ABOUT THIS SERIES
Join the Cabinet as we introduce you to the City of Detroit's remarkable leaders who helped drive the city's 10-year turnaround. You'll meet Detroit's humble stars from public safety and sustainability to neighborhood revitalization and workforce development. This conversational podcast reveals the strength and vision of Detroit's hidden heroes.
Episodes
Melia Howard is a Doorstep Diplomat for Detroit's Neighborhoods
In this episode, meet Melia Howard, Deputy Mayor of Detroit, a city maverick who walks through Detroit's neighborhoods, listening to residents to create her winning approach to change: community engagement. She credits her success to her Detroit childhood, calling herself "a daughter of the east side, where we loved hard and supported our neighbors." This doorstep diplomacy helped her shape Detroit's neighborhoods into vibrant community hubs.
Vickie Thomas: Detroit's Voice of Change and Celebration
You're going to want to meet Vickie Thomas, Detroit's Communications Director. Join the Cabinet in this episode as we discover Vickie's drive for the voices of Detroit residents to be heard and celebrated. While her walls are crowded with distinctions and honors, including the first African woman inducted into Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame, she has always used her storytelling skills to amplify Detroit's own voice.
Revitalizing Detroit: Driving Neighborhood Transformation
Join the Cabinet in this episode with LaJuan Counts, Detroit's Director of Demolition, Capital Projects, and Facilities. She discusses how her groundbreaking work is reshaping the city and boosting property values. With a career spanning over 26 years, LaJuan has been at the forefront of Detroit's clean-up efforts, using demolition as a powerful tool for community revitalization.
Learn how Tammy Daniels Expertly Managed Detroit's Make-Over
Tammy Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Land Bank Authority, joins the Cabinet in this episode. In it, we discuss how her vision has altered Detroit's landscape from blight to beauty, through innovative property programs and community-centered solutions. When Tammy joined the Land Bank in 2015, Detroit's neighborhoods were decimated with over 90,000 vacant properties; inventories are 15,000 - 17,000 demolition candidates. Listen to learn where Detroit stands today.
Leading Detroit's Public Safety Renaissance Through Technology and Community Partnership
Deputy Chief Tiffany R. Stewart of the Detroit Police Department joins the Cabinet in this episode. Learn how her fervent belief in ethical leadership helps Detroit provide transparent public safety initiatives including community-centered policing.
Leading Detroit Toward Urban Agricultural and Sustainability Through Community-Driven Clean Energy
In this episode, the Cabinet sits down with Tepfirah Rushdan, Director of The Office of Sustainability for the City of Detroit, to discuss how her stewardship helps position Detroit as a global center for sustainable urban development. Tepirah serves the city with over two decades of experience in community activism. Hear Tepirah's passion around food sovereignty and community-led environmental stewardship.
Denise Fair Razo Improves Detroit's Community Wellness by Creating Health Equity
In this episode, the Cabinet speaks with Denise Fair Razo, Chief Public Health Officer for the City of Detroit, to discuss how Detroit's groundbreaking leadership is making public health services more equitable, accessible, and responsive to residents' needs. Denise brings passion, expertise, and a commitment to improving Detroit's health outcomes from the inside out.
Redefining Detroit's Communities through Neighborhood-Led Initiatives
Erinn Harris, Deputy Director of the Department of Neighborhoods joins the Cabinet this episode to discuss how Detroit's neighborhood-centric approach is creating lasting change throughout the city. Erinn joined the Duggan administration after a 23-year career in corrections. She has become a vital face behind community-led initiatives that are reshaping Detroit one block at a time.
Detroit's Gifted Strategizer Jessica Parker Understands the Power of Connection
Jessica Parker, Deputy Chief Operating Officer in the Mayor's Office, joins the Cabinet in this episode. In it, we discuss how Jessica's leadership enables the city to build meaningful partnerships through community engagement, and major events. Jessica's skills have increased Detroit's downtown visitors and generated local excitement through economic momentum.
Finding Your Fun in the D: Transforming Detroit's Public Spaces
In this episode, we sit down with Crystal Perkins, Director of Detroit's General Services Department, to discuss how her capable leadership drives the city's over $300 million dollar investment into park renovations and public greenspaces. With oversight of the city's parks, facilities, and public spaces, Crystal has been instrumental in providing Detroiters with improved landscapes and community gathering centers.
Jacqueline Pritchett Defines Community Policing and Drives Detroit's Safety Transformation
Join the Cabinet as we speak with Deputy Chief Jacqueline Pritchett of the Detroit Police Department's Neighborhood Policing Bureau West to discuss how Project Greenlight, increased police visibility and her insistence on police transparency contributes to Detroit's record-low crime rates and builds public confidence.
Building Generational Wealth Through Workforce Transformation
This episode dives into Detroit's strategy for creating lasting opportunities and generational wealth through workforce development. Terri Weems, Group Executive of Workforce Development, breaks down the city's innovative approach to empowering residents with skills that matter most, focusing on programs like Grow Detroit's Young Talent.
This longtime civil servant talks about neighborhood stabilization across the entire city
In this episode Ray Solomon, the Chief of Staff, recounts 19 years of working for the city. He started in the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs, later joined the Department of Neighborhoods and eventually became its director for six years. From helping first-time home buyers get down payment assistance, to trying to catch an unruly raccoon for an elderly resident, Ray has worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of every Detroiter.
Anthony Zander on fighting for fairness, in court and everywhere else
In this episode, Anthony Zander, Detroit's Director of Civil Rights Inclusion and Opportunity, talks about how he worked with city departments to simplify the process for doing business with and in the city, for both entrepreneurs and residents. He has drawn on his experience in state and federal government to make sure that the benefits extend to forgotten populations, including veterans.
Amanda Elias on revitalizing Detroit's neighborhood commercial corridors
In this episode, Amanda Elias, Deputy Group Executive for Neighborhood Economic Development for the City of Detroit, discusses how the city, private sector, and community partners have worked together to transform commercial corridors like East Warren, West Vernor, and Livernois. She explains how the Strategic Neighborhood Fund's focus on housing, small business districts, and parks—paired with streamlined processes and "concierge" support—has made it easier for businesses and developers to invest in Detroit's neighborhoods.