Derrick Stephens is the Founder and CEO of Phoenix Healthcare Consultants, a premier consulting firm established in 2014. He is also the founder of Underdog Dreams Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-promise youth, families, and communities through education, physical and mental wellness, and innovation—bringing lived experience, technology, and science to the forefront of strengthening youth and families.​

Derrick is a nationally respected leader in systems transformation and innovation, renowned for his unique ability to integrate lived experience, professional leadership, and cutting-edge technology to reimagine human services. As the keynote speaker for the 2025 National Wraparound the World Conference, Derrick will guide attendees through this year's bold theme: Innovating Communities While Creating Transformation for All.​

Derrick’s keynote will challenge attendees to think bigger, collaborate deeper, and embrace innovation as a vehicle for equity and transformation. Grounded in his 4 P’s Methodology—leveraging one’s Platform, Power, Position, and Proximity—Derrick demonstrates how to authentically empower youth, families, the workforce, and entire communities. His dynamic voice and actionable insights will leave attendees inspired to drive sustainable change—not just in programs, but across systems and communities.​

What makes Derrick’s message truly transformative is his lived experience—growing up within the foster care systems of Georgia and Florida, navigating the trauma of parental addiction and mental illness, and losing his father to suicide at age 10. These hardships became the foundation of his life’s mission, fueling his roles as a father, kinship caregiver, clinical social worker, technologist, and system disruptor. His journey from adversity to activism imparts a rare authenticity and insight that deeply resonates with audiences. With unwavering compassion and a commitment to equity, Derrick challenges systems to center dignity, inclusion, and healing—inviting us all to reimagine what’s possible when lived experience leads.​