Derrick Downey Jr.

Derrick Downey Jr. is a Webby Award–winning content creator, bestselling children’s author, and speaker known for his unique blend of humor, heart, and nature-based storytelling. With over 3 million followers across platforms, Derrick has built a devoted community by sharing his journey with squirrels, weaving themes of compassion, mental wellness, and community healing into viral short-form videos.\n\nHis debut book, Hand and Paw: Maxine’s Tale of Compassion, quickly became an Amazon #1 bestseller and has inspired a broader movement around empathy and connection with the natural world. Whether he’s rescuing wildlife or sparking conversations about self-growth, Derrick’s content inspires both laughter and reflection.\n\nAs a speaker, he draws from personal experiences—including navigating health challenges and rediscovering purpose through nature—to deliver engaging, heartfelt talks on authenticity, creative resilience, and finding joy in the unexpected. Derrick has presented at universities and on industry panels, connecting deeply with audiences through his signature style: honest, humorous, and impactful.