Dennis Delfin
Master of Business Administration
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.—Chinese Proverb
Dennis Delfin wants to break the cycle of unemployment and ignorance in his Hilo, Hawaii community through hands-on education. His non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, General Diversified Development Corporation (GDDC) teaches unemployed and undereducated youth job skills by training them to build affordable housing for homeless and low-income citizens.
“My idea is to break the cycle and when these youths become adults, they will teach their children the same philosophy we taught them,” Dennis explains. Not only are youngsters gaining valuable experience, but quality, low-income housing is now available in one of the most expensive states in the union.
Currently, Dennis and GDDC volunteers are working on a 118-home project. He is also in the process of speed building a home for a former classmate who has been living in a tent with his family for nine years. “We are in the stages of obtaining the permits and corralling the volunteer help and donated materials to build their home on their leased lot in the Hawaiian Homes Land parcel. Their promise [is] two things that I want: committing to change and paying it forward,” says Dennis.
Dennis credits his MBA from University of Phoenix and extensive contracting background for making a difference.
