MC Digital Edition 3.30.22

Section C

Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 85 – No. 30 | March 30 - April 5, 2022

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Van Dyke Horn and Lambert Global Join Forces

By Sherri Kolade A new strategic partnership is aligning two local public relations and communications agency firms to further impact multicultural messaging in Detroit and nationally.

Detroit-based Van Dyke Horn Public Relations (VDH) and Grand Rapids-based Lambert Global (Lambert) announced that they have entered into a business alliance to combine VDH’s relations and community engagement expertise with Lambert’s leading integrated communications and investor relations practice, according to a press release. VDH, the largest minority public relations agency in Michigan, has held a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification for the last 24 years.

Joining VDH’s current owner, President, and CFO Marilyn Horn, Lambert will invest a less-than-majority stake in VDH. VDH will also remain as a minority-owned and managed entity, with all day-today operations and management VDH-controlled.

Georgella Muirhead, VDH CEO, told the Michigan Chronicle in an exclusive interview that this alliance and partnership is bringing the best of both worlds together.

Developers Gregory Jackson and Richard Hosey

Building Detroit:

Local Developers Continue Path Towards Black Development Inclusion with Historic Fisher Plant

By Sherri Kolade

Marilyn Horn, President, and CFO Van Dyke Horn & Jeff Lambert, Chairman, Lambert Global “This is a strategic alliance,” Muirhead told the Chronicle, adding that the two companies have strengths that will help each other. “Lambert (has a) wonderful public relations agency. … But they really didn’t have a strong multicultural marketing partner.”

Muirhead added that Lambert does well in national contracts and can help boost VDH and more and will make the joint companies “a very competitive organization.”

According to a press release, collaborative projects between the two organizations will be co-led by Lambert CEO Michelle Olson, APR, and Chairman Jeff Lambert in concert with Marilyn Horn, VDH president, and CFO, and Muirhead.

Both firms were founded in 1998, and both are local-turned national success stories, in which they rose in ranks from startups to industry leaders spanning public relations, community engagement, investor relations, integrated marketing, corporate communications, and multi-cultural marketing. The two firms have shared clients and campaigns over the years in the non-profit and corporate sectors.

This alliance makes double the impact, Muirhead said.

“It’s both a historic moment and a forward-thinking moment,” she

See PARTNERSHIP page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

After decades of being an eyesore and symbol of decay the Fisher Body 21 factory at 6051 Hastings St. will be transformed into a mixed-use housing complex.

Developers Gregory Jackson and Richard Hosey along with builder Kevin Lewand, founder of the Lewand Development, plan to bring affordable housing to the city’s Greater New Center area through this Black-led project.

Hosey and Jackson talked to the Michigan Chronicle about how their vision for the building is coming to life one measured step at a time.

For years, many have called for the old factory’s demolition, but Jackson, Hosey and Lewand saw the vision to rehabilitate it into the Fisher 21 Lofts.

At $134 million, the project is believed to be the largest African American-led development deal in Detroit’s history.

The project team is all Detroit-based and dedicated to hiring city workers and contractors, meaning the Fisher Lofts will not only bring quality market-rate and affordable housing to the city but also jobs.

“We’ve both been driving around, and both were thinking how nice it would be to change this building around,” Hosey said just outside grounds recently. “We [Jackson and I] grew up in similar ways and have similar thought patterns of always striving for excellence and the like.”

Lewand agrees and told the Michigan Chronicle that his nearly 30-year-old construction team brings “something special to the table.”

“We’re a talented group of people here,” he said. “Being part of the team that has the skill and the ability, and the local knowledge is what’s crucially important to me.”

Hosey said that being a Black developer where “Black money” is on the table is not lost on him in Detroit, adding that it is important to make sure that the “barriers are removed” so the development opportunities are more equitable for other developers, too.

Jackson said during a recent press conference that he is “excited” to be part of a project that is supported by Mayor Mike Duggan, his staff and the entire city of Detroit. Jackson, “born and raised” on Linwood, added that he is glad to also invest in the city he still lives in, regardless of his color.

“We’re not here because of a race -- because we’re a certain color doing something,” Jackson said, adding that this is not a Black deal but a business deal. “We’re here because we’re business people.”

Roderick Hardamon, a Black developer and CEO of multi-use real estate group URGE Development Group, told the Michigan Chronicle that in a primarily Black city having one of Detroit’s own developers working on this project is impactful.

“Having developers that represent the residents of the city provides a state-

“We’ve been waiting a long time.”

That is what Detroit resident Ann Connally said after learning of multi-million investments coming to the Detroit Community Schools District (DPSCD).

Where Fashion and Finance Meet City.Life.Style. B1

$1.00

See BLACK

DEVELOPERS page A2

DPSCD’s Community and Students React to $700M District Proposal Investments

By Sherri Kolade

Black Designers:

ment of trust and context that continually [is] rebirthing the revitalization,” Hardamon said, adding that the developers have a cultural “context that is relevant and resonates.”

Hardamon also said that for those who “never left Detroit,” being able to see in real-time that other Black people are an integral part of the revitalization of the city is also key.

“The Fisher Body [plant] is a symbol and statement of that,” he said. “When you have context of culture and communities in which you are impacting ... influences how you develop.”

Duggan announced during a press conference in early March that the Fisher Body 21 factory, the “largest African-American-led project in city history,” was revealed to be not only a housing project but a transformative initiative to create a new destination retail district, according to a press release.

“For almost 30 years, Fisher Body 21 has loomed over the I-94 and I-75 interchange as an international poster child for blight and abandonment in our city,” Duggan said during a mid-March press

Connally, a president of the Alumni Association with Pershing High School and retired guidance secretary, told the Michigan Chronicle recently that as the president for the past 30 years she has seen decades’ worth of promises and plans come to fruition, and some not always delivering. But this time she sees the initiative.

DPSCD’s investments, to the tune of $700 million, encompass fixing the district’s older buildings in major need of help.

A recent DPSCD announcement of a proposed Facility Master Plan would fix the future of school building use in Detroit, according to a press release. The plan is the next phase of the commitment to continue the process of rebuilding the District after

Emergency Management through improved school buildings.

“One of the first things I observed during the superintendent interview process in

2017 was the overall low condition of school buildings. Over the last four years, I am proud of the fact that the district experienced facility investments for the first time in over a decade through unspent expenditures, but this was simply putting a bandaid on a life-threatening wound. Access to federal relief funding provides us now with an opportunity to make a substantial shortand long-term investment in our school buildings that paves the way to a broader investment plan to right-size the district and provide each employee and student with a school building they deserve,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, superintendent, DPSCD. Connally said that the renovations are “a long time coming.”

“I’ve watched the school [buildings] deteriorate over the years,” Connally said, adding that DPSCD has put “Band-Aids on” what needs to be long-term fixes.

“Things that needed to be repaired or replaced, so this is a ... Godsend,” she said,

See INVESTMENTS page A2

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Black Developers From page A-1

conference. “For much of that time, demolition seemed like the likely outcome because the idea of finding a developer willing to renovate and reuse it seemed impossible.

But it’s a new day in Detroit, and we have a team of outstanding developers led by two Detroiters — Greg Jackson and Richard Hosey — who are going to transform this vacant eyesore from a source of blight to a source of beauty and opportunity, bringing new housing for Detroiters of all income levels.”

The new housing complex would create 433 market-rate and affordable apartments, 28,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, and 15,000 square feet of co-working space. At least 20 percent of the units will be at or below 80 percent area median income (AMI) and will represent a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Housing is considered affordable when housing costs do not exceed 30% of a household’s monthly income. For renters, these costs include rent and basic utilities (electric, gas and water), according to the City of Detroit’s website.

According to www.bridgedetroit. com, a Detroit-led study shows that Detroit residents who need the most assistance with securing affordable housing make less than 60 percent AMI, or, for example, that would be a two-person household making less than $37,680 a year.

A Vision Shared Pending City Council approval of the sale, the developers expect initial work to begin in the next month with the financial closing and start of construction slated for late next year. The project is expected to be complete in 2025.

There is secured equity within the development team, which has

committed $15 million in internal equity to the project and is being financed through Bernard Financial, Michigan’s largest mortgage banking firm.

“This project is being done by Detroiters and for Detroiters,” said Jackson, whose daughter Anika Jackson Odegbo, also involved in the project, is part of the father-daughter team behind Jackson Asset Management. “This project is proof of the potential of Detroit, its spirit and its people. We are honored to become stewards of this forgotten piece of the city’s storied past and turn it into a key piece of its future, bringing catalytic investment, quality housing and destination retail to this proud neighborhood.”

The large building is a prominent part of the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood and is creating quality affordable and market-rate housing and a major retail and shopping hub for residents in the heart of the city.

“Just as it is hard to overstate the effect of this highly visible Detroit challenge being unmet, it is also hard to overstate the effect the successful redevelopment will

have on Detroit’s momentum,” said Richard Hosey of Hosey Development. “This transformative project will become a road map for repurposing industrial buildings around the city.”

With the project subject to the City’s Community Benefits Ordinance, the City’s Planning & Development Department will begin meetings with residents next month. Residents in the project area will be notified of those community meetings, and they will form a Neighborhood Advisory Council to represent their interests as the development moves forward.

The project is in the heart of District 5, represented by Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, who joined the mayor and developers to celebrate the announcement.

“This is the type of project that can have an incredible, transformational effect on a neighborhood,” Sheffield said.

“This icon is profoundly important to Detroit’s past and will soon be a light on the hill in Detroit’s future,” said Nicole Sherard-Freeman, group executive of Jobs, Economy & Detroit at Work for the City of Detroit. “Beyond the hundreds of units of housing and the retail and shopping that it will bring, the developers are committed to working with Detroit at Work to ensure that Detroiters benefit from the jobs this project will create.”

Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., which helped shepherd the deal and make it possible, called the development project “game-changing,” turning a symbol of decline into one of the city rising.

“Beyond the jobs, housing and economic impact, it is also a symbol of development excellence and an incredible testament to what is possible when we all work together toward a common goal,” he said.

Charles Pugh Speaks Out

By Andre Ash Charles Pugh, 50, is returning to public life after spending five and a half years in a Michigan prison. The former WJBK-TV reporter was convicted in 2016 on two felony counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 16.

“It’s embarrassing to have a public misstep and you’re letting down a lot of people,” said Pugh. “When a lot of people believe in you, look up to you... that’s one of the dangers Charles Pugh of asking to be someone’s role model, when something goes wrong... but because I know there were a lot of people who believe in me and prayed for me and supported me, I owe it to the community to talk about the anatomy of growth.”

The TV news personality entered politics and was elected as Detroit City Council president in 2009. He became mysteriously absent from his elected position and ultimately fled the city amid allegations of inappropriate relations with another young man whom he first mentored when he was a teen in high school.

In an exclusive interview with the Michigan Chronicle, Pugh says he isn’t hiding his wrongdoings and that his sexually inappropriate relationship with a minor was a “stupid mistake.”

He says his wrongdoings are a lesson learned and had a lot of time behind prison bars to examine his life-altering choices. Pugh said he is ready to talk about his shortcomings to help others while also moving forward with his life.

“I believe in restorative justice. I believe when people commit crimes, ...they should be allowed to

Partnership From page A-1

said of the collaboration.

The vast number of services now offered by the Lambert-VDH alliance include everything from community engagement, internal and corporate communications to diversity consulting, organizational development, multi-level, multi-cultural marketing and integrated marketing that covers what is duppbed the “new majority”–people of color, women, and underrepresented stakeholders.

VDH will also enhance even further its record of bringing on board members who are women and diverse candidates and can bring a unique perspective to their positions.

correct that mistake and be allowed to come back to the community and get a job, start a business, reintegrate, find a church home ...and focus their lives on correct principals.”

Pugh says correcting his life’s direction is what will be his focus now. Released from prison late last year, he is currently serving a two-year parole, must wear a tether for six months, and is now on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry.

“It’s important to me to re-establish myself in the community that I love and show that all of us, even [when] you do wrong ...you should be able to come back and move forward. Nobody is worth throwing away, not one person.”

From drug dealers to men with anger management and mental health issues, during his time in prison, Pugh talked about getting to know the personal stories of his fellow inmates -- their dreams, skills and talent, his inspiration is what drove him to get through his own ordeal. “I learned from them that we’re all the same. We all have talents, but we all need people to believe in us and encourage us. I took on the role not as a victim because I was in prison. I took on the role as a leader because we can be a leader everywhere we go. To encourage people to do more and be more.”

Despite his once leadership role of Detroit’s legislative body, he doesn’t plan to get back into politics anytime soon and says his elected position didn’t yield the kind of change he once thought it would embody for Detroit. “What I learned, a lot of times the elected people have the least amount of power. The real power is money.

The real power is working hard and having an idea in the community and executing that idea. There are a lot of neighborhood associations and non-profit organizations that are doing way more than what

“In the communications field, where innovation and adaptation are essential to (serving) our clients, the credibility our agency has earned with clients and communities is an asset that we work constantly to develop and grow in new ways. That means being open to bold collaborations and the possibilities that they create, “said Marilyn Horn, president, and CFO of VDH. “This partnership with Lambert strengthens the foundational values of this agency, as they were established by Georgella Muirhead and Bob Berg, to serve the region we call home, and it amplifies our ability to apply the lessons we’ve learned along the way to new challenges, new methods and new relationships across Michigan and beyond.”

“As an agency, we’ve earned a reputation for integrity and

elected officials are doing, especially in the legislative body.”

He talked about being one of those people someday to impact and bring positive change for Detroit without being elected. One of the ways he wants to pursue that front is the creation of a business which he says will employ people and bring in significant revenue.

Pugh declined to provide specifics for his current business plans.

Meanwhile, Pugh plans to partner with his Murray Wright High School friend Reggie Reg Davis.

Before the earlier heights of their careers, they made a commitment to one another as Detroit Public School students to pursue post-secondary education and return to succeed in TV and radio while being role models for their community.

Fast-forward years later, the pair are making a return to broadcasting along with other beloved Detroit radio veterans such as COCO, Foolish, and Shanie D. They believe Detroiters miss the raw sound of Detroit on-air personalities who were fun and relatable before syndication and other programming changes over time.

“Charles and I talked about these things in the hallways of Murray Wright,” said Davis.” This was inevitable for us to come together at this particular time. This would be a waste of a good human being if he comes home and we throw him to the side and silence him.”

Grown Folks Radio Network (GFRM) will launch soon with five new internet radio/podcast stations in 2022. GFRN will introduce its first of five urban formats with the introduction of hip-hop formatted ReggieRegRadio.com. The radio broadcast legend and former Wayne County Commissioner will showcase this new internet radio station with a one-hour interview featuring Pugh, his childhood friend.

leadership in the Detroit area, as well as work we’ve done with regional and statewide partners, for more than two decades in community and multi-cultural engagement, said Muirhead in the release. “We believe that our record of success will serve us well as we broaden our portfolio to include more public company board rooms, national brands, and major institutions outside the state.”

“We’ve been minoring in DEI consulting and multi-cultural marketing, but this is an opportunity to major in it and to help the Van Dyke Horn team scale their services nationally and into fast-growing sectors like private equity, public companies, and ESG mandates,” said Michelle Olson, APR, CEO of Lambert. “This investment and partnership reflect the heart

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Investment From page A-1

adding that she hopes the school district would invest in more opportunities for afterschool programs that are more “accessible and attractive” to the community and students.

From replacing swimming pools and football fields to incorporating other activities, Connally said that she would like to see more students have a “place to go,” especially after many after-school activities were canceled because of the pandemic.

The Facility Master Plan provides a 20-year facilities vision and investment plan for the district. The district requires $2 billion to upgrade all school buildings to a “good” rating based on a Facilities Condition Index (FCI), which determines the extent of facility investment to restore a building to its best operational level. The district recommends investing $700 million by 2027 as it works to acquire access to equitable state funding to address its long-term facility needs.

The plan seeks to protect neighborhood schools and feeder patterns, placing students in the best school building possible with the review of FCI, current enrollment, local demographic studies and school building utilization.

Detroit School of Arts senior Brooke Snow told the Michigan Chronicle that she is looking forward to the funding.

Snow, who is a student representative on the school board, said that she wants to see her school personally be on the receiving end of upgrades.

“I think it’ll be very, like beneficial,” Snow said, adding that incoming students will especially benefit. “I definitely would say the focus should be on reactivating and renovating on rekindling what’s already here.”

Snow added that she is also looking forward to having her voice heard as a student representative and sharing what changes she would like to see take place in the initiative.

“I think the priorities

of our agency, it was part of my platform as PRSA National Board Chair, and I’m so fired up to put my words into action as part of the VDH team.”

Lambert founder and chairman Jeff Lambert also said that he founded the firm with a focus on growing the company’s Return on Equity as a business metric, and received much more.

“This has expanded to also measuring the return on equity in our representation, our inclusion, in the clients we serve, and in our investments,” Lambert said. “This partnership – and our national consulting on diversity and multi-cultural marketing – is us doubling down on our commitment to be catalysts for change for our clients and any organization with the desire for growth.”

should be the students, their education, their health and their safety because without the school, without the students, there is no district. There is no school, there are no teachers,” Snow said.

Sonya Mays, president and CEO of Develop Detroit Inc. and a member of the Detroit school board, told the Michigan Chronicle that DPSCD is investing its money in a range of resources, including mental health resources to help students overcome pandemic-related challenges.

“We’ve invested our money … which is how we keep students and staff safe,” Mays said adding that some pandemic-related challenges include creating better physical environments for students.

Mays also addressed some good problems that the district is handling, including a “large and growing” population in the district.

“It’s a comprehensive plan that touches virtually every area of the city in which we have a school,” Mays said.

The plan will support maximizing usage of district school buildings and improving the overall condition of schools through some new school buildings and renovations. All the recommendations will be explained and vetted by internal and external stakeholders through seven public meetings, some of which will be in person. The feedback from those meetings will hone the district’s plan and lead to a final recommendation to the School Board for the $700M investment in facilities by June 2022.

Over the next two months, the community is invited to participate in the seven public meetings to better understand the district’s initial recommendations and provide feedback on the plan.

Below is the remaining tentative date set for an upcoming DPSCD meeting: Citywide Facility Engagement Thursday, April 7, 6-8 p.m. (in person), location TBA. For more information visit https://www.­ detroitk12.org/.

Lambert is also a partner and minority equity owner in Hispanic-owned brand strategy, consulting, and multi-cultural marketing firm 9thWonder.

Muirhead also told the Chronicle that she wants to emphasize that she and her business partner are two strong African American women who are continuing to be a positive voice in the community. “(That is) something we take very seriously,” Muirhead said, adding that her organization would not join a business alliance with another organization unless they believed in it. “We wanted to have more opportunities, make more money — but do it in a very straightforward, positive way. We are just good businesswomen and I hope people recognize and accept that.”

A3

| March 30 - April 5, 2022

Leadership A3 | Jan. 26 - Feb. 1, 2022 Through Caring Tips for

Roots.

Roots.

helps vulnerable customers, as frigid weather sets in, with $5 million donation to Michigan outreach agencies

Cold Weather Savings

Jay Williams, manager, Public Affairs Strategy and Special Projects at DTE, was selected as one of the 30 participants in Detroit Regionalhas Chamber’s The cold weather arrived.Leadership Make sure your Class XLII. The six-month trans- frigid homeDetroit is prepared and ready to combat formationalHere leadership program is keep de- your temperatures. are some tips to signed to challenge emerging and existhome warm and cozy this winter. ing leaders from southeast Michigan to bringsure about positive • Make that your change. thermostat settings are

ty-of-life issues in the Detroit region,”

senior director of work • A said dirtyDan air Piepszowski, filter can make your furnace Community Leadership Development at and harder and lead to higher energy costs the Detroit Regional Chamber.

“Change even damaged parts.

During the winter, is inevitable, as wethat haveyour experienced you’ll want to check air filter is clean at least once a month since it will be working harder during these months.

michiganchronicle.com

DTE Energy

How is leadership defined? It comes down to three principles: inspire, innovate and deliver. One of DTE Energy’s team members is not only demonstrating these principles in his role every day, but now, he’s taking his leadership expertise to the next level, so he can continue to spark change in the community.

set appropriately for the winter.

“We are excited to be backIdeally, with having the temperature at 68XLII. degrees while you Leadership Detroit Class This proaregram awake willahelp save energy and offers unique experience thatmoney. leaders on athermostat journey outcan of their A takes programmable make this comforta zones to challenge long-held process lot easier and could result in enerandtoto$180 embrace gyassumptions savings of up overmultiple the course of and diverse perspectives on qualithe year.

michiganchronicle.com

United Way of Southeastern Michigan, the Salvation Army, True North and The Heat and Warmth Fund to receive customer assistance funds DTE Energy donated a total of $5 million to help low in- the winter months,” said Saunteel Jenkins, chief executive come residents across the state stay healthy, safe and warm officer of The Heat and Warmth Fund. “What’s important during Michigan’s freezing winter weather. to recognize about this donation is not only the ability for The company donated $2.25 million to the United Way THAW to help even more families with their urgent energy of Southeastern Michigan; $1 million to the Salvation Army; needs, but to also help them access programs that can pre$1 million to True North; and $750,000 to The Heat and vent these crises in the future.”

Warmth Fund (THAW). These non-profit outreach agencies DTE has taken additional steps during the pandemic to will help DTE customers who are struggling to pay their en- deliver help directly to customers in need, working closeergy bills, while also helping ly with the State Michigan help distribute themoffor you,’ helps us In February, the DTE Energy Foundathem enroll affordable payto administer CERA (COVID tion partnered withinMittens for Detroit meet that increased need.” ment plans,Plan including DTE’s Emergency Rental Assisand Empowerment to provide comThe coats were paired with mittens munityLow-Income members withSelf-Sufficiency essential winter tance) aaid totoour customers through grant Mittens for Detroit – a items. Plan (LSP) payment program. who rent their homes and purnonprofit organization that collects, MIHAF (Michigan Home“Many Michigan families Through the partnership, both nonchases and distributes new mittens and profitsare received a grantfinancial allowing them still facing hard-to ownertoAssistance Fund)and help gloves children, teens adults in purchase mittens for those they ships and and maycoats be challenged for homeowners.

Detroit who need them.DTE was serve, to which then distributed a winter,”viding keepwere their homes warm tothis said job Jerryreadiness Norcia,training also recently recognized by the White House as an example and support serMittens for Detroit received a grant for varietychief of shelters by DTE volunteers. vices to its workforce. executive officer and president, DTE Energy.

“This do- for other energy companies to follow, howtoDTE $5,000, allowingspotlighting the organization purchase Thenation Empowerment Plan received who almost will help Michiganders are struggling access applied Home Energy AssisthanIncome 500 pairs of adult mittens.

Throughto the two-yeardirectly program, parentsenhanced ex- moreLow $19,000, coats, for well-deservtheequaling help they150 need to pay their heating periencing bills and, ifhomelessness they are tance aid to eligible customer learn (LIHEAP) how to create “I bought a lot accounts. of men’s gloves with the DTE ing individuals Michigan.programs This is the that eligible,throughout enroll in payment will But provide coats. thesemore aren’t ordinary coats - the36,000 inno- residents More than were enrolled DTE’s af-need,” Foundation grant, and that in filled a big third time the Foundation has partnered with vative and weather-resistant EMPWR coat canplan, financial assistance.” fordable payment LSP, during the 2020-2021 prosaid Mittens for Detroit’s Executive Director the Empowerment Plan after providing funding transform into a sleeping bag or be worn as an DTEtohas more than $50 million since 2016 to gram year, and DTE anticipates Wendy Shepherd.

“When we need get those potentially greater this donafor 490 coats the donated organization in 2020. over-the-shoulder bag for individuals experi- tions, I am able to really target what’s needed at help customers stay warm and keep their lights on. These season.

All four agencies will be conducting open Empowerment Plan’s “It’s incredible because it helps us grow and encing homelessness. Theheating moment.” donations to human services agencies enable them to help enrollments LSP forthat eligible customers seeking energy is seen to walking stretch our reach to as many people as possible hope is that when someone Michigan residents pay down past-due balances and curassistance.

Visit dteenergy.com/lsp or call THAW, the DTE volunteers distributed the Salcoat and who are either living on the streets or don’t have down the street in one of the coats, no one will rent energy bills. Plan Development know they’re without a home. mitten to shelters and and nonprofits vation Army, United Way for bundles Southeastern Michigan a home,” said Empowerment throughout state, including & Outreach Manager Lauren Knill.partnership with THAW North for additional programthe information or to Pope enrollFrancis “DTE’s longstanding “Right helps now, I stahave aTrue waitlist upwards of Center and Covenant House in Detroit. bilize and empower Michigan families, particularly during in the program.

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DTE Foundation supports Mittens for Detroit and Empowerment Plan DTE Energy

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Simple fixes in include installing weather to each student the Detroit Public stripping doors andDistrict caulking around winSchools on Community (DPSCD). dows.

That was no small feat - through his efforts, more than of 50,000​​​​​​​​​​​ students ben• If you’re in need an equipment upgrade, efited from the program and were able make sure to shop for a high-efficiency modto continue their education through the el pandemic. furnace, which operates up to 50% more efficiently than older units. You may even be “I’mfor honored to be part of a program eligible rebates available at dteenergy. that positions Detroit as a premier place com/hvac. to be for education, opportunity and success,” • Keep yourWilliams heatingstated. system at peak performance by having an annual tune-up.

Today, he continues his work with DTE provides rebates tothe help offsetmaster the cost of DPSCD overseeing facility’s plan and budget tothat transform eachcombustion K-12 furnace tune-ups include school within the district. In partnership analysis. with Detroit’s Regional CEO group, he

• Download the of free DTE Insight directs a staff business leaders app from to see your energy use. You’ll be the able major organizations across citytotoidentify spikes in your home’s use and avoid high-bill establish a Project Management Office with DPSCD operations to manage capisurprises. tal improvement dollars long-term.

DTE also offers energy-saving tips, rebates, tools, and programs to help you save this winter and all year long. Learn more at: dteenergy. com/saveenergy.

DTE Energy Foundation awards more than $1 million in ‘Holiday Help’ Helpgrants is Available Detroiters with Energy Bills to supportfor families, childrenStruggling and underserved populations

T

Michigan weather. The numbers munity.

800-477-4747, or go to DTEEnerThe organizations don’t lie: in 2021, DTE customers receiving gy.com/Help andwill askassist about assisgrants awarded more than $1 milreceived $119 million through en- children, tance programs.

Detroit islion a city familiesHelp and– and se- grace in known grants for to its 10 Michergy assistance programs and non- niors.

– are customer hustle,igan-based its ambition andorganizations tenacity. Its Foravailable. example,DTE’s the DTE foprofit partners, while this year DTE service team will work to design ability cused to “figure it out.”

That’s what Foundation has supported on enriching people’s lives expects that amount to increase to a personalized solution for their we do – we figure it out and make the Detroit Area Agency across the state, just in time for $163 million. customers who need help, based things happen. That’s what DTE EnononAging (DAAA) Holiday the holidays.

Grant recipients intheir specific circumstances. ergy and other partners did for our Even with the spring weather, Meals on Wheels for more clude The Children’s Foundation, community this winter when we many folks might still be struggling During a time of uncertainty, a little than a decade by serving Community Foundation of St. connected low-income customers to pay those bills, or still waiting for grace can go a long way.

5,500 seniors every holiClairstruggling County, to Feeding who were pay theirAmerica the last winter heating bill to show Their work speaks for itself. In day season.

West Michigan, Forgotten Harheating bills with more than $160 up in the mail. the last five years, DTE donated GleanersWe Community millionvest, in assistance. saw the Food “Detroit Area Agency more than $50 million to agencies Unfortunately, some of our challenge, we made Bankand of together Southeastern Michigan, on Aging is grateful for themost in that directly aid people neighbors facing high bills don’t it happen.

Habitat for Humanity of Michineed. Theydonation worked with the state from ter. Our partners have lines to of dollars generous know direct about the millions gan, Meals on Wheels, Oaks Village (Oaks help communitiesavailable to forgive nearly $4 million Together, a coalition of corpoDTE Foundation.

We value andin debt to low-income Michigan from the ground the Tarence Wheelerup. Once basic needs of Righteousness), Pope Francis Center for Foundation’s more than 23,000 customers rate, government and nonprofit residents who are struggling to pay the appreciate financial are met, those partners is working ensure that Housing peakdedicated of the pandemic. and United to Community Coalitheir utility well asthetheir is starting to turn awho corner aredoesn’t underserved can bills. begin to support as during Michigan keep will theirusemean They also assisted 7,500 customtion. residents Organizations this support folks might not stilltheir be strugThat’s why I’m writing today: to volunteers who deliver focus energy on other parts of employee lights and heat onhomes, during the cold meals ers in applying for state and federal to repair deliver supglingand to pay their bills from the winhelp totosenior apartment buildings let you that help continues their life, like careers andknow family.” months, even when they’re unable aid, and offered convenient payport communities at the grassroots ter or fromlevel recent weeks of freezing be available to those who andqualify churches.

Our partnership proto payby their utility bills.

The dedicaThe DTE Foundation supports eqment plans for 66,000 customers. directly serving residents’ most basic weather.

I know for my neighbors for assistance. DTE and vides our coalihope to the most vulnerable tion of these partners to getting the and me, this long,uitable programming that serves the cold winter left tion partners are gettingseniors,” commitment says, “our city the word said This needs.

Ronald Taylor, DAAA word out meant thousands of our us with energy bills unmet needs vulnerable much high-of diverse, can’t and won’t go without this out, so people who still need help president and CEO. thewarm DTEthis Foundation, are neighbors“At stayed winter. erpeople while comthan normal – residents if there’s such a engaging know they the can ask for it. Anybody winter.” It’s powerful. It’s promisat the core of what we do,” said Lynette And just because the weather thing as normal when it comes to who needs help should call DTE at ing. It’s what everyone needed.

Dowler, president, DTE Foundation. “We know the most impactful work focuses on DTE spreads positively impacting the lives of those in holiday cheer to need. Michiganders can’t thrive without basic needs being met, like food or shelhospitalized children

DTE Energy Foundation

By TarenceheWheeler

Meet DTE’s 2022 Trailblazers

DTE aspires not only to be the best in the world, but the best for In November 2021, Joi Harris was promoted the world. One way the company to president of DTE Gas, making her both the accomplishes this is through dedfirst woman and the first person of color to be ication to the communities where appointed a DTE president. Harris is a 30-year employees live and serve, in comveteran of DTE, having started her career at the munities like Detroit or Ann Arbor. company when she was 15 years old, shadowThe holidays still look different this ing gas engineers. She joined as a co-op and year, and children in hospitals may then as an engineer. not be able to see their loved ones Today, Harris is also the vice president of the and continue holiday traditions. board of directors for the Detroit Area Pre-ColThat is why Public Affairs and Dislege Engineering Program (DAPCEP). In this tribution Operations teamed up to role, she applies her passion for STEM to help Butler Joi Harris spread some holiday spirit! ensure students of color excel in STEM fields Cornelia and are equipped to develop their skills and throughout OnourSunday, Dec. 19 in Detroit, community.” build their confidence.

DTE trucks partnered with MichiTerrell Lockhart, a manager in DTE’s electric gan Towing Operators in a drive by year“For reliability projects happening Wayne,distribution me, being a trailblazer means inI have and, a degreed electrical engineer, parade at Detroit Medical Center the awesome responsibility to help create pathMacomb, Oakland, Sanilac, Lapeer and Washt-is known for making a positive impact in every ways to aspirations that,improvement until this point,work may in(DMC) Children’s Hospital to bring enaw counties.

The role he’s had throughout his career at DTE. Lockhave seemed unattainable for some,installing particular-new holiday cheer from a safe distance. cludes building new substations, the company’s two tree trim training ly those who look like me,” said Harris. “As an hart leads The lit-up truck was driven by Jason substation equipment, reconfiguring overhead programs, one at Parnall Correctional facility African-American, female, engineer and execuBarnett and Carl Simm Jr., DTE line powerlines and moving overhead wires to un-in Jackson, Michigan, and the other at the Tree tive, I’ve been the first – and you can fill in the workers, and gas truckprograms was driven derground. in Detroit. Both have blank. I’m committed to making certain I’m not Trim Academy by John Frendo, who joined forces Inlast addition, this fall DTE’sopportunities, distribution but systemgarnered awards as well as national attention the by not only creating with 100 other vehicles, playanover innovative approach to addressing experts, technicians and engineers pow-for being also challenging others to do the same. Theintrail ing holiday songs and waving to workforce needs, while serving as a force for I leave is only one of the many needed to foster er-generating plants performed preventative children throughout the event. more diversity, and inclusion DTE and growth in our communities. inspections andequity maintenance on atthe electrical “When all the trucks lined up at distribution system to ensure it is ready for winthe hospital, the children and staff ter. were watching at their windows To learn more about ongoing reliability

Reliability projects launched across Michigan to prepare for this winter and the future

DTE recently celebrated its annual Trailblazers awards, recognizing employees for their exceptional leadership and mentorship in blazing a path for others to follow. This year, three engineers – Cornelia Butler, Joi Harris, and Terrell As temperatures to for drop, elecLockhart – werebegin honored theirDTE’s work to contric team is focused on making sure the grid nect students, community members andcan emmeet the energy needs ofdevelopment the community this ployees to learning, and career winter opportunities and into the in future.

STEM related fields.

Cornelia Butler, director of Emergency PreThe company’s Distribution Operations paredness and Restoration, who grew up team recently launched reliability projects and in still resides in East Detroit,across uses her energy to more than 50 communities southeast help expand DTE’s recruiting strategy to hire Michigan.

more diverse engineers from Historically Black

Winter weather and trees(HBCUs). are a dangerous Colleges or Universities Understandcombination thethan electric snow ing thatfor more 85% ofgrid.

DTE’sHeavy entry level engineers are or summer interns, more and freezing rainco-ops on tree branches canand cause than 50% fall of college degreedlines African them to break, on to power andAmeriultigraduate a HBCU, Butler spearheadmatelycans cause powerfrom outages. ed stronger relationships with HBCUs to help

That’s why DTE recently identified more recruit new talent.

Since 2020, Cornelia and than 30 to prioritize for students surge her communities team hired 26 co-ops and summer work that improve service for thousands of fromwill six HBCUs.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ residential“It’s and customers. exan business honor to be considered aTheir trailblazer perts are targeted improvements in the andmaking recognized for my passion and my conidentified neighborhoods installing tribution to the work offrom helping to buildnew more poles equity and crossarms, animal guards“It and diversityplacing in my field,” said Butler. on equipment accelerating treesfor also meanstothat there are nowtrimming opportunities along electrical lines. The communities were selected based on data-driven analysis which identified circuits that have experienced elevat-

others to follow, replicate and improve.”

when our truck pulls up, because it’s decorated in nearly 30,000 lights. It’s such a gratifying experience. I love seeing all the smiles and joy it brings to everyone.”

The festive trucks put on even more miles the next day on Monday, Dec. 20 when Carl Simm Jr. and Robert Vanderbush joined DTE Terrell volunteers to visit C.S.Lockhart Mott Children’s in Ann Arbor.

Thegoals, to “MyHospital parents inspired me to set team played music, andsteady waved at them pursue them and remain toward in times of self-doubt,” saidhospital Lockhart. “They the children, families and were both in small back townswith in Alabama workers as raised they waved anddonated moved toflashlights.

Detroit in 1968 right after high DTE school in hopes of setting a new course. 50 “Knowing we could bring smiles years later, they’ve raised seven college gradtouates children’s faces this year was and post-graduates. More importantincredible,” said Frank D’Angelo, ly, they built a house of love and confidence. manager of events and community They explicitly instilled in all of us that ‘no one outreach Public Affairs.

“I can’t is smarter in than you, some just work harder than imagine difficult is for those can do others. Ifhow you ever thinkitthat someone kids to be you spending timeharder over and the you will something can’t, work holidays in a hospital which is why see the truth.’” we knew we had to get involved.

So many of these programs were closed this year and we still made it

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • March 30 - April 5, 2022

Naomi Wooten Jackson In Loving Memory

Naomi Wooten Jackson was born on December 19, 1930 in Whigham, GA. Her parents were the late Malachi Wooten and Ruby Wynn. Naomi recognized the importance of education and graduated from Douglas High School in Thomasville, GA. Naomi was united in Holy Matrimony to her high school sweetheart and the love of her life Hiram Jackson on August 11, 1949 in Thomasville, GA. They shared 55 beautiful years of marriage before his death in 2004. They moved to Highland Park, MI in 1955 where they both would live out their love story. It was a love story that cast life to three adoring children: Cynthia (who preceded her in death) Sharon and Hiram – affectionately known as Ram. Naomi accepted Christ in her life as a child and joined St. John’s CME Church in 1988. She was a Mother Usher and she supported the Sunday School program for many years and attended church regularly until her health began to fail.

Naomi lived a full and exciting life. She was a homemaker and the architect of their home.

She never met a stranger and loved to socialize with family and friends. She had excellent culinary skills and if you visited her home, you may have experienced the goodness of her food. She was a great seamstress and enjoyed teaching others.

Naomi often volunteered at church, school and various organizations in her community. She was the neighborhood Mom to many. Naomi, along with her husband Hiram, loved fishing and would fish as often as possible. Even though she didn’t like eating fish, she enjoyed fishing and preparing it for all. She enjoyed gardening, reading fiction novels and solving crossword puzzles. Most mornings you could find her enjoying a good cup of decaf coffee with cream.

Naomi loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

They were her jewels. God gave her abundant strength to love, protect, encourage and support her grandchildren through all their endeavors. She especially enjoyed birthdays, graduations, births, weddings, school plays and spending quality time with her jewels. If they needed her, she was only a phone call away. Her home was always open to friends and family. Naomi had a special talent for never forgetting phone numbers and called friends and family often. Through sickness and health, she was a pillar of strength for herself and others.

She was a God-fearing woman and never wavered her faith in any aspects of her life. Naomi proceeded to God’s Home from Providence Hospital on March 2, 2022. She waited peacefully for the Angels. Naomi fought the good fight, she finished the race, she kept the faith.

Naomi leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted son and caretaker Hiram (Kimberly) Jackson Daughter: Sharon Jackson, Grandchildren; Keesha (Jai) Atkins, Tatiana (Marvin) Wheeler, Desmond, Hiram Eric III and Grace Jackson. Son-in-Law; Keith Wilson, Sisters in Law: Yvonne Roberts and Lorraine Houston and a host of relatives and friends.

A5

Money.

| March 30 - April 5, 2022

Get to Filing Your Taxes

By Megan Kirk

With more than 10 years of tax experience Keniesha Ingram, owner and operator of First Line Tax Pros, is helping Detroiters prepare for tax season. As the IRS advises filers to get their taxes done early, Ingram believes the emphasis should be on filing correctly. With new rules and additional federal funds tax season is heating up.

The federal government provided billions of dollars in aid during the pandemic. One such assistance, the Paycheck Protection Program, issued more than $24 billion in Michigan for small business owners in 2021.

While this does not have to be claimed on this year’s taxes, the IRS wants to know what the funds were used for. Though the funds did not have to be spent in one calendar year, tax preparers are encouraging an accurate account of expenditures. “ T h e PPP, that is not taxable.

You don’t have to claim the income on your taxes, but you do have to claim the expenses. If you spent it on whatever you spent it Keniesha Ingram, on for your owner and oper- b u s i n e s s , ator of First Line that should be reflectTax Pros. ed on your taxes,” said Ingram. “Even if you didn’t spend all of it, whatever you spent during the time should be on your tax return versus just not reporting at all.”

Entrepreneurship has ramped up in recent years. The pandemic provided a necessary push for those looking to pursue their dreams. The Paycheck Protection Program was in play to give vital assistance to struggling businesses. As a result, more entrepreneurs are filing business as well as personal tax returns.

“If you have a business, make sure you’re keeping your records intact. If you did take out the PPP loan, keep up with the records of what you spent the money on because the IRS sees all. Whatever you think they don’t see, they see it. If you think you’re trying to undermine them or underhand them, they see you and they know,” said Ingram.

The Child Tax Credit was granted to parents as a way to provide much-needed family assistance during the pandemic.

Under President Biden’s American Rescue Plan of 2021, families were given an allowance of $3,000 per child under the age of 18 and $3,600 for children younger than six. These funds must be claimed during the tax filing. Parents of children born later in 2021 will be able to recoup the amount for their tax credit.

See TAX

SEASON page A6

michiganchronicle.com

New Careers Are Here to Stay in Post-COVID Era

By Sherri Kolade The American economy, despite what you’ve heard, is on the mend and it’s a good thing because the creation of millions of jobs is coming right along with that boost across the nation.

During his early March State of the Union address, President Joe Biden underscored his message with highlights about the economy creating over 6.5 million new jobs just last year, especially in the throes of the pandemic. “[That is] more jobs created in one year than ever before in the history of America,” Biden said during the address, adding that the economy grew at a rate of 5.7 percent last year. “The strongest growth in nearly 40 years, the first step in bringing fundamental change to an economy that hasn’t worked for the working people of this nation for too long.”

“This pandemic has been an unprecedented shock to the labor market and has created a need for new jobs and new skills very quickly,” said Julia Pollak, a labor economist at ZipRecruiter, an online employment marketplace in Santa Monica, Calif., in a report for SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management. “Here we have a public health disaster that’s created a wide range of roles needed to contain the disease and increase the confidence of American consumers. So, they are very important jobs. Many are related to other jobs, with a lot of transferable skills.”

During the pandemic, businesses had to ramp up their efforts to identify ways to retain productive employees, particularly during the “Great Resignation of 2021” which experienced thousands of employees leaving the workforce to seek better working conditions, compensa-

tion and opportunities.

Also, as corporations set up for remote working, they created culture work – having outside consultants perform a culture audit, work on team dynamics and identify ways to shift the corporate culture toward a more collegial environment. These efforts often included weaving equity, inclusion and diversity (EID) into the DNA of the corporate culture – a trend that accelerated because of the Black Lives Matter movement.

However, in this new workplace, reimagined and actualized, companies and corporations are taking a second look at their business model to make sure that employees are treated, well, how they deserve.

That means for Black workers looking into what matters for them in a new light, and not just offering lip service.

For Black employees, many have felt relief in working from home, especially Black women who have experienced their fair share of microaggressions within the workplace, the Washington Post reports.

“It’s critical for business leaders to understand that large-scale shifts are changing how people work and how business gets done,” said Brian Kropp, distinguished vice president, Gartner, in an article about Future of Work Trends Post-COVID-19. “Leaders who respond effectively to these HR trends can ensure their organizations stand out from competitors.”

However, with these new dynamics came new opportunities and strategies for success in today’s business environment. “People were asking themselves, ‘Do I actually belong here? And if I look at equity, inclusion, and diversity, do we have a culture where people of color feel

like they belong here?’” said Reggie Butler, founder, and CEO of Performance Paradigm, an executive education, human capital consultancy.

Is there a middle ground between the Great Resignation, the economic spikes with the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the future of work?

Locally, answers are being made by promoting economic development opportunities that have a vested interest in the city, ensuring a bolstering economy, and bringing more jobs online for the people of Detroit — even years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those massive responsibilities are being shouldered by Detroit At Work, and as the City of Detroit’s staffing agency, the organization keeps the wheels turning as it continues to find engaging ways to connect people with jobs, provide opportunities and training to Detroiters and so much more.

“I am most looking forward to working with employers who want to locate in Detroit, developers who want to build in Detroit, and civic and business leaders who want to step forward and have a greater impact in Detroit,” Sherard-Freeman told the Michigan Chronicle previously. “I am looking forward to lining up all those possibilities into a future that Detroiters can’t even imagine.

“Before COVID, 44 percent of families were struggling — those families [are] more than likely headed by women and people of color and those who are struggling the most [are] without a high school diploma,” Sherard-Freeman said of those statistics. “In Detroit, a couple of technologies impacted the recovery and types of work that are available, and quite frankly it is going to drive not just the work that gets done but who gets to do the work.”

Viola and Allen Iverson Partner on New Cannabis Launch “IVERSON ‘01”

By Megan Kirk The cannabis industry in Michigan is expanding as new strains and businesses are hitting the State’s market. With more than ten years in the game, Viola, in conjunction with NBA legend Allen Iverson, is releasing their latest strain, IVERSON ‘01. The second collection under the collaboration will be available exclusively in Michigan, adding to the State’s budding business.

Viola, founded in 2011 by CEO Al Harrington, is the leading Black-owned producer and licensed reseller of premium cannabis products. The IVERSON ‘01 strain is a part of a multi-year partnership between Viola and the basketball giant. The Indica-dominant strain crosses F1 Durban, Gushers, and Runtz. Prerolls and the packaged flowers were cultivated in Detroit and will be available for purchase at select dispensaries across metro Detroit.

“I’m excited to continue the partnership with my brother Al and bring our newest strain to Detroit,” said Iverson.

“Everything I do is for the fans, and this is no different.”

multi-billion dollar inThough the strain dustry. is a limited edition, the CEO will let Mich“People of color iganders decide how represent less than long to keep the IVERsix percent of the inSON ‘01 strain in rodustry and I think tation. Viola plans to when you think about continue pushing to Blacks, I think it’s less find the best greens, than two percent. But or purples, to bring to when you look at the consumers. history of it, 85 per“We’ll let the cuscent of all drug arrests tomers decide when in Black communities we’re going to pull have all been canit. One thing we just nabis related,” says realize in the indusHarrington. “We don’t try, people love new own any farms, we stuff, they love new don’t own any trucks genetics. We definiteor any of those things, ly want to be on the but we’re the ones gocutting edge of that. Allen Iverson rocks Viola merch ing to jail for it from We’re constantly phethe distribution side. I no-hunting and growing our own stuff wanted our people to participate. I’m on trying to find the next best thing,” says a mission to change that with cannabis Harrington. and hopefully I can bring as many talMore than being a staple in the can- ented people to the industry as possible nabis industry, Viola hopes its work will and we can win at an ownership level so increase equity for Black and brown we can be able to dictate how we give people who are often excluded from the back to our community.”

Detroit City Council recently voted to increase recreational marijuana dispensaries, yet ordinances threaten to slow progress, effectively keeping Detroit from the recreational market. Despite voters electing to legalize marijuana in 2019, Detroiters face an uphill battle to open recreational dispensaries and other cannabis-related businesses. For Viola, much like Allen Iverson, the push for cannabis companies is here to push boundaries and create a new normal.

“When I think about Allen, the icon that he is, how disruptive he was, how he changed the way the game was played, the way the game is perceived, the way athletes conducted themselves in a positive way; meaning being themselves,” says Harrington. “Realizing you can be yourself and people will love you for it. When I think about cannabis, it’s the same thing. It’s groundbreaking. It’s disruptive. We’re constantly changing how people perceive cannabis, how they use cannabis; it aligned perfectly.”

Viola currently operates in five states and across Canada. The IVERSON ‘01 strain will be available beginning March 25.

Page A-6 | March 30 - April 5, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

PACE® Southeast Michigan Appoints N. Charles Anderson to Board of Directors

N. Charles Anderson, President and CEO of the Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan, has been named to the board of PACE Southeast Michigan.

Anderson joins the PACE Southeast Michigan board of directors with a wealth of community engagement and prior board leadership experience, including past board chair of Health Alliance Plan and past chair of the Henry Ford Health System Community Leadership Council. He is currently a board member of Medstar Ambulance where he represents Henry Ford Health System. His experience makes him uniquely qualified for a board position at PACE Southeast Michigan as he brings vast familiarity with health care and health plans.

Tax Season From page A-5

“The IRS is sending everyone a form; it’s called Form 6419 and it has the exact amount that the IRS gave you during that time and the exact dependent the claim is for,” said Ingram. “If a parent had a child in June of last year, that child would not have gotten included in that account for the child tax credit.”

Economically, the pandemic caused financial hardships for families and individuals across the country. Those who lost their

jobs were in financial limbo and unemployment benefits dished out a record amount of financial assistance due to job loss and severe reduction of hours. Funds received via the unemployment insurance must be filed or you risk penalties including delays on returns.

“Unemployment. A lot of people think that because last year the IRS was forgiving $10,000 of unemployment that you don’t have to report it. But that’s still taxable income. If you discard that or try to leave it out, they’re still going to try to count that towards you,” said Ingram.

“As PACE Southeast Michigan grows in Detroit with its upcoming new center and aggressive growth plan, I look forward to helping them care for more seniors in the community,” said Anderson, whose responsibilities as a board member will be to provide strategic direction and fiscal oversight.

The Urban League of Detroit, which was founded in 1916, serves more than 14,000 people each month to reach its mission of supporting people of color in cultivating and exercising their fullest potential.

“I am excited for N. Charles to join our board of directors,” said Mary Naber, President and CEO of PACE Southeast Michigan. “His remarkable leadership and extensive experi-

Those hoping to beat the rush are encouraged to have all documents needed and process their taxes online. Delays in the mailing system could potentially prevent tax returns from reaching the IRS in a timely fashion.

“E-filing is way quicker because it’s instantly sent to the IRS. When you file by mail, it can take up to 10 weeks. Just imagine, it’s going into a mailroom, they have to open it, they have to process it, so it takes a longer time than e-filing,” said Ingram.

The deadline to file taxes this year is April 18.

Get your weekly home delivery of the

ence in the southeast Michigan community and beyond will be a great asset as we continue to grow and serve more seniors.”

Part of the national PACE programs – Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly – PACE Southeast Michigan is a unique model of care serving as both the health plan, funded

by Medicare and Medicaid, and the provider of a continuum of comprehensive, coordinated services for frail seniors who want to remain independent, living in the community, rather than a nursing home. PACE Southeast Michigan has centers in Detroit, Dearborn, Southfield, Sterling Heights, Eastpointe, and Pontiac. With this new appointment, the number of PACE Southeast Michigan board members is now nine.

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michiganchronicle.com | March 30 - April 5, 2022 | Page A-7

WCCCD Celebrates National Reading Month At Wayne County Community College District, forging a love of reading has been a personal mission for Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery and his wife, Ola Ivery.

Ola started The Reading Carnival for Children, held annually, in 2004. This signature event has grown to include thousands of children and families, immersing them in a world of storytelling and imagination. Families are invited back for several BookWorm Club meetings, where children are led in storytelling, songs, and appearances from the cuddly BookWorm to help grow their excitement for reading.

Reading is not just for National Reading Month – it’s for every day!

Grow your love of reading at Wayne County Community College District, where learning leads to a better life!

“We know that early literacy skills are one of the most powerful tools for personal and economic growth and progress. It has been a lifelong passion for me and my husband to empower future generations – to spark their curiosity and to champion their intellectual growth so that they might create their best lives through education.”

— Ola Ivery

Page A-8 | March 30 - April 5, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Congratulations

What is a Woman of Excellence?

Women of Excellence are those who exemplify the stature, poise, and grace that characterize the essence of womanhood, all while maintaining the delicate balance of filling the roles of helpmate, mother, teacher, and professional.

Women of Excellence are the champions of our economic empowerment and diversity, the backbone of our religious and educational organizations, and driving forces in politics and community service.

The Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Awards celebrates local African American women who inspire others through their vision and leadership.

In character, in manner, and in style we believe these women embody the virtues of not only excellence but, self-confidence and dignity as well.

We celebrate them for their personal code of ethics, exceptional courage, unwavering conviction, and extraordinary grace. It is truly an honor to induct these phenomonal women into our society of Women of Excellence.

The Michigan Chronicle congratulates the 2022 Women of Excellence Inductees

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

B1 | March 30 - April 5, 2022

michiganchronicle.com

Pure Heart Foundation Celebrates Grand Opening in Detroit

By Sherri Kolade Pure Heart Foundation, a Detroit-based, non-profit organization, is making a major impact in the lives of children and youth impacted by their parent’s incarceration.

Currently, 2.7 million children in the United States have a parent incarcerated. In Detroit, four out of 10 children have a parent incarcerated; in Michigan, one out of 10 children have a parent in prison or jail.

These impacted children are seven times more likely to also wind up in the criminal justice system, according to statistics.

Sherelle Hogan, CEO, and founder (of an organization that also serves across the state) was one of those children growing up locally.

As a victim of parental incarceration, she encountered many childhood trauma as both of her parents faced incarceration at different points in her life.

Black Designers: Where Fashion and Finance Meet

By Megan Kirk

The intersectionality between fashion and wealth has been apparent for many brands, but Black designers are continually entering the conversation and creating financial avenues for themselves and their communities. Famed designers like Dapper Dan and Virgil Abloh have set the foundation and local designers are running with the blueprint.

Sherelle Hogan, CEO, and founder of the Pure Heart Foundation is helping children impacted by parental incarceration after experiencing it herself in her youth. Photo courtesy of Pure Heart Foundation

“Serving children of incarcerated parents is the reason I’m so passionate about this work,” Hogan said adding that being a child of an incarcerated parent (at the age of 6) touched her and led her to where she is today.

Her father was also incarcerated at the age of seven and after he was released when she was 10 years old he passed away not long after.

“Understanding the emotional toll, barriers of housing instability, not being able to identify with peers, experiencing abuse, and so many different challenges I faced is why I want to create programs and address silent struggles,” Hogan said, adding that a significant portion of her formative years was shaped by her parent’s multiple incarcerations. “The first time (my mother was jailed) I was too young to understand what was going on. … I tried to convince myself it wasn’t my fault. Deep down I knew it wasn’t my fault.”

See PURE HEART Page B-2

Recently, a New York Times article listed Detroit as the next fashion Mecca of the world. However, what the article showed was a lack of diversity and inclusion in the fashion world. Full of grit, Detroit and its Black designers are staking their claim on fashion and using it to earn wealth and to generate opportunities in their community.

The K. Walker Collective, founded by Ken Walker, has become one of Detroit’s premier luxury brands. Announcing a collaboration with the Detroit Pistons G League organization, Motor City Cruise, the brand which specializes in high end casual wear, designed a collection of jerseys and coordinating shorts for the team. Helping to latch his brain into a new stratosphere, Walker is preparing to further his namesake to make an economic impact on his community.

“I believe with impact comes wealth and wealth in other ways; financial gain. With impact and when you’re focused on making an impact, wealth comes. That comes in financial gain, it comes in reach, but also people have to remember when you’re developing a product, you’re building a brand and your brand should always be focused on impact,” said owner Ken Walker.

Jon Jamar is an up-and-coming apparel brand fusing art, fashion and individuality. Taking hints from the likes of Kanye West and Virgil Abloh, the creator of the brand is pushing the envelope on fashion and creating a look all his own.

“I like art a lot. I feel like with art, I wanted to bring art to fashion in a sense because I feel like, even with fashion, you can be yourself. You’re able to be yourself freely and you can express yourself,” said Jamar Johnson, owner of Jon Jamar.

The design aesthetic for Black communities is birthed in experience and culture. Often imitated, but never duplicated, Black fashion is individualized and rarely monolithic and as more Black creatives emerge, Black fashion is being pushed to the mainstream helping to create a lane for generational wealth and all success.

“You had Kanye doing his thing with Yeezy’s, his brand

being number one. Then, when Virgil (Abloh) went to Louis Vuitton, that also helped out a lot. Then, he had the Off-White brand, it was doing numbers for Nike. It’s been a lot of Black designers getting a lot of spotlight lately that they should have had,” said Johnson.

Major brands continue to draw inspiration from Black culture and generate millions, but Black communities are shut out. However, Black creatives continue to hunker down and from humble beginnings are creating jobs in their own communities.

“You can create jobs with fashion. Whether it’s running your own business, you can create someone for marketing, someone for graphic design; it’s always going to be a job with

See BLACK DESIGNERS Page B-2

The Truth About Bras

By Megan Kirk Padded, push-up, underwire or sports; bras have been an intricate part of women’s history.

From its foundation, bras have undergone a series of evolutionary changes that still hold true today. The pandemic and work-from-home abilities have caused some women to do away with the constraints of a bra and opt for a design that makes both comfort and fashion a priority. With this new shift, how will bras fare in the future?

The earliest images of bras came from women in Grecian times who adorned a bandeau-type bra void of straps and made from strips of cloth.

This would introduce the world to breast coverings. In 1914, Caresse Crosby created the first recorded patented modern bra. Made from two handkerchiefs and pink ribbons, the bra was an instant hit and laid the building blocks for the garment that would continue to be worn more than a century later. The 1930s introduced letter sizing, adjustable straps, hooks and many other design elements known today.

“Thinking about the history of them and just the purpose that they’ve had in a woman’s lifefrom that, I think about the bra emotionally.

Just the emotional and symbolic aspect that

they have through women’s history in general, just from being feminine, being worn out of necessity and often used to be presentable in society,” said Tamika Mayes, owner of Detroit bra company Reyz.

The bullet bra, resurrected by singer and Michigander Madonna in the 1990s, was first worn by figures such as Marilyn Monroe and Lana Turner in the 1950s. Shaped like cones, these bras helped to add to the illusion of fuller breasts. This led to the creation of the Wonderbra in 1964 which also became popular in the 1990s.

As women began to get more invested in their health during the 1970s, fitness-wear became increasingly popular. The introduction of the sports bra in 1977 allowed women to combine comfort and functionality. Originally called the ‘jogbra,’ sports bras have exploded in popularity and continue to be the staple for not only female athletes, but women looking for a break from underwires and padding.

Bras have also been used as a sign of resistance. Contrary to myths, the 1968 protest against the Miss America pageant did not in-

See TRUTH ABOUT BRAS Page B-2

Tamika Mayes, Reyz owner.

Page B-2 | March 30 - April 5, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Truth About Bras

times the bras often represent, that they wanted to be free from additional constraints,” said Mayes.

clude bra burning. Yet, the assembly of women were gathered to take a stand against the racism and sexism in the contest. Since then, other movements and campaigns have emerged as a way for women to reclaim their bodies and dismantle the patriarchal subscriptions to notions of femininity.

The pandemic is the latest event to have an evolutionary effect on bras.

Rather than its structure, the pandemic has created an avenue and desire for bras that remain comfortable, but will not skimp on beauty, design and quality. Despite the hard-hit economy, bra sales surged by 40 percent during the pandemic, particularly to accommodate all the new expectant mothers.

From page B-1

“That whole period of time was about rejecting patriarchal ideas of what defined beauty,” said Mayes.

In 2012, the Free the Nipple campaign made headlines ahead of its self-titled movie calling for the liberation of breasts. As men are welcome to go to topless in public, it is considered indecent for women. Breastfeeding mothers are often the center of attention and scrutiny when feeding their child in public. The double standard for breasts is made evident in society and women are calling for its end.

“Surprisingly, at least from just following trends and marketing industry just in the business, bra sales actually increased during the pandemic. Especially, that’s compared to a decrease in women’s apparel generally during that same time. But the increase in sales was driven by a couple things: one, it was the change in the nature. There were more playful and more of the risqué bras.

Then, there was another move to the maternity bras,” said Mayes.

“The trend of women not wearing bras; one because I just want to be free and there’s enough constraints and control and structure around our life that having a physical constraint that some-

Looking towards the future, bras will continue to adapt as the world continues to shift and technology continues to evolve. Sustainable and safer materials are being used to create bras of the future and there’s no slowing down now.

Black Designers

ing because we’re changing the narrative but also we’re seeing people take pride in creating a luxury good.”

fashion,” said Johnson. “It’s bringing job opportunities to the city and to the culture.”

Wealth for Black designers comes as more Black consumers begin to indulge in their designs. Aside from the financial aspect, Black pride creates another level of richness.

From page B-1

Despite the New York Times article and other nationally syndicated publications, Detroit’s fashion scene is full of Black artistry and designers, each one continuously pushing the envelope and making space for themselves and other Black designers to be represented.

“I think we humanize luxury more as Black consumers,” said Walker. “We’re told what we should consume and what we should like or what exudes success.

I’m thinking that the paradigm is chang-

“When we think of wealth, it’s always brands that the rich or the affluent gravitate towards, but now, it’s to say I paid $300 plus for this luxury good, but it was made by somebody Black. That’s more value proposition now,” said Walker.

The K. Walker Collective will soon launch a storefront employing Black creatives in Detroit helping to add to the overall economic impact of Black communities and downtown Detroit.

Pure Heart From page B-1

Hogan added that her mother was once convicted for two years, which she described as the “long two years” of her life.

“I felt every day that she was away,” she said, adding that she doesn’t define her mother by her mistakes. “She’s more than her incarceration and past.”

The Pure Heart Foundation, in operation for seven years, is holding a private ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, March 26 at Mary Grove Conservancy at 8425 W. McNichols Road in Detroit.

“Through the amazing dedication and support of our community, partners, and team, we are proud to announce that we will be opening our new space, The Scholar Center this Saturday,” Hogan said This new space will be the first and only space in Michigan that is dedicated to serving children of incarcerated parents that provides a multipronged holistic model, according to the Pure Heart Foundation’s Facebook page.

“The significant thing about this is the first in Michigan (of) opening a center serving children of incarcerated parents,” Hogan said. “Our scholars now have a place to call their own. We are so excited to unveil The Scholars Center to our scholars and supporters.”

Tour dates will be announced of the new center, Hogan posted online recently, adding that children are receptive to the program, and since 2015, over 2,500 children have gone through the program.

“A scholar said to me, ‘Pure Heart saved my life. If you survived this Ms. Sherelle, then so can I,” Hogan said on her website. “In that moment, I fully understood the power in mentorship, service, and the impact of my purpose.”

WDIV new report that she was able to graduate from high school at 16 years old.

“It felt good because don’t nobody wanna be in school for a long period of time. So, if I can knock two years out in one year, I’m like, ‘Yup, let me do that,’” Henry said in the report, adding that her father and stepfather were both jailed for a long time, which affected her.

“People don’t really understand, like, how much a child can hurt too. The stuff they see their parents go through -- they don’t understand it affects the child,” Henry said in the report, adding that tomorrow is a new day.

“I actually wanna open up a daycare and a hair salon,” Henry said in the report. “I appreciate her so much because the work that she’s doing, it is an impact and you can see it.”

To decrease generational incarceration, including “the school to prison pipeline” and creating a new cycle of hope, love, and financial sustainability, according to the Pure Heart Foundation.

Pure Heart Foundation fostered a partnership with numerous community organizations.

To address the national incarceration crisis, President Joe Biden made a recent proclamation for March as “Second Chance Month.”

Second Chance Month focuses on prevention, reentry, and social support, which “can ensure that America is a land of second chances and opportunity for all people,” Biden noted in his proclamation.

“America’s criminal justice system must offer meaningful opportunities for redemption and rehabilitation. After incarcerated individuals serve their time, they should have the opportunity to fully reintegrate into society,” Biden said in his proclamation.

Through her program, Hogan has supplied scholarships, jobs, counseling, and a community of awareness that has not only provided a voice for the voiceless but has restored a sense of self-worth for everyone who enters the program.

The Scholars Center for Children of Incarcerated Parents will embrace and empower children to break the cycle of generational involvement in the criminal justice system. The center will cater to the four out of 10 children in Detroit, who have a parent incarcerated and 10% of children in Michigan have a parent incarcerated totaling 228,000 children.

Victoria Henry, 18, who went through the Pure Heart Foundation, said in a

For more information visit https:// www.pureheartfoundation.org/.

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Prioritize Self-Care for a

Brighter Future (Family Features) When so much of the world is beyond your control, it’s easy to become anxious or overwhelmed trying to take care of everyone and everything. Making self-care a priority allows you to take charge and protect your own mental and physical wellness.

For many people, self-care gets neglected while other needs and obligations move to the forefront. That’s why being intentional and getting organized can help put you on a better path.

“A steady schedule is a healthy schedule,” said Jackie Michaels, a vocalist, songwriter, actress and author who shares her own journey to help others learn how to appreciate life by encouraging self-care, self-love and healing. “Set intentional goals to realign your life and create time for yourself to accomplish your goals.”

Michaels offers these words of wisdom to those who are just beginning their journey of intentional self-care.

Take advantage of the energy of the moon. A new moon is an ideal time to contemplate and plan for the future, as its path toward light and energy can align with your progress toward a milestone or goal. Conversely, a full moon’s expansive positive energy is thought to help amplify both conscious and sub-conscious thoughts for productive meditation. As the moon wanes, this is a time for reflection, shedding what hinders your progress as you prepare for another fresh start with the return of a new moon.

Make time for yourself to find balance. In today’s busy world, this advice can be much easier said than done, but that’s why Michaels recommends arming yourself with tools that can help.

For example, the Love Me Right SelfCare Journal and Planner can help you set boundaries for yourself and others.

You can use the calendar to set and take necessary breaks from time to time as a step toward self-care management.

Relax and release before starting a

new week. Each week is an opportunity for a fresh start. Take time over the weekend to mentally rest and recharge, paying attention to areas of growth and accomplishment. It’s also helpful to be intentional about letting go of disappointments and missteps from the week behind you and focus your mental energy on how to continue progressing toward your goals.

Make every effort count. When time is precious, there’s little room for lackluster effort. While you may not be able to realistically put everything into all that you do, you’ll likely discover a pattern of greater success in the activities where you invest yourself more deeply. Ultimately, you may find it easier to pass on activities that don’t pique your interest enough to command your full energy.

Recognize there’s no guilt in putting yourself first. Think about what you give to your friends, work and other external forces in life. When your effort is limited, chances are your results are, too.

The same applies when you’re working on yourself. If you only give what energy is leftover after giving to everyone and everything else, you’re not likely to achieve the results you desire. Understanding that giving all of yourself is the only way to reach what you aspire is the first step toward letting go of the guilt you may feel when you make yourself and your own time the first priority.

Give yourself credit and acknowledge your achievements. When you’re busy chasing your goals and dreams, it’s easy to lose sight of what you’ve already accomplished. Take time to celebrate victories and be proud of what you have accomplished. Also remember acknowledging milestones and progress toward bigger, long-term goals can help keep you motivated and determined to reach the finish line.

Find more inspiration for your selfcare journey at jackiemichaels.com/ love-me-right-initiative.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

An Inviting Refuge An Inviting Refuge An Inviting Refuge

michiganchronicle.com | March 30 - April 5, 2022 | Page B-3

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B-4 | February March 30 9-15, - April2022 5, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com Page A-8 | michiganchronicle.com

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michiganchronicle.com | March 30 - April 5, 2022 | Page B-5 ANNOUNCEMENTS

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George Washington Carver Academy

ROOM TO RENT

Accepting Applications – PreK-8th Open Enrollment March 1, 2022

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March 17, 2022

The Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority manages the two-tower 745,000 square foot Coleman A. Young Municipal Center located at 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan and is issuing Requests-For-Qualifications for the following Professional Services.

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COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR II

How to know what’s a real job and what’s a job scam Scammers advertise jobs the same way real employers do. They use online ads, job sites, and social media, and advertise in the newspaper and on TV and radio. How can you tell the difference? Real employers with real job opportunities don’t charge you to get a job. And they’ll never guarantee big money for little effort. That’s always a scam.

If you’re looking for a job: ■ Do some research. Search online for the name of the company or person who’s hiring you, plus the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” See what people are saying.

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If you spot a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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kmcghee@gwcarveracademy.org

Nexteer Automotive Corp. seeks a Communications Coordinator II in Saginaw, MI to support Nexteer’s corporate communication programs, creating high quality, compelling communications at all levels of the company; among other duties. Min. bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or Public Relations and six years of experience in the job offered or a related. Apply to job reference number 46581 at: jobs.nexteer.com

Validation HIL Engineer Nexteer Automotive Corp. seeks a Validation HIL Engineer in Auburn Hills, MI to support control software functional integration verification and validation of software for an embedded control system using state of the art microcontrollers; among other duties. Min. bachelor’s degree in Automotive Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or closely related and two years of experience in the job offered or a related. Apply to job reference number 46587 at: jobs.nexteer.com

Senior Financial Analyst, Global Business Solutions (GBS) Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) General Motors, Detroit, MI. Plan &dvlp GBS Headcount &Target/Glidepath Reporting &Consolidation to analyze &support creation of Budgets &Forecasts, dvlp anlyss &summaries to provide visibility to KPIs in facilitation of inter-Region financial planning &anlys, &present complex FP&A reports to GBS Leadership. Plan &implement Workday &support smooth transition from Peoplesoft to Workday. Member of team to dvlp &improve process of employee Cost Center assignment in Workday to minimize error. Plan, analyze &create GBS Capital Forecast &Budget reqmts &build &support business cases for capital reqmts, securing approval &obtaining necessary funding &appropriation to proceed w/ projects. Consolidate GMI & GMNA GBS Region budgets &forecast financial information. Plan &support dvlpmt &improvement of Global Functional Cost Transfer Sys. Provide project team w/ insights on reqmts &perform sys testing &dry runs. Assure sys performs as expected. Bachelor, Accntng, Bus. Admin., or Finance. 12 mos exp as Accountant, Financial Analyst, or related, consolidating automotive International Ops Region budgets &forecasts &performing monthly reporting &variance anlys &presenting monthly performance in monthly meetings, or related. Mail resume to Ref#24704, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Java Developer Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan, gather reqmts, design, dvlp, validate, deploy, &support full lifecycle of Connected Customer &Mobility Solutions applications incldg Back Office (BO) microservices to send &receive data to &from psgr vehicles using Java, J2EE, Python, Spark, Docker, &SQL languages, &Spring Boot, Jetty, Netty, Protocol Buffer, JSON, Redis, Vault, JUnit, Cucumber, Gatling, Kafka, Docker, Kubernetes, Git, Kibana, MTLS, Certificate Signing Request, Maven, Jenkins, Akamai, Oracle, &Unix tools. Perform SW/code/requirements anlyss, SW review, identification of code metrics, system risk/SW reliability anlyss, OOPS analysis &design, &AOP. Execute SW modeling &simulation. Design, dvlp, &deliver Vehicle Data Hub SW to QA Engrs for validation, UAT, &support UAT &production deployments in PCF cloud platform &static servers.

Upgrade BO microservices to publish Internet Protocol addresses for achieving efficient vehicle to BO connectivity. Build &maintain Vehicle Data Hub services, in Scrum &SAFe using Agile methodology.

Master, Computer Science, Cptr Applications, or Cptr Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer or Developer, dvlpg &supporting full lifecycle of Connected Customer or Mobility Solutions apps incldg BO microservices to send &receive data to &from psgr vehicles using Java, J2EE languages, &Spring Boot, JSON, &JUnit tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#49355, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Senior Process Engineer-Transmission, Drive Unit, & eMotor Assembly

Seeking Seeking Assistant Seeking Medical OFFICE ASSISTANT IIIIII ASSISTANT atOFFICE Oakland University at Oakland University

ATGraham OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Clinical & Diagnostic Services Health Center

Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, design &define mechanical drawings &tooling, eqpmnt &machinery build reqmts &processes. Integrate, &assure timely &high qlty plant installation, launch &continuous improvement of conventional &EV psgr vehicle 6, &8 speed &drive unit FWD/RWD transmission, driveline, &eMotor assy &machining eqpmnt &tools to produce transmissions, drivelines &eMotors in high volume transmission mfg plant environment.

Support transmission plants w/ line balancing activities to meet productivity targets in OH & MEX transmission plants. Define processes &implement gap closures in Bills of Eqpmnt (BOE)/ Process (BOP)/ Material (BOM)/ Operation (BOO). Evaluate &provide process improvement, external contractor performance, &supplier eqpmnt delivery feedback to Central Mfg Engrg mgrs. Dvlp pressure decay, mass flow programs for transmission leak test &selection of eqpmnt applying Agile methodology &perform flexibility leak test inspections. Required travel to vehicle GM transmission plants in U.S. &Mexico to evaluate &improve mfg processes &facilities layouts, &support launches, up to 12 weeks per annum. Bachelor, Mechanical or Automotive Engrg. 24 mos exp as Engineer, designing or defining mechanical drawings &tooling, eqpmnt &machinery build reqmts &processes, assuring transmission plant installation of tooling, eqpmnt &machinery, &implementing gap closures in BOE, BOP, BOM, &BOO, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2298, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

II

School of Medicine To provide specialized office assistance, Coordinate the procedural clinical processing coordinating business or in a service activities for a complex program clinic by performing a variety Tomedical provide specialized office assistance, area involving processing, implementing, of multi-step processes according advising on, and reporting specialized coordinating procedural businessto a or subjectframework matter. Minimum Qualifications: and specified procedures service activities for aoforcomplex High school graduation an equivalentprogram regulations, toofserve asand anexperience. informationcombination education area involving processing, implementing, Four years progressively responsible al source within the clinic in addition office including direct advising on, experience, andthe reporting to maintaining role as a specialized medical experience in office coordination, i.e., subject matter.

Minimum Qualifications: prioritizing work assignments, maintaining assistant in the clinic. Minimum Qualwork flow to meet deadlines. This is ifications: High Schoolorgraduation or High school graduation an equivalent a full time, clerical-technical position.

Salary is $44,592.00 annually.

See an equivalent combination of educacombination of education and experience. online posting for additional position tion and experience. years’ office exrequirements.

First Three consideration Four years progressively responsible will beasgiven to those who apply by or in perience a medical assistant experience, experience in April 8,including 2022. Mustdirect apply on line to: a directly related field with experience www.michiganchronicle.com https://jobs.oakland.edu office coordination, i.e., prioritizing work in medical office clerical functions. Exassignments, workand flowobtainto meet perience inmaintaining venipuncture Get your weekly home delivery deadlines. is a full time, clerical-technical ing basicThis patient information including blood Salary pressure, electrocardiograph position. is $43,718.00 annually. measurements and urine specimens.

See online posting for additional position This is a part-time clerical-technical porequirements.

First consideration will be Subscribe sition, workingToday!

Monday-Friday, 10:00 given thosep.m., who30apply March a.m. to – 5:00 hoursbyper week.23, 2020.

Salary is $30,973.00 annually. See Must apply posting online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu online for additional posi-

Please visit our website for more classified ads.

of the

Michigan Chronicle Call (313) 963-5522

Join Our Team

Walker-Miller Energy Services is hiring!

Accounts Receivable Analyst/Accountant – Detroit, MI Direct Installer – Lansing, MI Director of Research – Detroit, MI Energy Consultant – Detroit, MI Energy Consultant – Saginaw, MI Energy Engineer – Detroit, MI Energy Specialist/Field Technician – Detroit, MI Energy Specialist/Field Technician – Grand Rapids, MI Financial Analyst – Detroit Human Resources Operations Manager – Detroit IT Helpdesk Support Technician II – Detroit, MI Mobility Program Manager – Detroit, MI Outreach Manager – Detroit, MI Proposal Manager – Detroit, MI Quality Assurance Inspector – Detroit, MI Sourcing Recruiter – Detroit, MI To apply please visit wmenergy.com/careers-2/

How to Get More Mileage From Your Car (StatePoint) With car supplies still not meeting today’s demand, experts believe that prices are going to remain elevated on both new and used cars for the foreseeable future.

However, industry insiders say that you can reap more mileage from a vehicle by shopping carefully and by performing regular maintenance.

“Staying up-to-date on car maintenance is not only good for your wallet, it’s safer for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. However, those with used cars should be particularly proactive about car care,” says James “Ty” Goodin, director of service operations at Byrider, the nation’s largest used car and finance network of dealerships.

According to industry projections, used cars still represent the majority of annual car sales, and market share is only expected to grow, so if you’re driving a previously owned vehicle, you’re in good company. You also have some support. In time for April, which is National Car Care Month, the experts at Byrider are offering the following tips to help you keep your used car on the road longer: • Pay attention to any unusual noises, odors or other warning signs that your vehicle needs maintenance. Brush up on what each symbol means on your dashboard and never ignore a warning light. This is your car communicating an issue that needs to be addressed.

• Take good care of the body of your vehicle. Wash your car regularly, inside and out.

• Work only with trusted mechanics. Using repair services that hire Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians can help ensure you get quality repairs using quality parts.

• Always gas up according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Use premium if the vehicle manufacturer suggests it.

• Likewise, use the proper oil per the recommendation of the manufacturer. According to AAA, most modern vehicles call for oil changes every 5,000-7000 miles, however, actual oil change intervals vary by the age and model of your car, along with other factors, such as the road conditions of where you drive most frequently.

• Use top quality tires designed for the weather and road conditions in your region. Be sure they are inflated per the specifications listed in the owner’s manual. Swap them out seasonally if needed.

• Opt for safety and reliability by purchasing a used vehicle only from a retailer that puts cars through a detailed inspection process. Streamline maintenance by seeking out dealers with an attached service department. “Ideally, the dealership can be a driver’s go-to support,” says Goodin.

In the case of Byrider, every car sold comes with a warranty or optional service agreement, as well as discounted parts, labor and service. To learn more or find a Buy Here Pay Here dealership near you, visit byrider.com.

Used cars typically present the best value -- especially if you are proactive about extending the life of your vehicle. To do so, be sure to car shop wisely and stay on top of maintaining your vehicle.

Page B-6 | March 30 - April 5, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Congratulations to

Jaye Sanders 2022 Woman of Excellence The Realtor with the Servant’s Heart For Excellent Service Call Jaye and her team at Nextpointe!

248-298-5000 www.JustAskJaye.com

Jaye Sanders, Managing Broker Member Nextpointe Real Estate Services, LLC

Congratulations, 2022 Women of Excellence!

Your accomplishments elevate everything we do.

Special shout out to: Nicole Sebree-Henry Senior Director, Multicultural Marketing Rocket Central

Leona Medley Director of Strategic and Community Partnership Bedrock

EXCELLENT LEADERS ARE

Nadia Sesay Chief Community Growth and Development Officer Bedrock

TRANSFORMATIVE Please join us in congratulating Shannon Wilson for this well-earned recognition. Our commitment to building a healthier Michigan is exemplified in Shannon's leadership.

Michigan Chronicle

C1 |

michiganchronicle.com

March 30 - April 5, 2022

T

he Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Awards, in its 15th year, celebrates local African American women who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are women who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and grace. These women do it all while maintaining the delicate balance of filling the roles of helpmate, mother, teacher and professional. Our 2022 WOE Class are champions of economic empowerment and diversity, backbone of religious and educational organizations, and driving forces in politics and community service. Help us welcome these distinguished Women of Excellence.

Brandi N. Basket, DO

Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparity Family Physician Providing underserved patients with quality health care, regardless of social, economic, or insurance status, is Dr. Brandi Basket’s passion. As a boardcer/fied family physician, Dr. Basket advances health care access, drives process efficiency, and implements solu/ons contribu/ng to the greater good.

In her role as Chief Medical Officer (CMO)–Michigan Market at Centene/Meridian Health Plan, Dr. Basket safeguarded quality healthcare services measured by HEDIS and Medicare. Dr. Basket was promoted to CMO within two years, reflec/ng her hard work and dedica/on.

Dr. Basket also served as a company spokesperson.

Appointed by the Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, Dr. Basket serves on the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force—Racial Dispari/es Primary Care Connec/ ons Workgroup contribu/ng to racial disparity inves/ ga/ons, COVID-19 impacts, and strategic development of ac/onable recommenda/ons.

Dr. Basket holds medical licensures in Michigan and Illinois. She is Board Cer/fied in Family Medicine from the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and Board Cer/fied from the American Osteopathic Associa/on. She is a member of ACOFP, AOA, and MOA.

Regine C. Beauboeuf, PE Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure and Mobility Equity | HNTB Regine C. Beauboeuf, PE, is a Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure and Mobility Equity at HNTB. In her role, Regine works to support HNTB’s clients, policymakers, community leaders, and the organization to address equity considerations in infrastructure planning, design, and construction.

Regine has 37 years of international transportation and infrastructure, specializing in managing large, complex transportation projects. Her expertise includes design-build and public-private partnership projects in the United States and Canada, ranging from $200 million to $1.2 billion.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer tapped Regine to serve as a Trustee at Central Michigan University. Regine is the Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of Michigan Women Forward, a Board Member of the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA), and a board member of COMTO National.

Regine was honored with a Woman Who Moves the Nation Award by COMTO in January 2020. The award recognizes women advancing and leading the country’s transportation system and advancing diversity and inclusion. Regine is a member of the Renaissance Chapter of The Links, Inc., and received The Links International Woman that Leads awards in 2019.

Kimberly Blackwell Captain | Detroit Police Department Captain Kimberly M. Blackwell has been a member of the Detroit Police Department for the past twenty-six (26) years. She is currently spearheading programs that bring awareness/ education to school-aged children as it pertains to sexual assault, and providing professional counseling to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and the families of homicide victims.

Captain Blackwell is the mother of sixteen (16) year old twin boys, she has a twin sister, two other siblings and is the daughter of former Detroit Police Chief Chester Logan. Born, raised, and educated in the city of Detroit, Captain Blackwell is a proud graduate Cass Technical High School. She furthered her education earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with Summa Cum Laude honors from Cleary University and is currently enrolled in their MBA program majoring in Business Leadership.

At the end of a long shift, Captain Blackwell hangs up her uniform (cape) and resumes the roles of Kim, mom, daughter, sister, friend, student, comedian, counselor, confidant, cheerleader, fashionista, food critic, Netflix binge watcher and most importantly, child of God.

Brandy Brown Chief Innovation Officer Walker-Miller Energy Services Dr. Brandy Brown serves as the Chief Innovation Officer of Walker-Miller Energy services, the premier Detroit-based energy services company focused on equity in the clean energy economy. In this role, Brandy leads the Innovation team and is responsible for guiding the development of advanced energy projects, workforce development, equitable mobility solutions.

Prior to joining Walker-Miller, Dr. Brown served as Climate & Energy Advisor within the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy. In that role she headed the Office of Climate & Energy and was responsible for developing the policy and implementation strategy for state-wide decarbonization efforts, coordinating state departments on climate action, providing guidance to local governments, and advancing renewable energy throughout Michigan.

Additionally, Dr. Brown is honored to serve as part of the Environmental Justice faculty for University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability and as an appointee to Michigan’s National Resources Trust Fund Board.

Meagan Brown, Ed.S CEO | KEM Consultants, LLC Meagan Lorraine Brown received her formal education in private and public schools and is a proud Cass Technical High School alumna. She earned a B.S. in Secondary Education, M.Ed. in K-12 Administration, and Ed.S. in K-12 Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State University. Currently, she is completing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Central Michigan University.

Mrs. Brown dedicated her school-based career to educating students in Detroit and served as an English Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Meagan transitioned to Central Michigan University and serves as the Director of University and Community Partnerships. As the CEO of KEM Consultants, LLC, Meagan leads a team of academic coaches who provide professional development, instructional modeling, and curriculum design for school districts nationwide. Her strategic partnerships focus on closing the achievement gap, addressing the national teacher shortage, and strengthening the field of education.

Meagan prioritizes work-life balance and enjoys community service through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Her life is most fulfilling when traveling with her husband, KeJuan, and their two children Maxwell and Kennedy.

Sheree Calhoun

Stacie Clayton, MBA Director of Community Affairs Division of Government and Community Affairs Wayne State University Stacie Clayton is the Director of Community Affairs for Wayne State University. In this role she serves as the primary contact for individuals, business, community organizations, and local government seeking connection with WSU. Stacie promotes the University’s mission to positively impact local and global communities by strengthening, developing and sustaining mutually beneficial partnerships with stakeholders.

She also works directly with the University’s leadership to advance their work internally and externally.

With over 30 years of external affairs experience, Stacie’s held positions within Michigan government, corporate and non-profit sectors. Throughout her career, she’s been a passionate and effective advocate of bridge building and outreach. She says her greatest strong point is “connecting the dots” for others to achieve the big picture. She prides herself on being a go-to person to get something done. Ensuring others are successful in their work is Stacie’s definition of her success.

Stacie is a graduate of Renaissance High School and an alumna of Wayne State University where she received a BA in political science and an MBA. Stacie is a faithful member of Second Ebenezer Church.

Stacey N. Crews, Ed.S. Dean of Student Services Oakland Community College Stacey N. Crews holds a B.A. in Communication from Aquinas College, a M.A. in Higher Education General Administration, a graduate certificate in Community College Leadership and a Specialist of Arts in Educational Studies degree from Eastern Michigan University. Her career began with the Urban League, followed by more than twenty years in higher education. She served as the Director of Multicultural Affairs at Aquinas College for ten years, and this role led to promote diversity, equity and inclusion to that campus community and abroad.

Currently she is the Dean of Student Services at Oakland Community College. In this role she provides leadership in enrollment services, program administration, developing co-curricular programming centered on diversity and inclusion, community outreach and supports the college’s general education outcomes and ultimately student success. She has been named a Diversity Champion by the Birmingham/Bloomfield Diversity Taskforce, a Michigan Community College Leadership Academy fellow, a former member of the City of Oak Park Cultural Diversity Commission and is a board member for the Hazel Park Promise Zone.

Content Producer | WDIV Local 4 News Sheree Calhoun is an Emmy nominated Content Producer at WDIV Local 4 News, Detroit’s NBC affiliate. She is an integral part of the team for daily story production and all the signature events the station produces for the Detroit community such as the Ford Fireworks, America’s Thanksgiving Parade, the Charity Preview for the International Auto Show just to name a few.

For Sheree, working with teenagers has proven to be a calling and another full-time job. She has been a mentor and cheerleading coach for several years to pour into the lives of young people. She believes some students don’t have a good foundation and need to be exposed to as much as possible to truly believe they can accomplish more than they ever dreamed. Sheree is single with no children of her own, but calls so many children ‘her’ babies.

In her free time, you can find Sheree enjoying activities include dancing, attending concerts and theatre productions, and traveling.

Charity Dean, Esq. President/CEO Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance Charity Dean is the President and CEO of Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance. The Metro Detroit Black Business Alliances creates programs and advocates for policies that result in thriving Black owned businesses. Prior to launching this regional Chamber of Commerce for Black Businesses, Charity served as the Director of Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity for the City of Detroit.

Charity serves on the boards of Oakland University Alumni Association, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, and Neighborhood Legal Services and Wolverine Bar Association. She is a trustee for the Citizens Research Council of Michigan and was appointed by Governor Whitmer to serve as a Michigan Women’s Commissioner representing the City of Detroit.

Charity is a practicing attorney and the Founder of Dean Law and Consulting. She is also an adjunct professor at her alma mater, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Oakland University. She has received numerous honors and awards, including Crain’s 40 under 40 in 2020, and Crain’s 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan in 2021.

Page C-2 • michiganchronicle.com • March 30 - April 5, 2022

Hon. Teri Lynn Dennings Circuit Court Judge Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Teri Lynn Dennings is the first and only African American to serve as a jurist on the Macomb County Circuit Court bench. She was appointed to the bench by the Governor on December 21, 2021. At the time of appointment, she was an attorney for a Fortune 500 Company. Her experience includes over 16 years representing individuals, corporations, labor unions, and government in civil litigation and administrative law. She has also taught as an adjunct professor at Eastern Michigan University, the University of Michigan – Dearborn, and the University of Michigan Law School.

Judge Dennings is a member of various professional organizations and has received recognition from her peers for her work as an attorney. Examples of awards include Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star, HOUR Magazine’s Top Women Attorneys, Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Up & Coming Attorney,” SSA’s Award for Exceptional Contributions, and Consumers Energy’s Leaving it Better Award.

Judge Dennings coined her judicial philosophy as RIPP, which encompasses: respect, impartial decision making, preparation, and public service beyond the bench.

Dr. Carladenise Armbrister Edwards Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer Henry Ford Health Systems Dr. Carladenise Armbrister Edwards provides executive counsel and leadership for the Henry Ford Health System’s strategic planning efforts and partnership ventures, business development and transformation initiatives, government affairs Prior to Henry Ford, she was executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Providence St. Joseph Health comprising 51 hospitals and 800+ clinics across seven states.

She also served as chief administrative officer for Providence Health & Services’ Population Health division and was instrumental in the 2016 merger with St. Joseph Health.

Dr. Edwards also served as founding president and CEO of a nonprofit corporation in California; held technology-based leadership roles in Georgia’s Department of Community Health, and advised healthcare, technology and nonprofit clients as principal advisor and CEO with a Florida based consulting firm.

She has a Ph.D. in Medical Sociology from the University of Florida; a master’s degree in Education and Psychological Services a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania and neuroscience at the University of Leuven in Belgium and gerontology at the University of California Los Angeles.

Regina Gaines Owner | House of Pure Vin Regina Gaines is the co-founder and visionary behind House of Pure Vin experiential retail concept. She began her career in the Wine and Spirits Industry by overseeing the development of new territories for Schieffelin & Somerset/US Concepts (LVMH -Diageo) in secondary markets. Regina co-spearheaded and credited with increasing the sales against the AACM 57% on UDV brands and 310% on LVMH from 1995-1998.

Regina is the Co-Founder of Artist Exposure with renowned entertainment executive Laronda Sutton, which is a privately owned advertising and marketing agency specializing in new luxury and key influencer consumers. Some of their notable clients include: AXE, Hennessey, Brown-Forman, Farm Rich, and Remy Martin.

House of Pure Vin is a result of a perfect storm. The life lessons, opportunity and perfect timing is cornerstone of House of Pure Vin. It’s only the beginning with more to come.

Regina is a product of Clark Atlanta University, Michigan State University College of Law, and a single mother to Sarai Madison Ware. Sarai is a rising senior to St. John University.

Hon. Kameshia D. Gant Circuit Court Judge | Oakland County Sixth Circuit Court The Hon. Kameshia D. Gant was appointed to the Oakland County Circuit Court bench by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on April 30, 2019. She is the 75th Judge and third African-American to serve in this capacity.

Judge Gant is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School. Prior to her judicial appointment, she has tirelessly fought for justice and equality for the voiceless while working as a Consultant for the Neighborhood Legal Services of Michigan’s Children’s Justice Center for 15 years and a Trial Lawyer with her own general practice law firm for 13 years.

She also served the judicial system as a Probation Agent for the Michigan Department of Corrections, a Judicial Court Clerk at the Oakland Circuit Court and a Judicial Intern at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

She is dedicated to public service and is passionate about her mentorship of youth and issues involving social justice and education.

LaShanda J. Golden Small Business Community Lender | Fifth Third Bank Shanda Golden serves as a community lender for 5/3 Bank. She is responsible for leading strategic initiatives relative to CRA and Affordable Lending for the Bank. She helps to grow and develop Metropolitan Detroit area businesses through deposit and loan acquisition, specifically for black owned, women owned and minority business owners. She provides financial literacy and education for business leaders, community groups, non-profits and other organizations.

Shanda previously served in various roles at Fifth Third over the past 23 years, one of her career highlights was opening the first financial center for 5/3 Bank located in the city of Detroit. She serves on several boards including Daughters of Destiny girls mentoring group, KAM youth, Southwest Detroit CDC, KAM Trustee Board among others.

She most recently opened a food pantry in Southwest Detroit and co- authored a relationship book, Reset, that released in February.

Shanda is a mom of twin boys and a certified Life Coach. Shanda considers faith, family, fun and her fur baby, Pink, the most important things in her life!

Bianca Graves Director | Business Services Leading Edge Business Solutions Bianca R. Graves is an accomplished business professional with over 21 years of experience in both the engineering and construction industries. Bianca serves in several roles within LEBS and provides her expertise to each division as necessary.

An Environmental Scientist by profession, she has worked for global environmental engineering firms and amassed extensive experience in the disciplines of Water Resources Management, Hydrology, Environmental Risk Assessments and Remedial Investigations. Her diverse background also encompasses both the administrative and operational aspects of construction. With involvement from identification of a project to contract award to project completion, she has served in roles including Business Development Manager, Project Manager and field personnel.

Her business acumen has proven invaluable to the success of the small businesses with whom she has provided business services.

A native of Michigan, Bianca is a graduate of Central State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Water Resources Management.

Jennifer Martin-Green, EdD Superintendent | Southfield Public Schools Jennifer Martin-Green, Ed.D., (Dr. Green) is superintendent of the Southfield Public School District. A nationally certified superintendent and instructional leader, Dr. Green has 3 decades of public education experience.

Collaborating with governmental agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations, Green garnered extensive partnerships to provide high quality education and support resulting in soaring graduation rates, millions of dollars in scholarships, internships, and free healthcare services throughout Southfield’s educational community.

Dr. Green serves on the advisory boards of: K12 Alliance; DAPCEP; Chamber of Commerce; Anti-Drug Coalition; Ascension-Providence Community Council; United Way SEM, EMU College of Education, Henry Ford W. Bloomfield Hospital; Coordinated Community Response Team; and Skyline Club. Green participates in the 2022 Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab and was a 2021 National Institute for Educational Leadership Policy Fellow.

Dr. Green’s a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, NABSE and NAACP as well as other county, state and national organizations.

Green is a member of Brightmoor Community Church and blessed to have the unwavering support of her husband, Garnet and extensive family.

Nancy E. Heaston Vice President - Racial Equity Fellow | Comerica Bank Nancy Heaston joined Comerica Bank ten years ago fearlessly challenging the status quo. Her unapologetic ability to work for the welfare of others brought about significant improvements in systemic issues such as mental health and how it is viewed and supported in the workplace.

She is recognized as a DE&I frontrunner supporting causes that improve the well-being of the underserved.

As a Certified Diversity Professional, she serves on Comerica’s African American Network leadership board providing professional development and mentorship to employees.

Her social responsibility surpasses the walls of the company and branches out into schools, food banks and fundraising events most notably, the AHA Detroit Heart Walk serving as chairperson securing Comerica’s position as one of the top fundraising companies for seven consecutive years.

As CEO Action for Racial Equity Fellow, she works to identify sustainable public policies and corporate engagement strategies to address systemic racism for Black Americans.

Nancy holds a Masters in HR Management from Central Michigan University, an undergrad in Business Administration from William Tyndale College and completing requirements for an Executive MBA at Oakland University.

Nicole Sebree-Henry Senior Director, Multicultural Marketing | Rock Central Nicole Sebree-Henry is a marketing professional with 20 years of experience, she has provided national visibility through marketing for Fortune 500 brands such as Ford and FedEx. Nicole currently is the Senior Director, Multicultural Marketing for Rocket Central. There, she is working to bridge the homeownership gap between people of color and the general market.

She also owns The Marketing Connect, LLC, where she has consulted on marketing campaigns for brands such as McDonald’s and Cricket Wireless. She is a multi-year winner of best consumer engagement at the Essence Festival representing Ford. She has helped brands contribute over $25 million dollars to HBCUs. A Detroit native, a Cass Tech grad. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from George Washington University. She has sat on the Board for the Boys and Girls Club of Toledo. She is a member of Adcraft and a presenter for the Association of National Advertisers (ANA). Nicole is a mother to her five-year-old daughter, Cameron and wife to Carlton. The kindness and work ethic of her mother, Yvonne inspires her daily.

Lottie Holland Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement, FCA - North America Lottie Holland is Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement, FCA – North America. She was named to the position in May 2020. In her role, Holland is responsible for driving the diversity and inclusion objectives with a focus on improving the Company’s diversity and inclusion candidate pipeline, as well as building an inclusive work culture where all employees and their unique perspectives are respected, valued and heard.

Previously, she served as the Director of Mopar Purchasing and Supplier Operations starting in 2019 where she led a team responsible for the sourcing of service components and accessories for assembly of a variety of vehicles sold under the FCA brands.

In addition to her core responsibilities, she served as the co-chair of the Fiat Chrysler African Ancestry Network and Executive Sponsor for the Howard University Relations team.

Holland holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University (2000) and a master’s degree from Wayne State University (2006).

She was born in Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Kimberly Hurns Executive Vice President for Instruction & Academic Affairs Washtenaw Community College Dr. Kimberly M. Hurns is the Executive Vice President of Instruction and Academic Affairs at Washtenaw Community College. She has worked at WCC for 20 years, starting her career as a full-time business faculty member.

As a first-generation college student, Hurns is extremely passionate about access and measurable student success as well as the benefits of entrepreneurship education.

Under her leadership, the college has established a vibrant Teaching and Learning Center grounding student success work in good, engaged teaching. Hurns led the development of the college’s Entrepreneurship Center and the integration of entrepreneurship education across the curriculum.

Hurns is married to Norman Clayton Hurns Jr. He is a professional counselor who leads the counseling department at a public high school. They have three children, Rhyan who is a senior in high school, Norman Jr. who is a junior and Kyla who is a sophomore at The Ohio State University.

Dr. Hurns is a life-member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

March 30 - April 5, 2022 • michiganchronicle.com • Page C-3

Petic Lane Director - Architecture, Tools, and Experience Services | General Motors Petic Lane has over 25 years in IT working in various industries. Leading many multi-year strategic initiatives, business model transformations, and technology modernizations in various business areas, including, assignments internationally. In her current role, Petic is helping to drive new innovations and transforming environments, defining architectures to support the next generation of vehicles and services.

Petic has a passion for mentoring growth in others and helping them explore their full potential. She strongly believes that self-knowledge and understanding will help others achieve their purpose. Petic has been an active Board Member for the last 10 years with The Performing Arts Conservatory in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Performance Arts Conservatory provides an environment where students can grow intellectually, focusing on their gifts and talents in music, dance, and drama, while training to be future leaders. Initially started as an after-school program, the conservatory has grown into a summer program and school that kicks off in the summer of 2022.

Petic holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science & Business Management from Northwood University.

Dana Lasenby, MBA, MA, LLP Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director Oakland Community Health Network Dana Lasenby is a Behavioral Health Care Executive and Limited Licensed Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in the public and private sector of the behavioral healthcare industry. In addition to overseeing OCHN’s administrative staff of approximately 200 people, Dana works closely with the organization’s service provider agencies, Board of Directors, people receiving services, community partners, and state legislators.

Dana holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University; a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University; a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix; and is completing a doctoral program in Industrial – Organizational Psychology from Walden University. She was also recently appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the Michigan Autism Council.

Both her personal and professional experiences have led her to the path of ensuring OCHN maintains its’ vision to be a national leader in the delivery of quality integrated physical and behavioral health supports and services, by responding to the community’s needs and empowering people to achieve the lives that are important to them.

Nya Marshall, MBA, PMP CEO and Founder | DIOMO Development and IVY Kitchen Entrepreneur, commercial real estate developer, environmental activist, and content producer NYA MARSHALL is on a mission to live sustainably and inspire others to do the same.

A native Detroiter, NYA earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan with an Electrical Engineering degree and her MBA from Wayne State University. Nya had a very lucrative and successful professional career until she answered the call for social entrepreneurship.

NYA opened IVY Kitchen + Cocktails, a chic, wholly sustainable eatery in the city’s East English Village neighborhood, in 2020. NYA, a certified project management professional, and solely owns several commercial developments in the Metro Detroit area.

NYA’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond her restaurant, however. She holds a builder’s license through the state of Michigan and founded DIOMO, a developmental company named in honor of NYA’s tenacity and perseverance—” Did It On My Own.” She also co-founded Culture of Carbon with Detroit environmental activist and entrepreneur, The company consults with corporations on sustainable business models that help bring balance to communities and eliminate waste and other byproducts that ultimately harm the environment.

NYA resides in Detroit where she sits on the city’s Food Policy Board and the Climate Action Equity Committee (CEAC) She’s also a member of the Michigan Restaurant Lodging Association (MRLA) and Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) boards.

Dr. De’Andrea Matthews Director of Diversity & Community Engagement Detroit Zoological Society Dr. De’Andrea (pronounced deon-dria) Matthews is the Director of Diversity & Community Engagement at the Detroit Zoological Society. She is a dynamic speaker, engaging facilitator and award-winning author who has presented life changing messages to audiences across the globe.

Dr. Matthews is the recipient of the 2021 Top 100 Leaders in Education award from the Global Forum for Education Learning, the 2020 Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Awards for Ethics and the 2020 Corp! Magazine Diversity Business Leader award. She is the author of 11 books, in addition to two peer-reviewed articles, one in Academic Medicine and the other in the Journal of the Poor Underserved.

Dr. Matthews has over 25 years’ experience in education, 15 years in diversity & inclusion and has served on numerous local, regional and national boards.

Her community work has catapulted her to serving as the president/CEO of the Virginia Park Community Investment Associates, Inc., owners of the Virginia Park Shopping Plaza, the first black-owned shopping plaza in the State of Michigan, which is located in the City of Detroit.

Rev. Portia Davis-Mann Pastor | Community Church of God, Ypsilanti Portia Davis Mann is an ordained minister of the Church of God. After serving 12 years as Associate Pastor of the Christian Education and Youth ministries at Community Church of God in Ypsilanti, Michigan, she was recently stepped into the role of Senior Pastor.

Portia has a 25-year background in Educational Leadership and Management, supporting student academic achievement at WSC Academy, Anderson University, Everest University and Ross Medical College. Her educational background includes degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Management and continued Masters level work in Theology at the Anderson University School of Theology.

Portia is married to Jerome Mann and they both serve in ministry together in the community and in their church. Portia’s personal motto is to “make a difference”.

She believes that each day we have a new and fresh opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. She advocates with a fearless commitment for those who are unable to represent themselves. “I have a vision of growth for both the church and our community. And more importantly, that our lives can be a testimony of God’s grace and his love.”

Melissa A. McClellan Captain | Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Captain Melissa McClellan is the Commander of the Corrective Services Satellite Division. She is responsible for overseeing the Court Services/Detention Unit and the Satellite Division/East Annex housing facility.

Captain McClellan was hired by the Sheriff’s Office in September, 1989, and was promoted to Deputy in 1991. She was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2004, Lieutenant in 2013 and Executive Lieutenant in 2016. She became Captain in September, 2020. Captain McClellan is the first female to hold the rank of Captain in the history of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. As Captain McClellan is a Certified Jail Manager and a published co-author in American Jail Magazine. She has received numerous commendations and awards, including 2003 Deputy of the Year (from the Waterford Optimists Club), Sheriff’s Commendations, a Sheriff’s Distinguished Unit Citation, Professional Excellence Commendations and the Sheriff’s Distinguished Service Commendation.

Captain McClellan has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/ Project Management. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Police Executives and New Chiefs School, the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the National Jail Leadership Command Academy.

Leona Medley Director of Strategic and Community Partnerships | Bedrock Detroit Leona Medley leads the company’s strategic and community partnerships where she is responsible for the organization’s footprint in both Detroit and Cleveland. Before stepping into her current role, Leona led Bedrock’s DEI team, as a member of the executive team advising the CEO. Under her leadership, Leona leads the organization through the unprecedented global social justice uprising as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Before joining Bedrock in 2017, Leona ran operations and sales for Home Depot. There she was able to lead her team to exceptional sales growth, improved operational efficiency, and increased operating profit.

Leona is currently pursuing a master’s in community development from the University of Detroit Mercy, and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan Dearborn. Leona currently sits on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity Detroit and is the Chairperson of the Volunteer Leadership Board for Streetwise Partners Michigan. She also serves on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee for Good Projects out of Washington, DC. Leona is a 2021 Globe St. Woman of Influence Award Winner. Through her dedication to advancing economic mobility for the residents of Detroit, Leona was the 2021Volunteer of the Year for Habitat for Humanity Detroit.

For over 20 years Leona has been involved in community development work, funding and executing volunteer projects through Detroit, Cleveland, and Southeastern Michigan. In 2020 Leona continued to use her voice and influence to advocate for organizational policies to drive tangible diversity, equity, and inclusion. Under Leona’s leadership and direction, her team launched a company-wide book club covering “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo with over 100 attendees weekly. This program has been recognized as one of the most transformational leadership development programs.

Leona is a wife, mother, and champion for the community.

Pashon Murray Founder | Detroit Dirt Pashon the environmental entrepreneur, activist and educator has been working towards sustainable solutions and environmental justice for 18 years. Her advocacy moved to the national stage in 2008 and 2009 as Pashon lobbied for various climate initiatives in Washington D.C.; working with organizations like Sierra Club, Repower America, and the National Wildlife Federation. In 2010 Pashon Co-founded Detroit Dirt, a revolutionary composting company that provides materials management diversion from landfills and food waste solutions. In 2017 the Detroit Dirt Foundation (DDF) was created, and Culture of Carbon (C2) consultancy was established the following year reducing carbon emissions.

Pashon and her work with Detroit Dirt began receiving national attention and have been featured in Ads for Ford, Mastercard, Pabst, Shinola and Vice. Newsweek named the MIT Media Lab fellow one of it’s “13 Women in Business to Bet on” and the United Nations Foundation named her one of 10 women to watch in the world.

Pashon is a recipient of the Martha Stewart American Made Awards, also selected as one of 30 entrepreneurs at the Obama Administrations first-ever Demo Day.

Shaquila Myers, MPA Chief Of Staff, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist Shaquila Myers is chief of staff for Lieutenant Governor of Michigan Garlin Gilchrist. Formerly, she served as legislative director for Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, working on a number of important public policy issues including the ongoing Flint water crisis. Prior to working for Senator Ananich, Myers worked as a policy analyst for the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus, where she worked on health policy, transportation, and capital outlay committees for seven years. In her time with the caucus, Myers played a key role in several major health initiatives, including the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act that currently provides healthcare for more than 600,000 Michigan residents. Ms. Myers is well-respected on both sides of the aisle and has worked on every aspect of the legislative process, from research and development, drafting bills, and providing testimony to negotiating amendments and securing bill passage.

Myers was born and raised in Detroit and is a proud product of Detroit Public Schools. She graduated from Oakland University with a bachelor’s in health science and a master’s in public administration. As part of her master’s program, Ms. Myers promoted community health awareness and voter access. She is devoted to service and mentorship as outreach coordinator for the Chi Iota Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Ms. Myers lives in Lansing, but is an avid traveler and believes that changing the world is best informed by seeing it.

Tonya R. Norwood, Ph.D. Principal | Noble Elementary-Middle School Detroit Public Schools Community District Dr. Tonya R. Norwood, PhD is the Principal of Noble Elementary-Middle School (Detroit Public Schools Community District). She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Master of Arts in Teaching, Education Specialist in Secondary Education Administration and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Wayne State University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Eastern Michigan University.

Dr. Norwood has 27 years of experience in education as a Teacher, Counselor, Dean of Academics, and Educational/ Transformational Leader. She has facilitated and implemented 21st century programs to improve student academic achievement, social and emotional development, parental involvement, and climate and culture.

Dr. Norwood works tirelessly to provide optimal educational leadership services.

She truly believes that it takes a village to educate a child, and that all students can learn. Her primary focus is to build positive school communities where students are college and career ready, teachers and staff are celebrated, and parents and guardians are treated with kindness and respect. Dr. Norwood is a devoted wife to Willie Norwood Jr. and the mother of Willie III.

Page C-4 • michiganchronicle.com • March 30 - April 5, 2022

Christa E. Reeves

Nadia Sesay

Principal | Palmer Park Preparatory Academy Detroit Public Schools Community District

Chief Community Growth and Development Officer | Bedrock

Christa Reeves is a bridge builder; and collaborates with all to ensure the school is a beacon of light and excellence in the community. She is guided by her purpose to “Always leave a place better than you found it”. She has left her mark at every school she has led; and is the epitome of a transformational leader. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and Plymouth United Church of Christ.

She was recognized as Detroit Public Schools Community District Principal of the Year in 2018 and was honored in 2021 with the Spirit of Excellence Award. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Florida A&M University and Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Christa has 25 years of experience where she has inspired many to become the best version of themselves. She is passionate about providing an educational experience for students where they can flourish and succeed.

Nadia Sesay is Bedrock’s first Chief Community Growth and Development Officer, where she leads a team focused on making meaningful connections between Bedrock’s expertise and the growing communities of Cleveland and Detroit, which include the facilitation and public financing of infrastructure, community benefits, and affordable housing in these mixed-income multi-phased development projects.

Prior to joining Bedrock, Nadia was the Executive Director of the City of San Francisco’s Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure. In that role, she was responsible for the economic development of the new Transbay, Mission Bay and Hunters Point Shipyard neighborhoods, which collectively provided over 20,000 new housing units, including approximately 7,000 affordable housing units, 400 acres of parks and open space and 10 million square feet of commercial space. Nadia has over 21 years of experience in Public Finance, serving as Public Finance Director for the City and County of San Francisco for 13 years.

Juanita Slappy Head of Multicultural Marketing Cadillac | General Motors

Michele Reid, MD Chief Medical Officer | CNS Healthcare Dr. Michele Reid is the Chief Medical Officer for CNS Healthcare, an outpatient mental health provider with a $24 plus million budget and serving over 7,500 children, adolescents, adults and senior citizens with mental disorders including substance use disorders within the tri-county metropolitan Detroit area. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor, Wayne State University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences.

Previously, she has served in various leadership roles in professional organizations including the American College of Psychiatrists, American Psychiatric Association, Michigan Psychiatric Society, Detroit Medical Society, Wayne County Medical Society, Oakland County Medical Society and Michigan State Medical Society.

A native Detroiter, Dr. Reid attended Detroit Public Schools (DPS). Her spare time is spent volunteering at her former high school (Cass Tech) presenting on mental health and healthcare issues, serving on the board of directors of a local community health center and consulting for a local cancer support group.

She and her husband, Eddie Lamar Harris reside in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Sharron Rose Chief Financial Officer The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Sharron Rose is Chief Financial Officer for The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History where she leads institutional planning, budgeting, guidance of all financial operations and revenue stream management. She has fifteen years of nonprofit financial leadership and 16 years of corporate accounting experience.

Prior to joining The Wright Museum for a second time, Ms. Rose was the Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Eastern Market Corporation (EMC). Prior to EMC, she served in various management positions at ANR Pipeline Company.

Ms. Rose previously served on the Boards of Trustees for Youth Development Commission as Chair of the Finance Committee as well as for Eastside Community Network serving on the Finance and Executive Committees.

She’s a member of several financial associations as well as her favorite, the Black Door Society.

Ms. Rose is a graduate of Cass Tech High School, Western Michigan University and Capella University having received a Bachelor’s in Accounting and a Master’s of Business Administration in Finance. She is the proud mom of Courtney and Chelsea Rose, her twin daughters.

Kimberly Rustem Director | Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity Department City of Detroit Kimberly Rustem is the Director of the City of Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity Department. Prior to that, she served as Mayor Mike Duggan’s Chief Policy Advisor and the Senior Policy Advisor to the Director of the Detroit Health Department. Kim has worked in Washington D.C., Lansing and Detroit on issues of social and health policy since receiving her Masters’ degree from University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy in 2015 and bachelor’s degree in Comparative Cultures and Politics from James Madison College at Michigan State University in 2011. With a deep commitment to equity and justice for all, Kim advocates for public policy change at the local, state and federal levels to correct systems of oppression and advance economic opportunity and social justice for residents of the city.

Jaye Sanders, ABR, BA, MA, MBA Managing Broker | NextPointe Real Estate Services, LLC Jaye Sanders, ABR, BA, MBA, is a third generation Detroiter who grew up on the Eastside. Sanders is a community servant and Managing Broker and Founder of Nextpointe Real Estate Services. Nextpointe has grossed over $100 million in sales since 2006 and assisted hundreds of homeless families under Sanders’ leadership. Jaye Sanders is an alumni of Michigan State University and Cornerstone University. She is passionate about teaching financial literacy and volunteering with her beloved Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Detroit Alumnae Chapter. Jaye is the proud mother of her daughter; Drew Simpson who is graduating from American University in Rome, Italy. She is passionate about travel, bicycling and music. Sanders is a trained vocalist who performs in musicals, jazz clubs and choirs in her spare time.

Dezi Santiago Founder of SantiGlobal | CEO, Virtuoso Management, LLC Dezi Santiago is a purpose-driven mother, thought leader, and orator. As host and co-creator of the nationally syndicated television show “Ask Anything Dezi”, founder of SantiGlobal, and CEO of Virtuoso Management, Dezi has not only built a life she loves, but she is also sharing her knowledge with the world.

Her innate ability for business acceleration has led Dezi to teach important life and business principles through public speaking engagements and mentorship. Dezi’s holding company, SantiGlobal, continues to scale with upcoming projects launching soon in the beauty industry. Living by the mantra “No Limits & No Boundaries”, Dezi continues to break barriers for women of color in health, beauty, and business.

Juanita Slappy is an award-winning marketing and communications professional. She heads Multicultural Marketing for the iconic Cadillac brand, developing impactful content, securing strategic partnerships, and driving measurable business results amongst multicultural audiences. Juanita joined General Motors in 2017 as a lead in Diversity Brand Communications.

Boasting over a decade of experience serving in leadership capacities at two of North America’s premier multicultural agencies, Juanita has consistently delivered culturally relevant campaigns. She directed Ford and Lincoln’s multicultural public relations and experiential efforts via agency alignment with Uniworld Group.

Prior to supporting Ford, she served in various capacities at GlobalHue, a full-service multicultural advertising agency, with clients such as FCA, U.S. Navy and Walmart, among others.

Her firm commitment to the City of Detroit is clear in her professional record of accomplishment. She’s contributed to the Parade Company’s Hob Nobble Gobble, Super Bowl XL, Detroit Grand Prix, and Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank and Trust Marathon. She earned a B.A. in broadcast journalism from Hampton University and a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida.

DiAnna Solomon Director of Fund Development Communications and Advocacy Detroit Area Agency on Aging DiAnna Solomon is an expert at the art of nurturing relations, the key to successful fundraising. After devoting 12 years to political fundraising, Ms. Solomon made the transition to non-profit fund development. She prides herself on being a servant leader for older adults at the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. As a Detroit resident, she raised her two daughters all while volunteering in the community on various boards and currently serves as a Board of Director for Michigan CASA. Ms. Solomon attended the University of Cincinnati in Political Science and Spring Arbor in Business.

Misti L. Stanton VP, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer | Mercantile Bank Misti Lynn Stanton is a fresh voice in diversity in Michigan.

After more than 30 years of community and non-profit work, she currently serves as the VP, Diversity & Inclusion Officer for Mercantile Bank of Michigan.

Misti served the Grand Rapids Public Schools in various capacities for over 25 years. Prior to her current position, she served as Program Manager for Heart of West Michigan United Way Schools of Hope, helping to set the groundwork for the program’s inception.

Misti was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. She graduated from Central High School in Grand Rapids in 1984.

Misti has worked for Mercantile Bank of Michigan for 7 years as the VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer. Continually developing robust DEI training, programming and educational opportunities, providing monthly learn and lead opportunities for all staff; intern programs for college students; and collaborating with GRPS, to allow high school students the opportunity to get a first-hand look at banking She is also the coordinator of the Leadership Camp with Kirk Cousins.

Alicia Stephens Senior Vice President Director of Corporate Quality | Comerica Bank ALICIA R. STEPHENS currently serves as Senior Vice President - Director of Corporate Quality at Comerica Bank. She has over 20 years of banking experience in operations, administration, sales, communications and training. She currently provides leadership for Comerica’s enterprise strategy to address high-risk complaints received from customers and regulatory agencies. In a previous role, she served as the CoChair of Comerica’s Cybersecurity Communications Committee.

A strong supporter of public service, Stephens is a life member member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is also a board member of the Oakland Literacy Council – an organization that provides basic literacy and English language instruction to adults to aid in personal well-being and employment. In addition, Stephens is an advocate for various diversity initiatives that promote the recruitment and retention of women and minorities in business.

Stephens is proud alumna of the Pontiac School District, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (B.A. Economics & Japanese) and Wayne State University (M.Ed. Instructional Technology - Performance Improvement and Training).

Stephens enjoys spending time with her family, especially her husband, two sons and two dogs.

Verynda M. Stroughter Principal | Detroit Public Schools Community District Verynda Stroughter has been an educator since 1997. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Michigan in Actuarial Science and Secondary Mathematics Education respectively. She also has a Specialist degree from Eastern Michigan University in Educational Administration.

Her professional career began as a mathematics teacher.

She taught mathematics for 15 years at Macomb Community College and Detroit Public Schools. Mrs. Stroughter took her first administration job at Cass Technical High School as an assistant principal followed by being an assistant principal at Seaholm High School in Birmingham. Finally, she landed at her dream job as principal of Renaissance High School in 2018.

Mrs. Stroughter’s husband, Lawrence, is also a high school principal at Bloomfield Hills High School. Together, they have three teenage sons: Miles, Dylan, and Lincoln.

Mrs. Stroughter enjoys spending time with her family and friends, entertaining, and watching sports, primarily college football. Verynda is committed to all students and their academic and social-emotional success. She is 100% behind the growth and maturity of students in becoming the best young adults that they can be.

March 30 - April 5, 2022 • michiganchronicle.com • Page C-5

Tammy Turner

LaCresha Ware

Co-Owner/Partner | Kapstone Employment Services

VP & Director of Engineering & Estimating | Gayanga Co.

Tammy Turner is the co-owner/partner of a staffing company, Kapstone Employment Services, headquartered in Downtown Detroit. Her company holds WBE (Women Business Enterprise), MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) and WOSB (Woman Owned Small Business) certifications. In December 2019, Kapstone opened its second office in Orlando, Florida.

Prior to Kapstone, in 2004, Tammy moved to Cambodia where she worked as a recruiting consultant for UNICEF. Tammy returned to the United States in 2007. Tammy is the author of three books, How to Talk to Strangers: A Step-by-Step Guide to Professional Networking, 365 Days of Motivation: A Guide to Success in Life Business, and her third book is The Soul of a Winner: 5 True Stories of Success, which was a collaborative effort.

Tammy currently serves on the Board of Directors of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) Greater Detroit Chapter, LPGA Amateur Golf Association Metro Detroit Chapter and WCSYSEF (Wayne County Sheriff Youth, Senior Education Fund). Tammy has a passion for Egyptology, she enjoys watching football, is a marathoner, loves to ski, and is an avid golfer and rides a Harley motorcycle.

As a 25-year veteran in the construction industry, dedicated to inspiring urban youth to consider opportunities in unconventional careers, LaCresha A. Ware is a certified trailblazer.

Ms. Ware currently serves as Vice-President of Engineering & Estimating for Gayanga Co., a construction engineering firm, serving the City of Detroit under the nation’s largest demolition program, where she oversees project budgets, schedules, and construction efforts. An industry leader who brings diversity and innovation to the field, Ms. Ware has earned an MBA in Global Management, a BS in Civil Engineering, and a dozen licenses and industry professional certifications, including State of Michigan licensure as a builder and inspector.

Yet, fulfilling the commitment to serving her community and broadening the narrative regarding what is possible for black and brown children is her personal mission. Inspired by her Grandmother’s selfless love, Ms. Ware founded Feed Detroit, a non-profit that mentors and supports inner city seniors and children and serves as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. When she says “I am passionate about breaking barriers”, she not only breaks them; she demolishes them.

Kim L. Ward

LaChandra White

Corporate Attorney | CNH Industrial America

Political Director | UAW National CAP Department

Kim L. Ward acts as Senior Corporate Counsel for CNH Industrial America, a multibillion-dollar global manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment. She specializes in procurement and supply chain and serves as lead counsel across all divisions in North America.

Prior to CNH, she previously held Counsel positions at Yazaki North America and began her career within WorldWide Purchasing at General Motors.

Ward is the current President of the Wolverine Bar Association serving the legal profession and community by enhancing pipeline programs, promoting justice and respect for the law. Committed to service, she represents WBA on the Summit Planning Committee under the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and is a member of the Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellows.

She served on the Executive Board of Southfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and currently participate on several committee programs. Ward received her B.A. from Michigan State University and her J.D. from the University of Detroit-Mercy Law School

LaChandra White is a labor activist currently serving as Political Director of the UAW National CAP (Community Action Program) Department which oversees the union’s non-partisan political arm. She was assigned to the position by UAW President Ray Curry and is responsible for implementing the union’s political policy agenda and coordinates with the UAW’s efforts to educate, organize and mobilize the union’s active and retired members in electing proworker candidates.

LaChandra’s union career began in 1993 as a member of UAW Region 1, Local 869. She was appointed to the UAW International Staff in 2008 by then UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. LaChandra has held several positions within the UAW including Benefits Coordinator, Retired Workers Representative, Assistant Director and Director of the Civil and Human Rights Department.

LaChandra’s work ethic and strong belief in service extends beyond the UAW. She presently serves on the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, NAACP Foundation Board of Trustees, DNC National Finance Committee, and numerous other boards. She works closely with various grassroots and faith-based organizations. Her life has been dedicated to fighting for social and economic justice for working families.

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Henry Ford Health System is pleased to congratulate this year’s Michigan Chronicle “Women of Excellence” honorees including one of our own: Carladenise Edwards, Executive Vice President &KLHI 6WUDWHJ\ 2IʹFHU :H VDOXWH WKLV \HDUŷV KRQRUHHV RQ WKHLU FRQWULEXWLRQV WR D VWURQJHU DQG KHDOWKLHU FRPPXQLW\ IRU DOO

Page C-6 • michiganchronicle.com • March 30 - April 5, 2022

Dana L. Williams Chief Strategy Officer | Detroit at Work Dana L. Williams is Chief Strategy Officer, Detroit at Work, as a part of the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) executive leadership team. She staffs the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board representing workforce strategy in economic development activities, setting the system strategy for employer service delivery, leading engagement with industry, system and philanthropic partners, and executing a data-based foundation upon which the workforce development system operates.

CONGRATULATIONS

Dana’s progressive career includes experience in Human Resources, Corporate Social Responsibility, Philanthropy, Legislative Advocacy, Community Outreach, Sales, Marketing, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. She has successfully led strategic initiatives in various industries including energy & utilities, aerospace & defense, professional services, workforce development, nonprofit, labor, and public education.

Dana is a graduate of University of Michigan, Walsh College, and the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Leadership Detroit Class XLI. She believes in serving the community, especially Detroiters, as evidenced by her leadership in The Links, Inc., United Way of Southeast Michigan, City of Detroit Civil Service Commission, Detroit Society of Human Resource Management, Michigan Diversity Council, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and New Paradigm Loving Glazer Academies Charter School Board.

Shannon L. Wilson Vice President, State Markets East | Excecutive Director Total Healthcare Foundation Shannon Wilson is the Vice President of Medicaid for Southeast Michigan for Priority Health, a Michigan-based health plan.

Ms. Wilson’s responsibilities also including ensuring the quality of Priority Health’s Medicaid program statewide, overseeing the Total Health Care Foundation, community relations in Southeast Michigan and development and execution of a strategy to address Social Determinants of Health impacting the Priority Health membership.

Ms. Wilson is a public health leader focused on improving the health and well-being of residents across the state of Michigan.

She is passionate about strengthening the health care safety net for vulnerable populations and has devoted most of her career to studying the intersection between health and race – with a desire to improve the health care experience for vulnerable populations.

Ms. Wilson received a bachelor’s of Science in Microbiology from Michigan State University, and a Masters of Public Health in Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology from the University of Michigan. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in public health leadership from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Monica L. Woodson, MBA, MSM CEO | Girl Scouts Monica’s career has been focused on nonprofit organizations across the human services spectrum. Her work has engaged her in service to immigrants, low-income families, deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and Girl Scouts. Monica served as regional vice president for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. She has worked in a Council with multiple, satellite offices and has developed regional cookie sales strategies. She is an exceptional communicator, an experienced fundraiser and was instrumental in the development of the Girl Space program in Chicago, which is similar to our Girl Engagement Initiative.

Monica is a Detroiter, a graduate of Wayne State University, and is thrilled to leave Chicago for a return to Detroit and family. Monica told me that she feels like this is “coming home” in so many ways. She’s looking forward to meeting you—virtually, at first—and to learning more about our team, our programs, and our incredible girls.

Misti Stanton

Vice President - Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer Mercantile Bank

Congratulations to Misti Stanton and all of this year’s Women of Excellence recipients. We are proud to honor the ways you inspire, lead and give back to our communities. Thank you for all that you do and congratulations on your exceptional achievements!

mercbank.com

March 30 - April 5, 2022 • michiganchronicle.com • Page C-7

OAKLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK OAKLAND COUNTY’S PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM

INSPIRE HOPE, EMPOWER PEOPLE, AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES Serving individuals with: Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Challenges Substance Use Disorders

Access Line: 248-464-6363 Crisis Line: 800-231-1127

5505 Corporate Drive, Troy, MI 48098 oaklandchn.org | 248-858-1210

CONGRATULATIONS TO DANA LASENBY OCHN Executive Director & CEO Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Honoree Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) ensures people are aware of and have access to quality behavioral health services. These valuable supports improve health and quality of life, promoting full community participation for Oakland County residents.

The future is female.

The future is now.

We celebrate the pioneers. The glass breakers and change-makers.

That’s why General Motors is proud to sponsor the 2022 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Awards as we accelerate progress for women of color through workplace inclusion.

everybody in. gm.com ©2022 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page C-8 • michiganchronicle.com • March 30 - April 5, 2022

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOI HARRIS 2022 MICHIGAN CHRONICLE WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Improving lives with our energy. It’s at the heart of all we do at DTE -- and no one embodies that spirit of service better than Joi Harris. For 30 years, Joi has been a champion for our customers, our communities and our teams.

From the team you lead and the women you inspire every day – congratulations on this great honor!

The UAW is proud to support and recognize the 15th annual Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Award recipients including the UAW’s own National CAP Director LaChandra White.

We are grateful to these visionary members of our community who work tirelessly for progress, hope and good works.

President | Ray Curry Secretary-Treasurer | Frank Stuglin Vice Presidents | Cindy Estrada | Chuck Browning | Terry Dittes

International Union, UAW opeiu494