meet our team
Meet the Dandridge Consulting Group Team
We are glad that you stopped by to meet the Dandridge Consulting Group team! Our team is a diverse group of passionate professionals dedicated to transforming communities through innovative solutions in education, urban systems, and stakeholder engagement.
Drawing on a rich blend of academic expertise and real-world experience, we are committed to fostering meaningful collaborations and driving positive change. The Dandridge Consulting Group team believes in the power of creativity, knowledge, and partnership to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
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Chablis Dandridge
President/CEO
Chablis Dandridge‘s life story is a testament to resilience and redemption. Despite facing adversity from a young age, including dropping out of high school at 15 and surviving multiple gunshot wounds that left him paralyzed, Chablis refused to be defined by his circumstances.
During a federal prison sentence for drug trafficking at the age of 27, he seized the opportunity for transformation. Behind bars, he earned his GED, a college degree, became fluent in Spanish, and dedicated himself to advocacy and community outreach.
Today, Chablis lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he is a real estate professional specializing in providing transitional housing for those reentering society from incarceration and those facing chronic homelessness.
In addition to his real estate work, he is a senior North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist with an accreditation in Forensic Peer Support and has formal training as a [Forensic] Peer Support Facilitator as well as co-founder and Vice President of The Black Coalition of Forensic Peer Support Specialists, who advocates for recidivism reduction and social justice.
Chablis is also a sought-after speaker, consultant, and author, inspiring others with his story of resilience and transformation. He is committed to creating positive change in the world around him.
Devonne Dandridge
Director, Community Initiatives
Devonne is a Charlotte native and started her journey in the healthcare and human services field in 2003. Devonne is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and Certified Sexuality Coach.
Devonne has worked with healthcare organizations on various levels with program oversight and coordination. She has experience in fundraising and organizing events that are community driven and supported.
Devonne has managed residential recovery programs for individuals that have experienced homelessness. She has established relationships with other community leaders that have interest in those that are a part of our marginalized groups. Devonne has a passion for helping the underserved and formerly incarcerated.
She has created and facilitated psycho educational curriculum for groups of people who are currently incarcerated at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Devonne has also worked alongside partnering counties providing Mobile Crisis services in hospitals, jails, detox centers, and the greater community.
Raymond Dandridge
Director, Educational Innovation
Raymond Dandridge is a distinguished retired public school administrator and corrections officer with over 15 years of experience in these fields. He has exhibited a profound interest in exploring alternative approaches to delivering effective instruction.
Dandridge has partnered with the education program of the New York City Metropolitan Opera to promote creative arts experiences in teaching and learning. Dandridge has an extensive travel background, and his doctoral studies in Urban Systems at Rutgers University, along with the Inquiry Program at Columbia University, enhanced his knowledge of how the built environment, health, and education intersect and more importantly, the significance of the crucial role of involving stakeholders to achieve a tremendous success of public project initiatives.
He is passionate about employing intervention methods for youth and young adults to help prevent the pitfalls often encountered by individuals in dysfunctional environments. His expertise in public education administration and correctional management has been invaluable, and his dedication to exploring new techniques for promoting learning has enhanced his effectiveness in these areas.
CRAIG WALEED, EdD
Director, Post Incarceration Strategies
Dr. Craig Waleed, is the Project Manager for Unlock the Box (UTB) within Disability Rights North Carolina, spearheading the End Solitary NC Campaign Against Solitary Confinement. Beyond his advocacy work, Dr. Waleed wears many hats, including educator, counselor, certified Restorative Practices group facilitator, author, and motivational speaker. Dr. Waleed’s central goal is to dismantle the community-to-prison pipeline.
Dr. Waleed’s academic journey saw him earn a BS in Health Science in 2005 and an MS in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Brockport College in 2010. Subsequently, in 2018, he achieved an EdD in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York. He focuses his research on crafting post-incarceration strategies that significantly reduce recidivism rates while also delving into the impacts of the criminal legal system on individuals’ health and social paths.
Drawing from his experience of spending eight years in New York State’s prison system, Dr. Waleed offers a unique perspective to illuminate the challenges encountered by individuals affected by the criminal legal system. Moreover, he is the author of four books: “Prison to Promise: A Chronicle of Healing and Transformation” (August 2020), “Waleedism: A Book of Poetry, Prose & Proverbs” (October 2021), “The Journey Beyond: Post-Incarceration Success” (March 2022), and “Reclaiming Freedom: Short Stories of Redemption and Renewal” (September 2030). Additionally, he hosts the podcast “Prison to Promise.”
ebonee Bailey
Executive Assistant
Ebonee Bailey is a Providence, Rhode Island native with a B.S. in Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management and an MBA from Johnson & Wales University. Now based in Charlotte, NC, she helps organizations operate more efficiently and effectively.
A passionate advocate for food access and community wellness, Ebonee serves as a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council as well as Board Chair of Zealous Empowering Nurturers (ZEN). She is deeply committed to supporting others in achieving success with purpose and intention.
As our Executive Assistant, Ebonee manages complex calendars, coordinates travel and meetings, prepares reports and presentations, and supports project management and daily operations to help the organization run smoothly.