Meet The Founder

Sha’Ketta Davis Drungole is a purpose-driven leader, educator, and strategist committed to transforming lives through leadership development and intentional impact. As Executive Director of the Mississippi Delta GEAR UP Partnership, she leads initiatives designed to empower students, increase college and career readiness, and create measurable pathways to success for underserved communities. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Delta State University, where she teaches Nonprofit Strategic Planning for the Master Certificate Program, equipping emerging leaders with practical tools to strengthen mission-driven organizations.

My Story

A dynamic presenter and facilitator, Sha’Ketta is recognized for her ability to translate complex data into meaningful strategies that drive action, accountability, and results. With a strong foundation in higher education, youth empowerment, compliance, and strategic leadership, Sha’Ketta blends structure with creativity to develop programs that don’t just inspire, but produce measurable growth and long-term impact. Her expertise sits at the intersection of leadership, accountability, data utilization, and strategic planning, where she transforms big ideas into executable systems that drive real results.

Sha’Ketta also serves on the Executive Committee for the organization and has presented countless professional development sessions across the country on topics including stakeholder engagement through data, proving program effectiveness, compliance management, strategic implementation, and using data to drive post secondary outcomes for students. Her presentations and leadership trainings have reached audiences at regional and national conferences in cities such as Miami FL, San FranciscoCA, San Antonio, TX and Cleveland, MS, where she is known for delivering actionable strategies that connect vision with measurable outcomes.

Within MAGIC, Sha’Ketta blends structure with creativity, developing programs that don’t just inspire, but produce measurable growth. Her work sits at the intersection of leadership, accountability, and strategic planning, where she turns big ideas into executable systems that create lasting change. Known for her ability to align vision with action, she challenges individuals and organizations to move beyond potential and into purpose.

Whether mentoring students, leading initiatives, teaching future nonprofits leaders, or designing strategic frameworks, Sha’Ketta’s mission remains the same: to build leaders who are equipped, empowered, and ready to step up.

Outside of her professional work, Sha’Ketta enjoys spending time with her husband, Phillip Drungole Sr., her turtles Turbo and Turbina, traveling, shopping, and creating meaningful memories with family. She attributes her success to the strong foundation established by her parents, Ralph and Felecia Thomas Sr., her grandmother Rillie Davis, and influential figures in her life including Auntie Doris “Dot” Lee and Mrs. Tammy Fordham Bell, whose wisdom, guidance, and support helped shape the woman and leader she is today.