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espite the fact that many Black women have risen to positions of power and influence in Michigan, their many contributions remain largely unnoticed by other media outlets. That’s why the Michigan Chronicle is proud to celebrate our sixth annual Women of Excellence event this year. Our event, which has recognized the accomplishments of more than 300 remarkable African American women since its inception in 2007, speaks to the caliber of women who command our board rooms, executive offices and legislative chambers and whose many accomplishments are worthy of continued recognition, honor and applause. Discover the impressive roster of 2013 inductees in this week’s special insert celebrating our Women of Excellence. Our community applauds you. Hiram E. Jackson Publisher The Michigan Chronicle
A STRONGER COMMUNI TY. A HEA LTHI ER COMMUNI TY.
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We invite you to join us at our 6th Annual Women of Excellence event, Friday, March 22 at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel For additional information call 313.963.5522 or visit: www.michiganchronicle.com
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors: Stacy L. Leatherwood Cannon, M.D.
Meagan R. Dunn
Henry Ford Health System is proud to congratulate our own Stacy L. Leatherwood Cannon, M.D., and Meagan R. Dunn on being honored as 2013 Women of Excellence by the Michigan Chronicle. Their dedication and commitment to service refl ects the values we believe make for healthier, stronger communities. | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, 2013
Lynn L. Marine-Adams
Hon. Wendy M. Baxter
Attorney, Lynn Marine PLC
Wayne County Circuit Court Judge
Lynn L. Marine-Adams, Esq., is an outstanding attorney with her primary practice in Wayne County. She is a native Detroiter. Her area of expertise includes probate law, guardianships, conservatorships, wills and trusts. She has been in private practice for over twenty years. She obtained a B.A. in Psychology and Communication from the University of Michigan, and then attended the Ohio State University Moritz School of Law. While in law school, she had the distinction of clerking for the Assistant Dean of the law school and for the city attorney of Dublin, Ohio. When she returned to her hometown, she entered into private practice. An active member of the Wayne County Probate Court system, Marine-Adams has served as a board member of the Probate and Estate Planning Council for the State Bar of Michigan. She is a past board member of the Wayne County Probate Bar Association. She volunteers for numerous activities to promote young people to become self-sufficient and productive members of society. She volunteers and raises money for the Ruth Ellis Center, an organization devoted to enhancing the lives of youths who are a part of the LGBTQ community. She regularly donates to LIFT, an organization dedicated to restoring self-pride and a sense of responsibility to women. She is member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is married to Anthony Adams, Esq.
Ellen Anderson RN Executive Director, ProCare Plus, Inc.
After matriculating Eastern Michigan University, Judge Wendy Marie Baxter applied her BBA in Management to retailing. Judge Baxter’s ventures in real estate financed her law degree. Experienced in banking, finance and court administration, and volunteering in campaigns prepared her to win 36th District Court judgeship. Elevated to Recorder’s Court and Wayne County Circuit Court, she helped write jury instructions. She served on the courts’ executive committees and State Bar Representative Assembly, shaping policy and as president of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan and treasurer for the Mediation Tribunal. Judge Baxter’s opinions span emergency managers, medical marijuana, duties of government officials, employment, labor, public school education and health care law. She lectured on Bioethics at the National Judicial College. Her skilled writings and acumen led to selection for the corporate community Business Court. Known for her mediation and ability to relate to people from all walks of life, Judge Baxter, a member of Hartford Baptist Church, heads the neighborhood yard sale charitable contribution to the Salvation Army.
Judith K. Berry
Assistant Chancellor of Instructional Support & Educational Accountability, Education Achievement Authority
She is President and CEO of “Anderson3” a Medicaid Managed Care consulting firm that focuses on assisting managed care companies achieve national accreditation.
Judith K. Berry is the Assistant Chancellor of Instructional Support and Educational Accountability for the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan, a statewide system of schools responsible for the transformation of the lowest five percent of performing schools within the state. Fifteen K-12 schools currently comprise its portfolio with enrollment of 10,000 students. Responsibilities include managing curriculum and instruction to ensure instructional resources, facilities, budget, human capital, and other educational components are sufficient to improve the academic achievement of all students. Berry leads the development and operations of all college readiness partnerships with area education entities including career and technical education programs, high school credit recapture programs, dual enrollment programs to enable students to learn forward to earn credits toward an associate degree. Prior positions include Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Dean of Business and Information Technologies for a community college. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College, a master’s degree from Michigan State University, and doctorate degree in education [May 2013] from Walden University. Berry is married to Mandeville Berry, Jr. of East Lansing Michigan and they have two children.
She also serves as Chairman of the Board for a local non-profit, Professional Care Initiatives. PCI has several goals in its mission, including the provision of basic care items for the homeless and low income.
Vernal T. Brand PhD, MSA, BSN, RN
Ellen Anderson has had a career in Medicaid Managed Care that spans more than 20 years. She is considered an expert in her field. She has been invited to speak at national Medicaid conferences and has written several articles on the subject. She worked closely with the Michigan Associations of Health Plans, chairing the Utilization Management Directors Subcommittee from its inception in 2000 until 2006. She began her career with a degree in nursing and credits Dr. Julius Combs with bringing her into Medicaid Managed Care at Omni Care Health Plan. Since that time, she has held positions that range from Department Manager to Vice President of Health Services at ProCare Health Plan. She recently accepted a position as Executive Director of Professional Medical Centers, a multi-location primary care clinic in Detroit. In this position, her main goal is to increase city resident’s access to primary care.
Lauren Hicks Barton MD Chief Physician, Chrysler Corporation
Dr. Lauren Hicks Barton is board certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine and recently was elevated to Fellow in the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association, the highest class of membership in this international organization. She serves as Chief Physician, Corporate Medical Operations, Chrysler LLC, a position she has held since 2004. She holds a BA from Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, a MD from Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Barton has presented numerous lectures to the community on topics relating to public health. She is an adjunct professor in Family Medicine at both Meharry Medical College and Wayne State University in Detroit. Dr. Barton serves on the Board of the Michigan Occupational and Environmental Association, and Community Network Services, a mental health care organization for Oakland County residents. She is a member of the Oakland County Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Dr. Barton is married to Brandon Barton DDS and they have two children: Brandi Rose Barton and Brandon Barton, III.
Associate VP-Quality, Credentialing & Disease Management, Health Alliance Plan
As the Associate Vice President of Quality, Credentialing, and Disease Management, Vernal Brand leads HAP’s patient safety, quality and performance monitoring activities, including the National Committee for Quality Assurance accreditation. Dr. Brand serves as a HAP Healthcare Equity Ambassador to eliminate health disparities, and presents her findings at national conferences. Prior to joining HAP, Dr. Brand was Director of Utilization/Case Management for Molina Healthcare Plan of Michigan and Vice President of Medical Management with OmniCare Health Plan. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Oakland University; a master’s in health services administration from Central Michigan University; and a doctorate of Philosophy in Organizational Psychology from Walden University. She’s a member of the American Psychological Association PSI CHI Honors Society and is certified by the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians, Inc. Dr. Brand partners with children, parents and educators to combat bullying. She received the Henry Ford Health System Focus on People, Shadow of a Leader, and Diversity Heroes Awards. Dr. Brand is married with one daughter and is a member of the Apostolic Church of Auburn Hills.
March, 2013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power |
Sharlonda Buckman CEO, Detroit Parent Network
Sharlonda Buckman is chief executive officer of Detroit Parent Network, a premier nonprofit organization that transforms parents to make Detroit a better place to raise and educate children. Buckman, born and raised in Detroit, earned her master’s degree in Community Economic Development from the University of New Hampshire. She has been a powerful agent for change in the human service field for more than 20 years. Buckman is recognized as a leader in Detroit’s education landscape, serving on the boards of Communities In Schools, New Detroit, Michigan Future and Excellent Schools Detroit. She has been the recipient of several awards including the Judge Wade McCree Jr. Friend of Children Award, the Spirit of Detroit and the Community Service Legacy Award from the Michigan Chronicle. Buckman was also recognized in 2011 as Crain’s Detroit Business 40-Under-40. She has served as a national spokesperson for parents, having been featured on MSNBC’s “Making the Grade” town hall meetings and the “Education Nation” broadcast series. Buckman is a mother, a wife and a committed member of the Detroit community.
Linda Burgess
CEO, Linda Burgess at the World of Travel
Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole Gospel Artist, Evangelist, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur
Three-time Grammy award winner Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole is a fired up sister for Christ and one of the most gifted vocalists in the music world. Dr. Cole has been evangelizing and juggling hundreds of speaking engagements annually for over twenty years, along with her singing career and being a wife and mother. She ministers nationally as well as internationally in England, Japan, Germany, France, Korea and South Africa. She made history in South Africa, having been the first woman to minister in the pulpit to over 4,000 people. Dr. Cole has followed in her mother’s footsteps by having several leadership roles in the International Church of God in Christ. Dr. Cole is the new host of TCT Network’s Dorinda Show, co-host of TCT’s Celebrate on the Road, former Stellar Awards host, and guest judge on Verizon’s “How Sweet The Sound” competition. Her “Rose Collection” clothing line is now distributed by Terra Mina Fashions. She has since partnered with MR. SONG, an immaculate fashion designer of Detroit, in creating “The Bloom Collection”, a couture collection of hat adorning accessories. In September 2004 she received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Mt. Carmel Theological Seminary of Fresno, CA.
Cheryl Coleman President & CEO, Northeast Guidance Center
Linda Burgess has enjoyed 34 years of success in the travel industry helping her clients explore the world. As CEO of The World of Travel in Bloomfield Hills, she specializes in trips for churches, clubs and organizations, planning destination weddings, and class and family reunions. In addition to vacation and group trips, her company services corporations throughout Metro Detroit with their business travel needs. Burgess loves to cruise and has experienced 119 different cruises throughout her career. Burgess’ travel column, “Destinations,” has been featured in the Michigan Chronicle for over 20 years.
Cheryl Coleman, a Master Level Social Worker, is the President and CEO of Northeast Guidance Center, a community behavioral healthcare organization in Detroit. She has served in the executive leadership position at Northeast Guidance since 1992. Some of her greatest accomplishments at NEGC include raising over $4 million in a Capital Campaign to construct Conner Campus, the agency’s largest facility and its Training Academy and working collaboratively to build the new 39-unit Mack-Ashland subsidized apartment complex for the homeless and mentally ill on Detroit’s east side.
Prior to her career in the travel industry, Burgess was employed with the USPS and was a union official with the American Postal Workers Union. She also sold real estate and had a construction company.
Coleman has been a dedicated agent for change for children and families since the early 80’s. Prior to coming to Northeast, Coleman was the Senior Manager of Family Preservation Services at United Community Services of Detroit, leading initiatives to strengthen the foster care system. She is a graduate of Wayne State University and Leadership Detroit XVI. Coleman serves on several local boards including the St. John Providence Health System Care Experience, Community and Culture Committee. She has also served as chair of the CareLink Network since 2004, one of the largest managed care companies in Wayne County having over 60,000 enrollees.
Burgess is a member of Full Gospel AME Zion Church, diamond member of the NAACP, board member of Eastern Michigan University, member of the American Society of Travel Agents and the Women’s Business Enterprise. Burgess loves working with people, reading and spending time with her family.
Kimberly L. Burton
VP of Corporate Services and Director of Diversity and Inclusive Practices, Council of Michigan Foundations Kimberly Burton is vice president of Corporate Services and director of Diversity and Inclusive Practices for the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF). In this capacity, Burton acts as liaison and resource for the CMF corporate member foundations while leading the implementation of a statewide diversity and inclusion initiative that includes the Michigan Forum for African Americans in Philanthropy. Burton also developed and leads an innovative mentoring initiative for African Americans designed to attract, retain and promote future leadership for Michigan philanthropy. Prior to joining CMF, Burton was vice rresident of Community Affairs at Charter One Bank and was responsible for the Charter One Foundation and the charitable contributions of the company in Michigan. Burton received both her bachelor of arts and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and although she originally hails from Grand Rapids, she considers metro Detroit her hometown since moving to the area to pursue her education. Burton is a graduate of Leadership Detroit XXIV and is deeply committed to the philanthropic needs of the community. She continues to serve on several trustee boards and committees including City Connect Detroit; Grace Centers of Hope and Vanguard Community Development Corp.
| Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, 2013
Loretta V. Davis, MSA President & CEO, Institute for Population Health
Davis’s management experience spans 25 years, two sectors, a myriad of key public health issues and a full range of administrative and operational functions, including fiscal management, contract negotiations, policy and procedure development, personnel management, and program design and development. She responded to the Mayor of the City of Detroit’s call to find a way to continue to provide public health services in the face of extreme budget limitations. Now, as President and CEO of the Institute for Population Health, Davis joins the ranks of only four other city-level public health institute CEOs across the United States. In this position she oversees the provision of public health services to the residents and visitors of the City of Detroit. A well-respected public health leader, Davis has been called upon to respond to a number of public health challenges throughout her career. In addition to leading the formation of the Institute for Population Health, she has led the financial repair of five clinics across southeast Michigan, bringing them from deficit spending to viability; mobilized a county’s response to the H1N1 flu pandemic; served as a principal partner in creating and implementing Michigan’s early response to HIV/AIDS; and partnered in crafting the HIV/AIDS response in Ethiopia, East Africa.
Alexis C. Dishman VP & Alternate Group Manager, Business Banking, Comerica Bank
Alexis Dishman began her career at Comerica Bank in 2000 as a Credit Analyst, holding positions across several commercial lending departments. In 2002, she was promoted to Business Banking Lender. She developed skills through managing a multi-million dollar portfolio, and developing client relationships. Dishman is currently an Alternate Group Manager, and Vice President. She now mentors new lenders, helps to develop complex loan structures, and is a voting member of loan committee. Dishman completed Comerica’s Leadership Development Program in 2012. As a chairperson of Comerica’s African-American Business Development Initiative, she leads a team that fosters and develops relationships with key prospects, customers, and centers of influence in the business community. Dishman is a member of the leadership council of Comerica’s African American Network, an employee resource group. Dishman also serves on several boards for non-profit organizations, including Accounting Aid Society, Michigan Women’s Foundation, and The Community House of Birmingham. Alexis Dishman earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Finance from Michigan State University. She is married to Todd Dishman, and has two daughters Elise and Haley.
Meagan Rose Dunn
Director Community Outreach & Partnerships, Henry Ford Health System and Henry Ford Hospital Meagan Dunn is the Director of Community Outreach and Partnerships for Henry Ford Health System. Dunn is responsible for managing the System’s Community Partnerships budget, builds strategic relationships with government, civic and community based organizations, and she is also responsible for streamlining and coordinating community and volunteer activity on behalf of 23,000 employees. Prior to joining Henry Ford Health System, Dunn worked with the last three Mayors in the city of Detroit. Her work includes various levels of strategic community engagement. She was also a project lead for the Next Detroit Neighborhood Initiative, a community development initiative aimed at revitalizing six neighborhoods in the city of Detroit. Additionally, Dunn served the Deputy Press Secretary, where she worked with national crisis management consultant, Judy Smith. Dunn has worked on a host of local and state wide campaigns. In 2010, she served as Communications Director for the Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State campaign. In 2009, Dunn served as the Deputy Press Secretary for Mayor Dave Bing. Dunn is recently married, and resides in Detroit with her husband, Ethan.
First Lady Crisette Ellis
National Sales Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics & First Lady Greater Grace Temple First Lady Crisette Ellis is a native of Detroit and a graduate of Michigan State University where she majored in Public Affairs Management. She is married to Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, the Senior Pastor of Greater Grace Temple and the Presiding Prelate of the P.A.W. (Pentecostal Assemblies of the World). They have two children, Kiera and Charles IV. First Lady Ellis is the Director of the Powerful Women of Purpose (PWP) Women’s ministry at Greater Grace Temple. First Lady Ellis is also a successful entrepreneur with Mary Kay cosmetics. In November of 2002, she made history by becoming Michigan’s first and youngest African American National Sales Director in Mary Kay. Through her business she has earned numerous awards, trips around the world as well as other substantial gifts. She is also the CEO of Affirmations by Crisette which is a lifestyle brand of affirmation empowerment tees and other products produced with a specific goal of encouraging and inspiring people to use their gifts and talents as well as to stay focused fulfilling their divine purpose. First Lady Ellis is a wife, mother, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Rev. Karen Gray-Sheffield
Corporate Director of Open Arms & Infant Mortality Programs, St. John Providence Community Health Rev. Karen Gray-Sheffield spends her work day and personal time pretty much doing the same thing: instilling hope and confidence in those struggling with adversity. As Corporate Director for St. John Providence Health System’s Open Arms, a grieving children’s program and Infant Mortality Program for the past 14 years – and as Senior Pastor of New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church since August 2010 – her ministry is with her 24/7. Families dealing with a cycle of powerlessness, illiteracy, or grief can quickly feel overwhelmed by their circumstances. Rev. Sheffield offers counseling, encouragement and programming to help individuals to “dig deep within themselves to connect with their spirituality and get strength to cope with challenges in life.” Her bachelor’s degree is in human development and her master’s is in counseling education. Rev. Sheffield serves on several boards and task forces and has been recognized with numerous awards. In her role as a corporate director, counselor and a minister, she is helping to provide hope and growth both spiritually and educationally for children, their families and the community.
Lynnette Hampton
Global Lead Commodity Manager, Raw Materials and Wheel Metalics, Chrysler Corporation Lynnette D. Hampton is successfully employed by Chrysler Group LLC and has held a variety of positions over her twenty four year tenure. In her current professional position she works as the Global Lead- Commodity Manager within the Raw Materials and Wheels Metallic team where she is responsible for the Wheels commodity purchase spend of approximately one billion dollars. As a Procurement and Supply professional, Hampton has earned notable achievements throughout her career within Purchasing, Supply Chain Management and Supplier Development which include her recent 2012 Recognition of Excellence Awards from the Senior Vice President of Purchasing and Supplier Quality and Metallic Director. She was also highly acknowledged for her performance and leadership management goal achievements. Hampton actively participates in ministry and community initiatives both locally and internationally at Hope Evangelical Ministries where she currently serves in various capacities that assist the need of others. Her earnest desire is to uplift, encourage and empower others to pursue their divine purpose in life. Hampton received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Michigan State University and MBA from the University Of Detroit-Mercy.
Kimberly Harry Corporate Communications, Ford Motor Company
Kimberly Harry currently works at Ford Motor Company as a Communications Specialist. She began her career in television news working as a writer and producer at two Detroit television stations. Her love of communications began in high school where she landed a job as a student reporter. Harry holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Howard University in Washington, DC and a Masters in Communications from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Harry owns her own production company; Picture This, LLC, in which her clients include the entertainment division of the National Basketball Association (NBAE). Her membership in such organizations as the Detroit Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Wayne State University Alumni Association and the Howard University Alumni Chapter (Detroit), allows Harry the opportunity to mentor and motivate aspiring students in the metro Detroit area. Harry is also involved in numerous civic and philanthropic activities, including mission work in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She is an active member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan and has numerous interests including traveling abroad, reading, and horseback riding.
March, 2013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power |
Dana C. Harvey Director, Consumer Marketing, Detroit Media Partnership
Dana Harvey is Consumer Marketing director for Detroit Media Partnership, managing marketing and branding for the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit News, StyleLine Magazine and also operating as race director for the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Harvey also works as an anchor for Southfield Cable channel 15, where she has been reporting on city stories for over ten years. Her passion for sharing and uplifting has prompted her to launch her own show, “The Lipstick Lounge,” highlighting fearless women and their achievements. Harvey’s dedication to community service has guided her to offer her marketing expertise to organizations such as Open Arms, Mosaic Youth Theater and Big Brothers Big Sisters Detroit. She is also a founding member of the Southfield Women’s Foundation. As a daughter of a breast cancer survivor and a passion for breast cancer awareness, she was honored to serve as past chair of the 2010 and 2011 American Cancer Society’s Southfield Relays for Life. Harvey is a 2010 Leadership Detroit graduate with an MBA in marketing from WSU and a BS degree from MSU. Harvey is the proud mother of two, son Kenneth, 13, and daughter Payton, 10.
Beverly Hibbler
Principal, Detroit International Academy for Young Women Beverly A. Hibbler currently has her dream job. She is principal, founder and leader of Detroit International Academy for Young Women, established in 2005. DIA is currently the only all-girl K-12 public school in Michigan and serves as a model for same-gender education throughout the country. Her vision has been to provide a quality education in an allfemale environment which has previously been reserved for the affluent. Hibbler is a graduate of Wayne State University, University of Michigan, Western Michigan University and Detroit Public Schools. Her entire professional career has been dedicated to the Detroit Public Schools. She is presently on the Advisory Board for the National Association for Same Gender Education, DPS Principals’ Mentoring Program and a member of Hope United Methodist Church. Hibbler has been featured in various media venues for same-gender education, such as the Boston Globe, Education Week, Detroit Free Press, Advances in Gender and Education, and the Michigan Chronicle. In 2009, she was awarded the prestigious title of “Michigan Lottery Black History Honored Educator.” Hibbler has one son who graduated from Emory University in 2012. He is currently teaching in New York and has been accepted to Columbia University School of Education to pursue his master’s degree.
Marcia A. Jackson Manager Customer Outreach, DTE Energy
Marcia Jackson is manager of Customer Outreach for the DTE Energy Co. In this role, she manages the company’s outreach initiatives that provide energy assistance to struggling individuals and families, education to help customers manage their energy costs, and opportunities for employee engagement and community involvement through multiple channels and community organizations. Jackson, a native Detroiter, graduated from Pershing High School and earned her bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University in 1980. She has held leadership positions at DTE Energy since 1998 in the Continuous Improvement Strategy Group, the Supply Chain and now Customer Outreach in Public Affairs. Prior to joining DTE Energy she held leadership positions at Exelon Corp. that included engineering, regulatory compliance and project management. Jackson has served on the executive board of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. continuously since 2003. She is currently first vice president of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter’s 1,000-member organization and is responsible for program execution of seven programs, including the chapter’s scholarship awarded annually to entering college students. Jackson is the mother of a son, Charles, 2010 MSU alum, who is completing his graduate degree at Tiffin University.
| Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, 2013
Anqunette M. Jamison News Anchor, Fox 2 News
Anqunette Jamison was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. She earned her bachelor of science degree from Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind., completing a dual major in journalism and radio/television. She began her broadcast career in West Lafayette, Ind., as a morning show producer and editor and general assignment reporter. A year later, Jamison was hired at the NBC station in South Bend, Ind., where she worked her way up from reporter to weekend anchor and finally weekday noon anchor. She never considered working out west until a news director from Las Vegas called and asked her to consider it. It wasn’t long before she was reporting the gritty side of all that glittered on the Las Vegas strip. Looking for the next challenge, she took a chance and helped launch “The Morning Show” on Fox 25 in Boston. After five years, she accepted a transfer to Fox 2 Detroit, anchoring Monday - Friday from 6-9 a.m. and “Live at 11.” She, her husband, Richard Sarfoh, his two sons and their two dogs live in Farmington Hills.
Dr. Charmaine D. Johnson
Faculty Chair, Early Childhood and Teacher Education, Wayne County Community College District Born in Detroit, Dr. Johnson has a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education from Wilberforce University, master’s degree in education from the University of Hartford, a doctorate in education from Wayne State University and an Urban Ministry diploma from Ecumenical Theological Seminary, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in pastoral counseling. Dr. Johnson is a licensed minister of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, where she works in the congregation’s health ministry, and has completed a fellowship in health ministry through the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority. Her spiritual and community service often focuses on young children, families and seniors. Before retiring, she worked as a school administrator in the Detroit Public Schools. She currently teaches early childhood education and human services at Wayne County Community College. This year Dr. Johnson was named Outstanding Professor. In 2010, she received the Institute’s Sarah Herbin Award. She is the author of “Mama Said,” a collection of common epigrams that reflect the worldly wisdom of common folk. She’s passionate about personal fitness, is a runner, golfer, racquetball player, roller skater, tennis player and skier. Her other interests include fashion design, spiritual and holistic health, and politics.
Ifetayo B. Johnson Executive Director, United Health Organization
Since 1999 Ifetayo B. Johnson has served as executive director of United Health Organization (UHO) and Project Healthy Living. She is an activist in the Healthy Cities movement and has directed several community projects focused on disease prevention and health and wellness promotion. With Project Healthy Living, Johnson coordinates the delivery of free and low-cost health screenings to 15,000 participants in seven Michigan counties annually. In recent years, she has served on First Lady Michelle Obama’s national Task Force on Childhood Obesity Prevention. Johnson formerly served as director of Healthy Detroit, an initiative of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC). Earlier in her career, she served on the faculty at Bowling Green State University and Livingstone College. she went on to direct a teen parenting program for the Urban League of Greater New Haven, Connecticut. A native Detroiter, Johnson is a devoted wife and mother of two college-aged sons. Johnson holds an M.A. degree in Tran- disciplinary Communications from Bowling Green State University and a B.S. degree in biology from Philander Smith College of Arkansas.
Hon. Shelia R. Johnson Judge, 46th District Court
Shelia R. Johnson is chief judge pro tem of the 46th District Court, located in Southfield, which serves six Detroit suburbs. Elected in 2002, she is the first African American to serve as judge in the 46th District and first African American female district judge in Oakland County. She was a 2012 Democratic Party candidate for justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Judge Johnson is community oriented and believes mentoring youth is of paramount importance. She established a Court in Schools Program where court sessions are held at schools to deter youth from criminal behavior and inspire future careers. Judge Johnson is a board member of the Michigan District Judges Association, past president of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan, board member of the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association and a former board member and vice president of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ), among other associations. She is the recipient of NAWJ’s 2009 Mattie Belle Davis Award. Judge Johnson is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Michigan Law School. She is a former federal judicial law clerk and the first African American president of the Law School Student Senate. Judge Johnson is single and enjoys the arts.
Jennifer L. Jones
Vice President of Diversity Markets, AT&T Mobility Jennifer Jones is vice president Diversity Markets, AT&T Mobility. With a commitment to being best in class in the industry in addressing the unique needs of diverse segments, and being the “Brand of Choice” for these consumers, she and her team are responsible for leading the joint planning and execution of integrated marketing aimed at increasing and maintaining customer penetration of AT&T Mobility and Home Solution Services in these market segments. Diverse Markets are defined as large segments of ethnic people, cultures and or life style interest, including Hispanic, Asian and African American markets. Jones has held a number of leadership positions within AT&T in a variety of areas including Sales, Finance, Marketing and Offer Management. Jones has received many accolades, including being recognized by Black Enterprise as one of the Top Women Executives in Advertising and Marketing in 2011 and 2013, and Savoy Magazine named her as one of 2012 Top Influential Women in Corporate America. A native Detroiter, Jones is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University (MBA). She is a former officer in the U.S. Army Reserve/Michigan National Guard, and a Gulf War (Desert Storm) Veteran. Jones currently serves on the board of directors of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan and resides in Northville with her husband Robert and son Brandon, a junior at Central Michigan University.
Joyce Keener
Executive Director, Human Potential Consultants, LLC Joyce M. Keener is founder and executive director of Human Potential Consultants LLC (HPC), an award-winning employment solutions company. Established in 1997, with her sister Garnett, HPC assists individuals in identifying their true potential, self-worth, work readiness and employability skills, regardless of their background, with offices in Detroit and California. Keener’s Detroit focus is workforce development, work readiness and employment services for individuals with disabilities. HPC’s services are matched to meet current workforce needs in the metro Detroit area. HPC was awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration as one of the top 100 businesses in placement and employment. In 2012, she founded the Detroit Business Consortium for Job Creation. Keener is a graduate of Wayne State University and retiree from the State of Michigan-Rehabilitation Services. She has recognitions, awards and accolades for her unselfish contributions to individuals and community. She is a member of Macedonia Baptist Church –Detroit and serves with the Greeting Ministry. She is wife to James, “auntie,”, sister to 11 siblings and adopted friends and family whose love keeps her focused and grounded.
Margaret Keyes-Howard Executive President, Government Administrators Association
Margaret Keyes-Howard began her formal career in healthcare as Marketing and Public Relations director for New Center Hospital; from there she was hired by Wayne County in various Public Health and Mental Health Management and Administrative positions. In 1990, she joined the Government Administrator’s Association (GAA), the bargaining union which represents government employees. As issues arose within the organization, Keyes-Howard lent her voice, energy and resources to help to make the organization strong and viable. In 2006, she was elected secretary of the Executive Board and became a strong advocate for the members, continually working to help raise awareness about the efficiency and competency of government employees. Keyes-Howard was elected president of the Executive Board of GAA in 2012 and became the first woman to lead the organization that represents employees from Wayne County, General Fund employees, engineers, nurses, employees at Probate Court, 36th District Court, Third Judicial Circuit Court and the Airport Authority. Part of her agenda is to bridge the interests of the various employees represented by GAA and to help retain unions in these work environments despite the recent Right To Work legislation. Keyes-Howard is a member of Peoples Community Church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and is current vice president of Jack and Jill Detroit Chapter. She is the mother of three and is married to Hills Howard Jr., M.D., of Detroit.
Tammy Klugh
Vice President, Diversity Inclusion & Compliance, Kelly Services Tammy Klugh is vice president of Diversity and Inclusion for Kelly Services, a leader in providing workforce solutions, headquartered in Troy. In her role, Klugh partners with leaders throughout Kelly to design global strategies to create an inclusive environment internally as well as develop staffing solutions for customers. Prior to joining Kelly in 1999 as director of Diversity, Klugh was assistant director, Diversity and Compliance Office, for Oakland University in Rochester Hills. She began her career with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office Federal Contract Compliance Programs as a compliance officer serving Southeastern Michigan. Klugh holds a juris doctorate from Detroit’s Wayne State University Law School and a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Individually and on behalf of Kelly Services, Klugh is committed to a number of programs that provide STEM education and career development for youth in metro Detroit. She currently resides in West Bloomfield with her husband Harvey Klugh and attends Christian Tabernacle Church in Detroit.
Charlotte Knight CEO/Agent,
State Farm Insurance Company, Inc. Charlotte D. Knight was educated at Cass Technical High School before attending Wayne State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and master’s degree in social work administration. After Wayne State, Knight started a career with the State of Michigan in the Department of Social Services helping families in need. In 1989, after 12 years of government service, she took a leap a faith and became a State Farm agent. Knight first opened her agency in Farmington Hills. She remained there for 12 years before relocating her office to better serve the metro Detroit area. Throughout her 24 years in the insurance industry she has provided over 70 products and services to help her clients meet their growing insurance and financial needs. Her agency currently provides auto, fire, heath, life insurance, banking products and mutual funds. Knight’s commitment to a client-centered and needs-based sales approach has helped her attain State Farm’s Select Agent status for achieving top sales goals. Knight has received recognition from the City of Detroit Mayor’s Office, City Council, and State Senate and Representative offices. She was also previously named Woman of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners. Even with all her business successes Knight is most proud of her adult daughter Jasmine and strives to maintain a special bond with her. March, 2013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power |
Building the Sisterhood of Power
By Lucy P. Marcus
As Warren Buffett notes, harnessing the talent of women is key for building strong economies. There are five universal factors that, no matter where people are, where they are from, or what sector they are in, make a real difference in encouraging young women to reach success. Though successful women are often prone to credit luck for their success, it is mostly hard work and perseverance that brings women to the top of their field, be they artists, scientists, entrepreneurs or academics. These are the women who never settle for the mediocre, are perpetually restless and striving, and who know that real success can only be found by crossing time zones, cultures and cruising through stop signs. The most successful women in the world have grabbed every opportunity afforded to them, and have created opportunities for themselves, harnessing their fears and doubts as rocket fuel instead of rocks in their pockets. The factors that contribute to the development of the next generation of women leaders can be gleaned from their experiences. Some of the characteristics of successful people, such as motivation, natural curiosity, courage, self-management, enjoying being stretched and rising to a challenge, personal will and fortitude, drive and flexibility may be innate, but there is no doubt that these characteristics also need to be nurtured and encouraged. Five factors stand out that help to support developing women leaders. Not particularly costly or demanding, they have proven to be very effective. | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, 2013
1. Basic Skills There are certain basic skills that everyone should be given access to beyond the standard education. We need to ensure that young women have access to building these skills that help them move to success early in their careers. These include public speaking, writing, negotiation, and effective networking. People might have nature skills in some of these areas, but if not, then seeking out courses and opportunities to practice these skills is worthwhile. Also, some employers will give women access to courses in these areas through career development opportunities, but that can often be in their mid-career, and it is actually more valuable and impactful if it started earlier on. If these are not forthcoming from work, they are worth seeking out independently.
2. International Exposure
Travel brings an invaluable exposure to other cultures and ways of thinking. It is essential for advancement in any profession, even in those that seem local, cloistered, or sheltered. This is particularly the case as the world becomes increasingly globally interdependent and actions that occur in a place that seems far away, inevitably affect, directly or indirectly, everyone. International experiences challenge thinking and certainty in a way that can be very healthy. The skills that come from living and working in unfamiliar settings are valuable in themselves and so are the
experiences that can be gleaned from seeing how other cultures deal with issues. It forces people to think outside the box and challenge them to find, and apply, solutions beyond their comfort zones.
3. Mentoring
Mentoring plays a big role in developing any career. It is important, though, to distinguish what kinds of efforts are most useful at different stages of career development. At different points in a person’s career, they need different types of mentoring. The needs for mentoring change from student years, to the first years out of school, to mid-career, to the most senior career positions.
Role models are an extraordinarily fruitful way to inspire women to aspire to great things. Role models can be found close to home or in the people around them, as well as in those at a distance - seen only through the news, even in faraway places.
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Student Years During student years, meeting, shadowing, personal exposure to senior figures in the field all help to inspire young women to aspire to something greater. It helps to be able to see what success looks like in any given field, and to get a sense of accessibility. Seeing the fruits of hard work and hearing the stories of career paths – more often than not, anything but linear ones – can help inspire young women. Access to as many people as possible, in as many fields as possible, helps to open up the vast horizons of opportunity that are available. It can spark the imagination of young people about where their paths can take them. University alumnae networks are useful – and alumnae returning to speak openly about their experiences can make a real difference by making success accessible.
4. Role Models
“Never settling,
There are two kinds of role models: First, those who help us to think about the kind of people we want to be through examples of kindness, fortitude, courage, bravery, integrity, and other admirable characteristics, displayed equally by women and men, in their everyday lives and in the way they conduct themselves in the workplace. Second, there are those who help us to aspire to roles that perhaps we’ve not thought of before or not encountered personally, particularly for young women – heads of state, heads of multinational corporations, leaders in political, cultural, or social movements. Seeing women in particular, anywhere in the world, succeeding in an ever widening array of roles helps inspire young women to broaden their expectation for their own possibilities. It is vital to openly and publicly acknowledge and celebrate the work that women leaders do around the world. It is important to recognize the critical roles that women have played in developing societies and economies. By highlighting this work, it begins to help countries, societies and companies realize that this is not unusual, and that it should be the norm. It also helps to bring to light the ways in which these women have made the journey to their positions and make that journey more accessible. Most importantly, it ensures that young women have the freedom to make different choices if they want to.
First-Third Jobs always being driven, The early period in a person’s career is a time and always seeking new of exploration, of further learning, and of discovering caexperiences – these are the reer options, preferences, and interests. During this period, it hallmarks of the most successful is most useful to have exposure to a wide array of people in a senior women in the world.” chosen profession and perhaps to create a group of “go-to” -Lucy P. Marcus people where a young woman can seek advice and ideas and begin to hone her ideas on her true career path. These mentors can be found many places – speakers who inspire, pro We need to start early to make sure girls know they fessionals who are admired, colleagues and managers who are capable of reaching great heights. It starts in the youngest years of they know well. People are often receptive and flattered by emails – it their schooling with words of encouragement and aspiration. never hurts to try.
5. Starting Early
Mid-Career It is helpful to have networks as a means of meeting people in their field and getting to know like-minded and like-skilled people. Equally, if not more important for individual development, is having one or two people who know the individual well and can help to council them directly and specifically about options, choices and direction and concrete ways of achieving goals. This can be a vitally effective means of creating clear paths for career development. Career Success The years when women are at the top of their careers are a time of consolidation, solidification and fulfilment. It is a time when women can stretch themselves or get greater depth in areas of interest – for example, in business that can be directorships, in politics it can be senior policy making or influencing positions. Mentoring one another via peer relationships and networks can be very effective and satisfying. Having a close group of trusted friends and peers who can be frank, generous, and root for each other’s success can be the thing that helps bring the goals that seem distant even at this point much more achievable.
Equally important is ensuring that boys and young men absorb these messages both openly and through example. Even the most closed societies and cultures have the ability to make shifts over the generations and if we begin to change the mindsets of girls and boys alike. Creating an environment where women can succeed is vital. Public policy that encourages women to be successful, workplaces that reward those encouraging and advancing women, and education systems that educate women to the highest standards are just some of the things that are needed to help create an environment in which women are prepared and encouraged to rise to leadership. Never settling, always being driven and always seeking new experiences – these are the hallmarks of the most successful senior women in the world. We must all play a part in helping young women succeed, as our countries, economies, and futures depend on their success. MC
March, 2013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power |
Dr. Stacy L. Leatherwood Cannon
Mildred C. Matlock, Ph.D
Sr. Staff Pediatrician & Physician for Childhood Wellness, Henry Ford Health System
Chief Operating Officer, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Detroit Medical Center
Dr. Stacy Leatherwood Cannon is a board certified pediatrician with Henry Ford Health System. She was recently named the Physician Champion for Childhood Wellness with LiveWell, Henry Ford’s Virtual Center of Excellence.
Dr. Mildred C. Matlock serves as Chief Operating Officer of Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center in the Detroit Medical Center. Beginning her career as a speech-language pathologist, she advanced through leadership positions in middle and executive management including Chief Operating Officer at Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan. Dr. Matlock is responsible for the day-to-day hospital operations; for developing major service lines such as orthopedics and geriatric services; and oversight of major renovations of the hospital’s inpatient rooms and operating rooms.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Michigan and her Doctorate from Meharry Medical College. Her pediatric training was completed at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Dr. Leatherwood Cannon special interests include childhood obesity and adolescent medicine. She co-created a program for 9-13 year olds who are overweight called “Let’s Get Healthy!” that operates in five locations in the Detroit area. She received the “Michigan Steps Up Healthcare Recognition Award” from Michigan’s former Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom. In 2007, Dr. Leatherwood Cannon initiated Healthy Start 101, an outreach program. It emphasizes the importance of raising healthy children to be physically, mentally, and spiritually strong. She speaks in the community and on her website www.healthystart101.com about the program. When Dr. Leatherwood Cannon is not working she enjoys serving at Word of Faith International Christian Center, spending time with her husband, Mr. Will Cannon, family and close friends.
Karen A. Love
A graduate of Leadership Detroit – Class XV, Dr. Matlock held numerous volunteer leadership positions. She served as President of the Board of Directors of Black Family Development, Inc. as well as President of the Wayne State University national Alumni Association. She currently is an officer of the Neighborhood Services Organization Board of Directors. Among other honors, she received the Homer D. Strong Award for distinguished service to the WSU Alumni Association. Dr. Matlock earned bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in speech-language pathology from Wayne State University. She received a master of science in administration from Central Michigan University.
Irita Matthews
President & CEO, KarYzma Media Consulting
Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Health Alliance Plan
Karen A. Love, the President/CEO of KarYzma Media Consulting, kept Metro Detroiters well informed during her 20-year tenure as Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Chronicle and Publisher of the FrontPage newspapers. She forged many lasting relationships through her spirited efforts to boost the image of the City of Detroit and its people. She has 34 years of newspaper experience including successful stints at the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune.
Irita Matthews serves as Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary for Health Alliance Plan, a Detroit-based regional health insurance company that partners with physicians, employers and community organizations to improve the health and well-being of its members and the community. Matthews has more than 10 years of in-house experience in matters pertaining to health insurance law, governance and regulatory compliance.
Honored with awards and special recognitions throughout her career, Love is a graduate of the Detroit Regional Chamber Leadership Detroit Class XXVII. She has served on a wide range of boards and is currently completing a second appointment to the Executive Council of AARPMichigan.
Her professional affiliations include the State Bar of Michigan, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Michigan Health Executive Group Association, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was recently appointed by Governor Snyder to the Michigan Health Information Technology Commission. She also served on Henry Ford Health System’s Diversity Council. She is a graduate of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s, Leadership Detroit program, Class XXX. She volunteers as an adult instructor with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet-Hannan Division, a U.S. Navy-based organization that serves to teach individuals 13 to 17 years old about naval operations, community service, citizenship, and understanding teamwork.
Slated to receive a Master’s Degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California, Love also holds a Sociology degree from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from the Eastern North Carolina Theological Institute. A devoted member of Triumph Church, she is a teacher and Dean of Practical Application courses at Triumph University. Love is the founder of Project LoveSHARE.
Monique D. Marks President & CEO, Franklin-Wright Settlements
Monique Marks is President & CEO of historic Franklin-Wright Settlements, Inc., a leading human services agency meeting the needs of families, and youth since 1881. The agency provides a variety of services including therapy, grief and loss counseling, after school programming, senior services, and early childhood education. Marks is a graduate of Wayne State University with both a Masters and Bachelors of Science Degree in Social Work. Marks is both licensed and certified in the field of social work. She is a member of the Speaker’s Bureau for United Way and serves as an adjunct professor at Eastern Michigan University. Marks has dedicated her life to serving the community with a prolific professional career spanning over 20 years. In the past sixteen years, she has held a myriad roles, most notably her appointment as President and CEO. Marks has advocated for the prevention, treatment and amelioration of social problems plaguing citizens of Detroit. She is the recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award, Legacy in Motion Award, Hometown Hero Award. She serves and participates on a multitude of committees, boards and auxiliaries including Leadership Detroit, Midnight Golf, and Community Highlights. Marks is supported by a loving husband Dr. Bertram Marks, two children Erika Batchelor and Bertram Marks, II and a host of community members within the Franklin Wright family. 10 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, 2013
Matthews earned bachelor’s, master of public health, and law degree from the University of Michigan.
Elizabeth E. Mays President & CEO, MCS Multimedia
Elizabeth Mays is the president and CEO of MCS Multimedia, a progressive graphic design and printing company located in Ferndale, MI. Since its inception in 2011, the company, under the leadership of the 23year-old Mays, has flourished at using today’s technology to produce superior graphic design and printing jobs for an array of industries across the region. Mays holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, where she majored in Film, Video & Media Studies and Graphic & Printing Science. Mays’ success in the printing industry is no surprise as she is a third generation of printers. Her grandfather, J. Caulton Mays, was a black pioneer in the printing industry when he started Mays Printing Company in 1946. Her father, James Mays, helped to expand and brand the company on a national level. Eager to keep the family printing legacy alive, Mays, after graduating from college started MCS Multimedia. Always ready to give back, Mays is active in the community as a mentor and sponsor of events that empower youth throughout the metro Detroit area. She is a member of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.
JoAnne G. Mondowney Executive Director, Detroit Public Library
An innovative, award-winning library administrator, JoAnne G. Mondowney has decades of library experience. She relocated to Michigan in 2002 to serve as Assistant Director of the Flint Public Library, and in August, 2009, when she was selected to lead the Detroit Public Library, one of the nation’s largest library systems with 23 neighborhood branches. Ms. Mondowney also wrote Hold Them in Your Heart: Successful Strategies for Library Services to At-Risk Teens. This how-to manual has been used in library science courses and in public libraries for staff training across the country. Active in professional organizations, Ms. Mondowney chaired the American Library Association’s (ALA) Budget Analysis and Review Committee. She is a member of Wayne State University’s Library and Information Science Program Advisory Board and the Michigan Library Association’s Legislative Committee. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Ms. Mondowney has an undergraduate degree in Marketing from Hampton University. She earned a Master of Library Science degree from Clark-Atlanta University. She has also completed post-graduate studies in advanced accounting at the University of Baltimore and services marketing at Johns Hopkins University.
Jacqueline Morrison State Director, AARP Michigan
Jacqueline Morrison leads the strategic business unit that enables AARP to achieve its vision in the state of Michigan. She directs a 12-member staff team accountable for a diverse portfolio of 50+ advocacy and social change initiatives with national, state and local implications. She works to develop AARP’s presence in the state, engage its 1.4 million Michigan members and establish a network of relationships with business, government and community. Morrison works in partnership with a Volunteer State President and Executive Council to develop AARP Michigan strategic priorities. Prior to joining AARP in 2005, Morrison served more than 18 years in non-profit leadership roles with Detroit organizations including Wayne State University, Detroit Urban League, and Planned Parenthood. Morrison holds a Masters in Public Health from the University of Michigan and is an active member of the American Society on Aging; Eastern Michigan University Gerontology Advisory Committee, and the Board of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council. Morrison believes the 50+ population has a critical role to play in securing Michigan’s future and invites others to live by the motto of AARP “to serve, not to be served”.
Alicia Nails
Director of The Journalism Institute for Media Diversity, Wayne State University Alicia Nails is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and director of Wayne State University’s Journalism Institute for Media Diversity. She has produced at WXIA (NBC) Atlanta, WTVS (PBS), WCBS (CBS) and Essence Communications in New York City, and at FOX 2. She’s reported breaking news and features as writer/producer at WWJ NewsRadio 950 (CBS). Her writing has appeared in the Michigan Chronicle, Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, and BLAC magazine, where she serves on the advisory board. A freelance writer through her company, SaidWrite, she’s on the board of the Detroit Chapter, National Association of Black Journalists and the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation. Nails has executed city-wide PR campaigns for the African World Festival and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Detroit Alumnae Chapter, serving as Delta’s Michigan State Journalist. On the national communications team of The Links, Incorporated as managing editor, she’s on the PR team for the Oakland County Chapter. She has produced major fundraisers: “The Salute to Emery King,” and “The Salute to 25 Year Journalists,” the UNCF Mayors’ Ball, Ebony Fashion Fair and Parade of Stars Telethons.
Priscilla Perkins Chief Development Officer, Lighthouse of Oakland County
Perkins loves living, working and raising her sons in southeast Michigan. Arriving in Michigan during an ice storm in the fall of 1989, she has had a love affair with metro-Detroit ever since. Perkins received a MBA from Louisiana State University. She graduated from the Leadership Oakland X class while serving as Junior League of Birmingham, MI, Inc. president, and has chaired the United Way Services for Youth at Risk Committee. She served on the Board of Directors of The Community House, Lighthouse PATH, and Beaumont Hospital. Perkins received outstanding community service awards from United Way and Lighthouse of Oakland County. Active in Boy Scouts of America Troop 1032, Perkins also served as President of Detroit Country Day Upper School Parents’ Association and is currently Vice President of Detroit Country Day Friends of the Arts Board. Currently, she serves as Chief Development Officer for Lighthouse of Oakland County. Perkins is a former consultant with Price Waterhouse and Plante Moran. An avid knitter, reader, and scrabble player, she is married to Huel Perkins and has two sons.
Rev. Betty E. Pulliam
President, Payne-Pulliam School of Trade & Commerce Rev. Betty E. Pulliam was born in South Carolina and educated in the Detroit Public School Systems. She is President/Chairman of the Board of Payne-Pulliam School of Trade and Commerce, Inc., a non-profit educational institution, since November 1, 1973. Rev. Pulliam is a certified work force development professional and has managerial, developmental and operational skills in operating a workforce development agency. She has had monumental involvement in the business community, serving on many boards and organizations, including the Booker T. Washington Business Association, as the “first” female President and Chairman of the Board. Moreover, numerous awards and citations have been bestowed upon her including two gubernatorial appointments as Commissioner to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Rev. Pulliam, a member of Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, became the “first” female to be licensed in July 1997 and ordained in May, 2000, by her Pastor, Rev. Kenneth J. Flowers. She developed and coordinated an Entrepreneurial Component for the Female Responsibility Program, mentoring Girls 8-18. Her ministry includes Evangelism, Fundraising, Singing and Orientation of new members. Rev. Pulliam is married to Herman and has three adult children and seven grandchildren.
Karen P. Ridgeway Superintendent of Academics, Detroit Public Schools
Karen P. Ridgeway has dedicated her professional career to improving the lives of young people in the City of Detroit through education. This life-long Detroiter has been continuously employed by the Detroit Public Schools for nearly 33 years. As the eldest of four, she learned early on the power of education, the importance of dedication to a worthy cause and the responsibility of service to others. Ridgeway has earned a B.S. in Education, Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees from Wayne State University. A product of the Detroit Public Schools, Ridgeway has served as a special needs educator, school-wide test coordinator, interim special education department head, and special instructor for incarcerated youth. Ridgeway’s service to the children of the City of Detroit school district continued as Program Associate, Director, Executive Director and Assistant Superintendent in the Office of Research, Evaluation, Assessment and Accountability. Ridgeway currently serves the district as the Superintendent of Academics with responsibility for all district departments that support teaching and learning. She has become known as the “Data Guru” in the Detroit Public Schools and has served as a Cabinet-level administrator for the past eight years. Ridgeway’s personal and professional existence is guided by the philosophy that it is our duty to live in the committed service of others.
March, 2013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | 11
Raquel R. Robinson President & CEO,
CarlaPresident Walker-Miller & CEO,
Southfield Community Foundation
Walker-Miller Energy Services
Raquel R. Robinson is the President and CEO of the Southfield Community Foundation with more than 20 years of executive non-profit and higher education leadership specializing in organizational performance improvement and capacity building. Robinson has served in executive level positions at nonprofits and universities in Indiana, New York and Michigan.
Mrs. Carla Walker-Miller is an energy industry veteran, and a dedicated advocate for residential and commercial energy efficiency. In 2000, after 18 years of corporate experience, she formed Walker-Miller Energy Services (WMES), an energy efficiency and energy optimization program service company, as well as a distributor for energy related products in the utility industry. Serving as President and CEO, she has led the organization to experience tremendous growth in energy services.
Robinson holds a B.A. degree from Indiana University, a M.A. degree from Purdue University in Communications, and a M.Ed. from Wayne State University focused on Human Performance Improvement and Training. Trained as an executive and personal coach with the Coach’s Training Institute, Raquel’s passion for transformation through performance improvement strategies go beyond helping organizations. As an entrepreneur, she is the co-founder of Making a Change LLC Coaching and Consulting where she works with individuals and groups to close the gap between present and ideal performance. She is author of the book Renew, Refocus and Recover! A Road Trip to the Life You Deserve (Salem Communication, 2006). Robinson’s mission-driven approach to leadership extends to her greatest work as wife to Henry L. Robinson and mother to Alexandria and Michael.
Carla E. Sledge Chief Financial Officer, Wayne County
Carla Sledge is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Charter County of Wayne Michigan, the 15th largest county in the world. Sledge provides financial and business leadership at the County through her dual role as CFO and the Director of Management and Budget. She directly serves the County’s CEO and routinely interacts with the 3,500 professional, administrative and union staff throughout the County. Her areas of expertise include finance, strategic planning, sustainability, risk management and information technology. Sledge has implemented numerous comprehensive effectiveness programs, which resulted in cost containment improvements. One of her most significant achievements was the roll out of the County’s financial application that resolved budget needs, replaced outdated applications requiring extensive rework and created a fully integrated system capable of supporting a one customer process. Currently, Sledge is an advisor to the President and CEO of the Michigan Association of CPAs. Sledge has been recognized and admired across Government and Industry. Some of her achievements include the 2006 AICPA and MACPA Outstanding CPA in Government Award and Crain’s Detroit Business 2011 CFO Award. She has been featured in many magazines including the 2007 and 2012 Editions of Who’s Who in Black Detroit. Sledge is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. She lives in Franklin, Michigan with her husband, Willie.
E’Lois Thomas Senior Program Manager, SEEL, LLC
E’Lois Thomas has more than 20 years of experience in Operational and Financial Management including Energy Program Management, Program Strategy & Management, Operational Management and Team Building. Thomas brings extensive years of experience in the service industry, delivering outstanding returns by building, developing and driving business operations to new and exciting levels of performance. She is passionate to lead, coach and mentor others while challenging them to reach their full potential. Thomas is a highly analytical and driven leader cultivating business relationships and advancing teams toward top level corporate objectives. Her experience has made her able to rapidly assess operational challenges, resulting in the development of successful action plans to overcome those challenges – she is a true change agent. Thomas is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph D) in Administration at North Central University with plans to complete her final dissertation in Green Energy Management and Sustainability. She has an MBA in Management from Walsh College. Thomas is married to the love of her life, Elder Charles Thomas, Jr. and they have two sons, Charles and Isaiah.
12 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, 2013
She is a sought after speaker on issues relating to energy efficiency, and determined to bring underserved populations into the important energy dialogue. As part of her strong commitment to the Detroit community, in 2003, she started a nonprofit organization called The WAVE (Water Access Volunteer Effort) Fund. WAVE provides assistance to low-income citizens of Detroit with water and sewerage bills, and has distributed over $2 million and assisted over 9,000 families. She is a member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), the Invest Detroit First Step Fund Investment Committee, Oak Grove AME Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., InForum, The Detroit Regional Chamber, The African Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, The Engineering Society of Detroit, Women’s Informal Network (WIN), The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Booker T. Washington Business Association.
Jamie Kaye Walters
Director of Creative Services & Programming, WDIV In 2008, Walters and her business partner founded Velocity Cow, and formed a partnership with WDIV-Local 4 that allowed the station’s sales department to give its clients a boutique creative agency experience. Velocity Cow has produced more than 1,200 commercials and marketing videos for a wide variety of clients. Walters also produced American Black Journal, MiWeek and the multiday coverage of the Mackinac Policy Conference for Detroit Public Television. In early 2013, Walters returned fulltime to the station where she got her start. Walters worked from 1998-2007 for WDIV-Local 4 as the Senior Programming Producer. She produced high profile entertainment and political programs such as America’s Thanksgiving Parade, Target Fireworks, Flashpoint and several of the station’s community initiatives. In 2007, she took a five-month career sabbatical to travel internationally. Walters earned a B.A. in American Culture from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She lives in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit with her fiancée.
Linda A. Ware Supplier Diversity Manager, General Motors
Linda Ware is Manager of Supplier Diversity at General Motors Company (GM). She is responsible for managing GM’s Supplier Diversity Program which consists of over 200 suppliers. Ware started her career with GM in 1979 at the Delphi Packard Electric Division in Warren, Ohio and has worked at three other divisions – Allison Transmission (formerly GM), Indianapolis, Indiana, General Motors Customer Care & Aftersales, Grand Blanc, Michigan and General Motors Technical Center, Warren, Michigan. In addition to Manager of Supplier Diversity, Ware has held prominent positions as a Purchasing Manager, Dean of Education and Employee Development for Global Purchasing & Supply ChainGeneral Motors University (GMU). Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, Reliability and Product Engineering comprises and encapsulates her career at GM. Ware is a Board Member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC), Great Lakes region, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is on the Advisory Council of the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA). She is also a member of The Links, Incorporated Oakland County Chapter, and a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit.
Anne Watson
Regional Director-Midwest, Nelnet Education Loan Servicing Anne Watson is Vice President-Regional Director for Nelnet Inc. for Michigan and Ohio. She is responsible for providing quality service to all higher education institutions in support of Nelnet’s Department of Education student loans servicing contract. Watson works closely with schools to identify their needs, and support their success in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Watson was Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Detroit for 23 years. Before joining Nelnet, she worked as a Consultant, training new professionals at Marygrove College, Wayne State University, Henry Ford Community College, Concordia College and auditing student loan records on behalf of the Michigan Department of Education and Department of HHS. With more than three decades of experience in Student Aid, Watson is a trusted resource for her customers and her colleagues. She recently received the Midwest Regional Association Outstanding Leadership Award in Michigan and a Life Time Achievement Award. She has held several executive board roles in her state and regional associations, including past-president and continues to hold leadership positions on her Association’s Boards. Watson, an undergraduate degree recipient from Western Michigan University is passionate about mentoring young women, assisting them with accessing higher education institutions and achieving their goal of getting a college degree and bettering their communities. She has a wonderful daughter, Brianna.
Lynn Weaver
Vice President of Human Resources & General Affairs, Yazaki North America As Vice President of Human Resources & General Affairs at Yazaki, Lynn Weaver is responsible for Human Resources, including talent management, regionalization, benefits, compensation, and payroll. She is responsible for regional Communications, Corporate Affairs, Security, and Facilities Management. Weaver is one of the highest-ranking women executives in the corporation, leading initiatives around work environment, recognition, resource planning and staffing, and employee development. She established a performance management program and a succession planning process that identifies employees for advancement into key executive and managerial positions. Weaver earned a BS and an MBA from Michigan State University. She has held board positions with the Garth Fagan Dance Company (The Lion King choreographer), The Canton Community Foundation, Wayne State University Board of Visitors, and currently the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. She is a member of the NAACP, Urban league, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Links, Inc. Weaver is a board member of Inforum Center for Leadership Advisory Council and a member of AutomotiveNext.
Nicole Wells Stallworth
Director of Community Engagement & Government Affairs, The Children’s Center Nicole Wells Stallworth is a child & family advocate, currently serving as Director of Community & Government Affairs at the Children’s Center where she leads community engagement activities, government relations, and advocacy initiatives. Stallworth has been responsible for hosting hundreds of community forums around Michigan, ranging from policy issues in k-12 education, to ensuring access to quality behavioral health services for families in need. Stallworth has been involved in advocacy on behalf of Michigan families for nearly 15 years, and has coordinated energy assistance programs for low-income families and senior citizens while with The Heat & Warmth Fund and has led advocacy initiatives within the K-12 sector while with MAPSA. Stallworth is a member of the President’s Community Advisory Council for Wayne State University, the National Congress of Black Women Greater Detroit Chapter, and serves on the board of Directors for the International Preparatory Academy at the MacDowell Campus. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Wayne State University. Stallworth loves fashion, physical exercise, writing, and performing poetry. She co-founded the Intellectual Divas, a women’s collective of vocalists & poets, in 2004. She attends Oak Grove AME Church, with her husband State Representative Thomas F. Stallworth, III, has one daughter, Tonie Wells and numerous god-children whom she mentors with love.
Barbara Willis
Chief Operating Officer, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Barbara Willis, a native Detroiter, is the Chief Operating Officer for the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). Starting in 1966, she has successively served as Director of Oasis, Director of support Services and Chief Operating Officer. As such she oversees all programs, operations staff, social services and all interagency agreements. Prior to DRMM, Willis was the Assistant Dean for City Colleges of Chicago; Instructor for the Chicago School of Ministries, English Instructor for Detroit and Romulus Public Schools. She earned her M.A. in Inner City Studies from Northeastern Illinois University; B.A. in English from Eastern Michigan University and numerous awards for her work in Michigan and Chicago. Willis is a lifetime member of Leadership Detroit (Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce) and is a Superior Public Service Award winner for the City of Chicago. Professionally, Willis has served as a board member for Highland Park Communities First, Highland Park Business Association, “48203” HP Collaborative and Love Inc., World Vision. She is currently Vice Chair of the Highland Park Planning Commission and a former Superior Township (Washtenaw County) Planning Commissioner.
Salutes the 2013 Women of Excellence March, 2013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | 13
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The Detroit Public Library Commission, Administration and Staff Congratulate
Jo Anne G. Mondowney Executive Director On Being Named a 2013 Woman of Excellence Thank you for your continued leadership, diligence, perseverance and vision in moving the Detroit Public Library forward. Wonderful things are happening at the Library and we wish you continued success as we prepare to celebrate 150 years of service to the citizens of Detroit in 2015.
14 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, 2013
The Board and staff of Detroit Parent Network congratulate
Sharlonda M. Buckman for her recognition as a Michigan Chronicle 2013 Woman of Excellence! Ms. Buckman’s courageous leadership has allowed Detroit Parent Network to become the premier organization for parent education and training in Southeast Michigan, and a powerful force in creating opportunities for all children to receive a quality education. To learn more, visit: www.detroitparentnetwork.org or call (313) 832-0617 T:5”
our very
own Karen Love, Executive Council Member, and
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AARP congratulates
Jacqueline Morrison, State Director, on being honored by the Michigan Chronicle as Women of Excellence.
March, 2013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | 15