Our Community Managers are a special bunch. Coordinating, troubleshooting, creating a welcoming space one pot of coffee at a time. Take a moment to meet THRIVE | Holly Springs’ Deadra Ussery … she has an awesome super power (but it can only be used in the state of North Carolina!).
What’s your hometown?
I’ve lived in Fuquay-Varina, NC, since I was 3, so I think most people would say that is my hometown. But my family moved from Asheville, NC, and I tell everyone that is my hometown.
Dogs or cats?
I want so badly to be a cat person, but dogs love me!
Cake or pie or cookies?
Brownies. They will always be my dessert of choice.
Most used app on your phone?
It’s probably a tie between the Apple podcast app and TikTok lol.
Sunrise or Sunset?
I’ve lived on the East Coast my whole life, so nothing beats watching the sunrise on the beach!
What’s your musical jam?
I truly enjoy all types of music (except newer country music).
What song do you want everyone to know?
New Person, Same Old Mistakes by Tame Impala or All I Do by Stevie Wonder, both are classics.
Have you ever gotten someone’s autograph?
Not me personally, but my family’s prize possession is a signed picture of Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Whom do people say you look like?
Not a celebrity, but I meet so many people who tell me I look really familiar or they think I’m someone else, so I might have a doppelgänger.
What’s your favorite neighborhood shop/restaurant?
Dan Sushi & Hibachi is my favorite hole in the wall spot in Fuquay!
What’s your favorite comedy film?
Horrible Bosses … 1 and 2, they are both great!
Do you have a nickname (and how’d you get it)?
Deej. I don’t know when it started but my best friend calls me that all the time.
Most prized possession?
My niece and nephew! I’m not sure if I should call them “possessions” but they bring me so happiness and joy.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
The movie Hotel Transylvania and Taco Bell.
What’s your motto or favorite saying?
If “ifs” and “buts” were candy and nuts, we would all have a Merry Christmas.
What absolutely excites you right now?
2024! I love the feeling of a new year to accomplish new goals!
Where’s your happy place?
The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh … one of my favorite places to go!
What skill do you think it takes to be a great CM?
Patience and a great smile. I think we run into a lot of things we would never expect to deal with as a CM, so being able to be patient and have a good attitude about it helps out a lot.
What’s the least obvious skill do you think it takes to be a great CM?
Part-time handyman LOL! Mostly joking, but I feel like we have all learned a trade or two while doing this job. Being able to fix something for your members is very rewarding!
You wouldn’t know it to look at me, but …
I’m an ordained minister so I can marry people in the state of North Carolina!
