ABOUT TGEL

Strategy That's Technically Sound and Deeply Human

TGEL Partners & Associates helps social impact leaders navigate growth and complexity with clarity, discipline, and integrity. We partner with mission-driven organizations and companies to strengthen systems without losing sight of people. We design practical, context-driven strategies that turn ideas into action and build lasting capacity.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Pillars of practice

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    Power of Amplified Voice

    We believe stories drive change. TGEL elevates authentic, lived narratives to influence decision-makers, mobilize resources, and shift systems toward equity and justice.

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    Social/Collective Impact

    Lasting change happens through shared ownership. TGEL aligns stakeholders across sectors to tackle complex challenges together, not in isolation.

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    Coalition Building & Authenticity

    We build trust-based coalitions rooted in transparency and real relationship. TGEL fosters values-aligned partnerships that center community voice and sustain momentum.

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    Human-Centered Design & Design Thinking

    TGEL applies human-centered design to create solutions shaped by those most impacted. We listen deeply, prototype thoughtfully, and turning insight into action.

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    Creativity and Joy

    We intentionally make space for creativity and joy. TGEL weaves celebration and cultural expression into the work — because joy fuels connection, resilience, and lasting change.

WHO WE ARE

Our FOUNDER

Derrick M. Fleming, Jr.

(He/ They) Principal Consultant, National Speaker, CEO, & Founder

Derrick M. Fleming, Jr. (he/they), known professionally as Derrick The Gent, is a social impact leader, strategist, and coach whose work sits at the intersection of social impact leadership, and systems change. With a deep commitment to service and a belief in people-centered transformation, Derrick brings clarity, structure, and purpose to complex challenges—anchored by a leadership style that is both principled and human.

Derrick’s career spans 15+ years across the nonprofit and government sectors, including service as a White House staff member under the Obama Administration and most recently as Managing Director of Strategic Engagement at Chicago Scholars. In that role, he led corporate, college, community, and civic partnerships while overseeing strategic initiatives that supported nearly $8 million in annual fundraising. Today, Derrick leads TGEL Partners & Associates, where he supports social impact work through tailored project management, leadership and liberation coaching, organizational operations, and systems-level strategy.

A social entrepreneur at heart, Derrick is the founder of multiple mission-driven ventures, including TGEL Enterprises and Gent’s Flowers & Company. Across all of his work, Derrick is guided by a commitment to reinvestment—directing 10% of earned revenue back into Chicago communities. He serves in several national and local leadership capacities, including as a National Advisory Board Member for the National Partnership for Educational Access and Board Chair for Public Narrative and Board Member for NAMI Metro Suburban. Derrick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Alabama State University and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Spertus Institute. He is a proud alumnus of the Surge Institute, Forefront Illinois, the Aspen Institute, and the Chicago Urban League IMPACT Fellowship, and was featured in Forbes for his work improving postsecondary outcomes for young men of color. Lastly, Derrick is a Adjunct Professor of Career & Leadership Development at National Louis University in Chicago, IL. Above all, Derrick believes in respectful indifference, human rights, and justice—and in building systems where people can thrive with dignity and joy.

Meet the Team

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    Ashlee Mcgrown (She/her)

    Associate Consultant & Special Projects Coordinator

    Ashlee McGrown is an Associate Consultant & Special Projects Coordinator at TGEL Partners & Associates specializing in program design and evaluation. With over a decade of experience in youth development and mission-driven work, she partners with nonprofit organizations and community leaders to translate vision into clear, actionable strategy. She holds a Master’s in Leadership and integrates change management and adaptive leadership principles into her consulting practice to help organizations navigate growth and complexity with confidence.

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    Juppy juper (JJ) hechanova (He/him)

    Operations + Communications Lead & Project Manager

    Juppy “JJ” Hechanova is an Executive Project Manager and Operations Strategist supporting a range of organizations and leaders, including TGEL Partners & Associates. He specializes in optimizing workflows, streamlining operations, and ensuring seamless coordination across projects and teams. With expertise in executive support, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, JJ helps clients maximize impact, anticipate challenges, and achieve meaningful results while continuously honing his own professional skills.

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    Chester Gray II (He/HIM)

    Finance & Accounting Lead

    Chester Gray II, is the Accountant for TGEL Partner and Associates. He brings many years of accounting expertise in both the Public and Non-For-Profit business sectors. He manages all the transactions for the organization, from financial reporting & analysis to tax strategy & preparation. He has a deep desire to help businesses and individuals become financially literate. He is an active Trustee member of his Church and loves community impact work.

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Ready to Work With Us?

Real change doesn’t happen by accident. It takes honest reflection, strategic action, and the willingness to lead differently. At TGEL, we partner with organizations and companies ready to align vision with impact by building strategies that are inclusive, accountable, and built to last. The work ahead deserves clarity, care, and courage.

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