We were lucky to catch up with Darryl Diggs recently and have shared our conversation below.
Darryl, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard
Currently, the hiring market needs to be updated and allow job seekers to be authentic and enable them to create a competitive spirit for hiring. I have over 15 years of experience in education at multiple levels throughout K12 education. Job seekers need help finding vacant positions and investing excessive time in the application process, and they become a byproduct of discriminatory and stereotypical hiring practices. Our Startup allows for a seamless and efficient means to find, apply, and give a great first impression to hiring parties. In addition, job seekers access their next position from the ease of the phone via a mobile app and the web. Our users value quick notifications, a simple platform, and the ability to quickly record a video or voice memo for a screener interview.
Hiring parties can now become recruiters via our platform due to their authentic access to users.
Darryl, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started as a Middle School Science Teacher and transitioned into an Assistant Principal role at the High School level. During this time, I led Student Activities for a large high school and provided professional development for teachers through technology, engagement through professional learning communities, and diversity. I have presented and facilitated for several local and national conferences (LU, METC, MLDS, NAESP, and ISTE) throughout my educational career. I write for a personal blog that addresses the art of teaching and learning.
With over 15 years of experience in education, my expertise is in professional development with schools and school districts along topics such as: diversity, equity, inclusion, engagement, identity, culture, and community building. AchievementfourALL LLC is my company, ready to serve the needs of schools and districts through group or 1:1 coaching/consulting.
In 2019, I co-founded Black Male Educators of St. Louis (BMESTL). This organization focuses on developing, mentorship, support, and advocacy for Black Male Educators. In addition, I support Educational Conduits LLC, EduConduits 501c3, and EduOpenings. Each venture was created to give space to educators and elevate student outcomes.
At the onset of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, my debut self-published book was released to articulate the complexities of navigating community and perspective. The Open Water gives unfiltered license to examine spaces in which leadership can be challenging. In 2022, I released a journal to help guide leaders during uncertain times.
In the 2022-2023 school year, I will transition from Building Middle School Principal to Director for Equity with the Special School District of St.Louis County.
Accolades:
Parkway School District Albert Award 2012
Launchcode Moonshot Award: Challenging Convention 2020
Community Highlights VoyageSTL
St.Louis Business Journal 40 under 40 2022
Provided Services:
Presenter/Facilitator
Thought Partner
Educational Consultant
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Leadership Development
Engagement Coach
Content Creator
I am proud of my ability to connect with people and build community.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Our resilience as a company is to take every setback as motivation to continue in this work because our startup provides positive outcomes. Even when mainstream organizations and local funders, accelerators, and programs overlook EduOpenings, we have continued to stay focused on service to others. EduOpenings applied to multiple companies who championed funding minoritized businesses and exalted how they focused on empowering the region. With those accolades, our boot strapped company was passed over several times over because we may not fit the mold of the minoritized business. We are also challenging the narrative, that a Black Owned business can be a tech company.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Being authentic and maintaining an evolutionary mindset. We are real and relatable guys. People appreciate that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://achievementfourall.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darryl-s-diggs-jr-b780967
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Achievement4ALL?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk3xP4BSEg4MC-mjZOc9eAA
- Other: www.eduopenings.com