Deeneaus “D” Polk is the Founder of 3LEVATE, a workforce, economic, and community development intermediary based throughout the Deep South. With 3LEVATE, D hopes to build vibrant workforces in rural communities of the future. 3LEVATE seeks to become the preeminent economic development institution of the South, one that provides public policy capacity, data innovation, technical ability, and international exposure – especially for areas isolated from opportunity and growth.

Germany is D’s second home. He most recently completed a Bosch Fellowship, where he worked with New Work SE in Berlin. While there he focused on Germany’s Future of Work, researched demographic shifts and its impacts on the national economy, and their vaunted vocational education training system. He is also a former German Chancellor Fellow and Fulbright Scholar. As an Economy Recovery Corps fellow, D he hopes to bring perspectives that inspire new pathways toward prosperity and data-driven growth, ensuring the Gulf Coast thrives as a beacon of inclusive growth and resilience.

Workforce development is his greatest passion. D is the former Director of the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program, a registered apprenticeship initiative seeking to better link the private sector, K-16 education, and community partners to build dynamic Registered Apprenticeship programs. He hopes to build new and innovative apprenticeship models that also help foster new Transatlantic ties.