities, funding guidelines, and program impact. Provided detailed written feedback to applicants to support transparency, improvement, and future funding readiness. Collaborated with department staff to ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance in the grant review and award process.

Grant Evaluation Compliance Written Communication Policy Analysis

Current

Grant Consultant

Current

Public Policy & Nonprofit Management

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 7 months)

Secured grant funding for youth-development and education-focused nonprofits by crafting data-driven proposals aligned with funder priorities and community impact. Partnered with small businesses and emerging nonprofits to develop grant strategies, build capacity, and navigate funding opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels.

Strategic Planning Program Management Stakeholder Engagement Budgeting Communication Leadership

Grant Coordinator

Dream Above the Influence, INC

Mar 2022 - Aug 2024 (2 years 5 months)

Researched, wrote, and managed grant proposals to support youth-centered programs, resulting in increased funding opportunities and strengthened community impact. Established and secured a corporate partnership with Timberland, providing in-kind support and brand alignment for underserved youth initiatives. Coordinated funding strategies, program data, and stakeholder communication to ensure compl

Grant Management Proposal Writing Partnerships Program Coordination Data Analysis Compliance

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Georgia State University

B.S, PUBLIC POLICY, Public Policy (Nonprofit Management Concentration)

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. Gained expertise in leading high-impact programs, managing grants, and driving cross-sector initiatives.