Veer is a Columbus High School Class of 2017 graduate and Vanderbilt alum, where he majored in Human and Organizational Development with minors in Business and Economics. During his time at Vanderbilt, he had the privilege of serving as the university's Student Body President.

He now works in private equity in NYC, with prior experience in investment banking and startups. His focus with Homegrown is mentorship—helping students build confidence, sharpen skills, and develop the conviction to pursue ambitious paths.

Derek is a Columbus High School Class of 2018 graduate and a neurosurgery resident at NYU Langone in Manhattan. He studied neuroscience at Georgia Tech as a Stamps President's Scholar and conducted research at the National Institute on Aging, Massachusetts General Hospital, and MD Anderson.

He earned his MD from NYU Grossman through the Accelerated 3-Year MD Pathway as a Silverstein Merit Scholarship recipient. He brings the same rigor and care he applies in the operating room to mentoring the next generation.