Prior to starting with Currency in 2010, DeAndré Upshaw was the 2009 Young & Free Texas Spokesperson. During his year, he honed his video production and writing skills to near perfection!

DeAndré is a recent graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He now holds a shiny degree in Journalism Public Relations with a Minor in Film and Digital Media.

As the Young & Free Change Agent,
DeAndré is charged with helping credit unions better understand the needs and wants of the next generation of credit union members. Along with changing the world, he also mentors new Young & Free Spokespeople, writes on the Why Gen Y blog, edits the Living Young & Free Show, speaks, travels and produces a weekly Why Gen Y Live show.

Favorite recent purchase
A 2009 Honda Fit! The first car I've ever owned, and its shaped like a jellybean and has a GPS, so I don't get lost. Well, I still get lost, but slightly less often.

Weird fact
I have a condition called "Oral Allergy Syndrome." It means I'm allergic to some raw fruits like apples and plums—but only when they're raw. When they get baked, boiled, or cooked, I can eat them fine. I was also born with 11 fingers!

Favorite TV shows
• Dexter
• Weeds
• Glee
• Intervention
• It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Favorite foods
• Pizza, Nutella, Chipotle, Thai Food

Pet peeve
People who get in the "10 Items or Fewer" line at the grocery with way more than 10 items. They need to do better.

Secret habit
I sing loudly when no one is around. Really loudly.

Things I should know how to do
but don't
Change a tire, Jumpstart a car. Basically anything automotive related. That's why they invented AAA.

Favorite brand
Apple. Consistent, elegant design coupled with a strong identity and uniformity. It's also incredibly effective, judging by the amount of Apple products I own.