YOUNGMENEMPOWERMENTSESSION CLOSING SPEAKERCyekeia Lee

from GVSU TRIO Upward Bound Detroit HerStory Program 2023

SOCIALMEDIA HANDLES

Jasmine Cofield is a proud Flint, MI native and 2013 graduate of Mott Middle College and Mott Community College. She was afforded the opportunity to dual-enroll college courses and earned three associate degrees as a high school graduate She then went off to Central Michigan University and studied neuroscience and psychology. She pursued her Physician Assistant studies at the University of Detroit-Mercy and graduated in 2020. During her time at UDM, she served as the diversity chair for her cohort and founded Physician Assistants of Color (ThePAC) in 2017, an organization that provides resources and mentorship to students of color to increase diversity in the PA profession.

Matilde Rodriguez is a servant leader who believes in the power of ‘giving all of you, always.’ She began her journey in Youth Development as a classroom paraprofessional and youth leader in her local church ministry and is now a Program Supervisor within the Detroit Public Schools Community District and a Ministry Development Trainer/Consultant. She has been serving as a Youth and Families Development Specialist for just over two years in Ecuador. Born and raised in Southwest Detroit, Matilde received her Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of MichiganDearborn and her Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University.

Gail Perry-Mason of Detroit, Michigan, has come a long way, from foster care to caring for others. A respected authority in the financial industry, Gail is also a bestselling author. Regularly addressing capacity crowds, she educates people on financial literacy conducting financial training sessions and workshops for companies such as Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, MGM, CBS News, Comcast, Blue Cross, Wells Fargo, Comerica and many more she founded the original Money Camp for Teens and the first youth investment club, now known as the Money Matters for Youth Camp.

Sharnese Marshall is a Detroit-native who lives by the scripture “to whom much is given, much is required”. A graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning focused in community development and Wayne State University with a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration. Sharnese is the founder of the Detroit-based nonprofit, The Konnection which exists to help move the needle on student chronic absenteeism in Detroit through meaningful relationships, fun and exciting experiences and additional resources. A passionate advocate for Detroit’s youth, Sharnese is committed to providing opportunities for youth while also placing an important focus on mentorship

Leona Medley leads strategic and community partnerships responsible for the footprints in Detroit and Cleveland for Bedrock. Leona has led Bedrock’s DEI team, as a member of the executive team. Under her leadership Bedrock was led through the unprecedented global social justice uprising as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. She is currently pursuing a masters in community development from the University of Detroit Mercy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan Dearborn Leona sits on the Board of Directors of Neighborhood Legal Services of Michigan and formerly served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Detroit.

Hey! My name is Eboni, and I am the founder of Evolving Still. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan (Westside) and am a recent University of Michigan graduate with a B.S in Biopsychology, Cognition, Neuroscience

My hobbies include reading, shopping, and living my best life Currently, I’m not only on my journey of evolving but also on my journey to medical school!

Evolving Still is a lifestyle brand that calls for individuals to push forward and to always show up as their best selves It encourages the practice of accountability and promotes frequent emotional checks in. This brand advocates emotional wellness in a way that allows individuals to still maintain their normal busy lives

On behalf of Grand Valley State University TRIO Upward Bound Math Science Detroit I would like to personally welcome each of you as we honor Women’s History Month with “HerSTORY”. It’s an exciting time for Women in the world as we continue to grow and adapt, remain always, motivated, and responsive as change makers. It takes a special type of strength, courage, and wisdom to be a woman today.

Women are transforming the way we operate to continuously improve our ability to blaze new paths while fighting for injustices, being role models, creating new spaces and table for important conversations while challenging systems that do not serve the people We should all be very proud of where we are today and excited about where we are headed.

We are honored to have dynamic women right here in Detroit, that are living proof of “HerSTORY” in the making. It is our hope that they bring a new level of empowerment to our young women as they, too, become the authors of their story.

Thank each of your for attending this amazing event and bringing your open-mindedness to invest in your growth and development as a young woman You are truly our greatest asset today and tomorrow.

Women’s History Month allows citizens across the United States to take a moment and commemorate the resilience, power, struggle and courage of women who have led the way and those who are leading the way in our society. This year we are grateful for the trailblazing women right here in Metropolitan Detroit who are clearing a path for youth and families, and leading in their respective career fields. Our theme for this year’s program is “Strength Courage Wisdom ”

As the Inaugural Director for Grand Valley State University’s TRIO Upward Bound Detroit program, I am honored that we have 10 amazing women from across Southeastern Michigan joining us for this day. We look forward to the encouragement, support and life they will share with each of our Scholars, and the transformation that will follow. As a member of this national governing body of TRIO Professionals, I know that TRIO Works.