Hometown: Manassas, VA

Derek Sykes majoredin Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was repeatedly listed on the Dean’s List. His campus activities included being president of the Black Student Movement, which is the second largest organization on campus with over 400 members. He was also an active member in the Mu Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, serving as the education chair.  In the local community, Derek tutored for Chapel Hill Public Schools as part of the AVID program.

Since receiving his Master of Accountancy from the University of North Carolina, Derek has accepted a position with KPMG in Washington, DC.

In 2006, Derek interned at the DC Housing Authority.  And during his second summer at the Institute, he interned at Ginnie Mae (Government National Mortgage Association).