Autumn Awareness

Checking in with you,
I’ve been meeting and connecting with a lot of people, so I wanted to say hello and keep in touch. Here are a few of the things I've been up to this year: 

President Obama’s Final Year in Office
As President Barack Obama completes his final year of office, I attended his Memorial Day address at the Arlington National Cemetery. I brought my camera along, took photos and spent time connecting with people about our fallen soldiers and the many other things happening in our world today.  

During my time as a federal government consultant, I worked with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs on a wide range of complex initiatives ranging from health care and technology modernization to adult learning and career development. There are so many reasons to celebrate our lives, but it’s also obvious that the world faces a host of serious challenges. 

Amid the chaos of the last few years, I was laid off from my job as Federal government contractor. I used the break to fail so far forward that I've launched my own consulting firm and have gotten even more involved with so many things that are important to me. 

I'm available to help support you and your organization in strategic initiatives, outreach campaigns and communications plans. Our world is evolving quickly, so there's no better time than now to follow through and reach your executive and organizational goals.

Visit DerranEaddy.com for more information.

Clinton Accepts Historic Nomination
This summer, I was fortunate to be able to attend the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia where I sat in on Hillary Clinton’s historic acceptance speech. This election will determine how we continue to address our most pressing social, economic and foreign policy issues. Make sure you’re registered and ready to Rock the Vote in November. In addition to the Presidential race, House, Senate and other offices are up for grabs. Read more on Solstik.com.

Solstik on the Steadham Bus Tour
Pro Skate Veteran Steve Steadham and I visited skateparks this summer to help riders of all ages get focused on the positive benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle. The tour rolled to skateboard parks from Arizona to Washington, DC. I joined in for the East Coast stops. Steve was one of the first African American pro skateboarders, and rode with Tony Hawk on the ground breaking Bones Brigade team during the 1980s. We're excited that skateboarding will make its debut as an official Olympic sport in the 2020 Tokyo games. More tours are on the way, so log on to the Solstik Shop and grab some new gear.

Raising Money for the Children’s Medical Center
I also worked with Washington, DC’s SkateFest again to raise money for the Children's Medical Center. This is the fourth year that I’ve volunteered with the event — providing either music production, photography or videography support. SkateFest has raised more than $35,000 and provides area skateboarders with a weekend of organized contests, music performances and vendor booths. It’s the DC metro area’s largest skateboard event and is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.  

It Matters
Obviously, the last few years have seen a terrible relapse of social tensions. Washington, DC has been home to many demonstrations, hearings and conferences held to address the conflicts between diverse populations in the U.S. and around the world. I pay attention. I am involved. I'm continuously working with my friends and colleagues to find real solutions that will help people live and prosper together. 

As always, take care of yourself and take care of those around you.

Regards,

Derran K. Eaddy
Solstik.com | Info@solstik.com         DerranEaddy.com | Eaddy@outlook.com

The Solstik Project 
As the Sun illuminates our world and sustains life, Solstik radiates the force of light into today's modern and connected culture. Founder Derran Eaddy is a senior-level strategist with Federal government consulting expertise. He is a former New Mexico Commissioner on Higher Education and was a Fellow in the Office of U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman. His connectedness led him to become a college football champion, Element Skateboards team rider and a Kennedy Center artist. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Mass Communications.