My thirty-year employment history has allowed me to work in various areas of community engagement, interacting with a diverse population of students, parents, interns, business leaders, school leaders, professors and politicians. I have held several leadership positions and have served on nonprofit boards, regional collaboration initiatives and community development working groups. My greatest testimony is that my former student interns are now in leadership positions creating change in the community!

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN SOCIAL CHANGE?

Everyone has the right to be actively involved in determining the conditions that shape their lives. It is important that community members sit in leadership positions and make decisions, contributing to the future of our city and our region.

HOW CAN PEOPLE DEVELOP THEIR LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND GUIDE SOCIAL CHANGE?

1. Earn a certificate or an associate degree in Community Leadership at Henry Ford College or Macomb Community College, which can be paired with any academic major offered at University of Michigan-Dearborn.
2. Participate in Public Allies, a national movement advocating social justice and equity by engaging and activating the leadership capacities of young people.
3. Participate in Challenge Detroit or Detroit Revitalization Fellows to develop leadership skills and grow your network in the community space.
4. Serve as a member of a board of directors to an organization that speaks to your passion.
5. Appreciate feedback in all areas of your work, and especially when it comes to leadership development. It is a gift that will make you a stronger and better leader.
6. Vote in every election and participate political campaigns that impact you.
7. Participate in spaces that assist in creating change on behalf of your community – remember there is strength in numbers.
8. Most importantly, STAY WOKE!