Our Team
Director of Strategy and Implementation
Deja Shorter
Deja Shorter serves as an Instructor for Shelby County Schools. She graduated with her BS in Health Sciences from the University of Memphis in November of 2020. With a passion for helping others and a love for creation, Deja has excelled in planning programs and implementing strategies to get the best out of her students, peers and colleagues.
Founder / CEO
Donnie Gladney
Donnie Gladney is a Financial Analyst with a background in Municipal Finance. He graduated in November of 2020 with a BA in Accounting from the University of Memphis. His drive to alter the state of affairs for under privileged minority communities led him to pursue ventures in Leadership, Fraternity, Unity, & Governmental Affairs. He often references those experiences & connections as a cornerstone of this platform.
“I remain focused on providing communities with the knowledge, resources, and tools to prosper.”
Co-Founder Chief Technology Officer
Kiyah Stokes
Kiyah Stokes is a Web Design and Application Developer, Entrepreneur, and Lead Instructor at Code Crew, a non-profit dedicated to promoting technological development in underserved communities. She has created a plethora of websites and applications for various businesses & organizations. Also, she holds an Associates degree in Science with an emphasis on Programming and a BS in Web Development and Programming from the University of Memphis.
Partner Chief Operating Officer
Darien Whitfield
Darien Whitfield is an Entrepreneur, Content Creator, and Author. With a diverse background in the literary arts & operations management. He is described by his peers as a born problem solver and leader. His community presence and solution oriented approach have been key to PLUG’D’s development.
Content Media, Partner
Noah Stewart
Noah Stewart is a professional Photographer and Videographer. He is also well versed in web design, branding, and journalism. He has worked with some of the largest brand in the Memphis Ecosystem from Memphis in May to the Memphis Democratic Party. He received his BA in Journalism with a concentration on photography and media from the University of Memphis.
President, Sales and Marketing
Joel Wright
Joel Wright serves as the organization’s head of Sales and Marketing. He graduated from the University of Memphis with honors in 2019 with a BA in Business Administration. With years of experience and an unparalleled drive, he started as a service member for Enterprise Rent-a-Car and rose to manager within 2 1/2 years. He says that sales are natural when providing people with services and products they need, instead of things you want them to have.
Naaman Norment
Public Relations Specialist
Naaman Norment serves as the organization’s Public Relations Coordinators. Naaman graduated from The University of Memphis in 2021 with a Masters degree in Business Administration. He was an NCAA All-American in Track and Field and Student Athletic Advisory Committee President. His experiences throughout his collegiate career, and professional career, as a Emergency Medical Technician, have been pivotal in expanding PLUG’D’s community presence.