Deonté Griffin-Quick, Executive Director at Jersey City Arts Council NJ (Season 23, Episode 4)

Deonté Griffin-Quick embodies the powerful intersection of faith, arts, and cultural leadership that defines DGQ Culture. As an actor, revivalist, and nationally recognized arts administrator, he brings a unique vision for how faith-rooted strategy can transform communities and organizations. Through DGQ Culture, Deonté unites his calling and artistic expertise to help faith-rooted creatives and organizations maximize their cultural impact and fulfill their divine purpose.

His spiritual journey started early—delivering his first sermon at 12 entitled "G.O.D: God Opens Doors" (Revelation 3:8). This prophetic message foreshadowed his future work bridging spiritual wisdom with cultural innovation. Deonté accepted his call to ministry in 2017 and became a licensed minister. He currently serves at Destiny Living Ministries where he continues to develop his approach to faith-based community engagement and artistic transformation.

In the arts and cultural sector, Deonté has established himself as a changemaker at both regional and national levels. As Managing Director of External Affairs at Artist Communities Alliance, he helped shape support systems for creative communities globally. Previously, as Director of Programs and Services at New Jersey Theatre Alliance, he built lasting partnerships, led statewide initiatives, and cultivated 42 professional theatre companies.

His commitment to creating pathways for underrepresented voices led him to develop the New Jersey Arts and Culture Administrators of Color Network in 2019. This pioneering initiative demonstrates his ability to identify systemic gaps and create structures that empower others—a cornerstone of DGQ Culture's approach.

His achievements have been recognized with the inaugural Individual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and the Outstanding Achievement in the Arts Award from the Union County Urban League of Young Professionals. Deonté holds a BA in Theatre with a Communications minor from Kean University and a Master's in Arts Administration from Drexel University.