SE Downtown Detroit Luncheon Affinity Group

Date: Wednesday, February 12, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location:

Life Remodeled / Durfee Innovation Society

2470 Collingwood

Detroit 48206

Pizza and salad lunch provided by Durfee tenant Toarmina’s, cost $5 (cash preferred)

About Life Remodeled

Life Remodeled exists to bridge people across divides to help transform each other’s lives. With substantial investments of cash, labor and materials, Life Remodeled focuses on the intentional and equitable revitalization of Detroit neighborhoods distinguished by their significant need and radical hope. Projects are determined by the community’s needs and vision, and we assist in three areas: Renovating and repurposing former community assets into opportunity hubs, repairing owner-occupied homes, and mobilizing 10,000 volunteers to beautify 300 city blocks in six days. Throughout the process of unifying for a common mission, participants begin to realize how much they respect and need each other, which is a catalyst for long-term relationships and partnerships.

Life Remodeled is currently focused on the four-square miles surrounding the Durfee Innovation Society (DIS) which was formerly Durfee Elementary-Middle School. We have repurposed the building into an opportunity hub which is at 98% occupancy and home to 31 tenants. At the DIS, 70% of our tenant organizations are led by a person of color, 47% are led by a woman. In addition to a quick overview of Life Remodeled’s mission and projects presented by founder and CEO, Chris Lambert, as well as optional building tours, this program will feature a panel of female leaders from some of these organizations.

Panelists

Dr. Nicole Farmer has been widely recognized for her distinctive voice and insight on the journey of entrepreneurship. After becoming the first African American woman to own a Tuffy Auto Service franchise in 2006 and running her own multi-million-dollar company, Dr. Nicole Farmer launched LifeLine Business Consulting.  Her experience as a young single-mom inspired her to provide a lifeline to minority and women entrepreneurs. She subsequently coached thousands of individuals to realize their dreams of entrepreneurship and helped them receive millions of dollars in funding.

Emily Foreman, LMSW is the Director of Community Programs at Methodist Children’s Home Society, providing individualized treatment, care, advocacy and permanency to children and families impacted by childhood trauma. Emily leads programming in child abuse prevention, workforce development and substance abuse treatment. The MCHS Detroit satellite office at the Durfee Innovation Society features child abuse prevention programming and a public resource center stocked with infant supplies.

Minou Carey Jones serves as the Executive Director for the Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan, a non-profit providing substance abuse prevention services, improving the quality of life for African Americans in Detroit for over 35 years. Ms. Jones is well-known for her work with the federal, state and local level as a community organizer, strategic consultant and grant writer. To her credit, community substance abuse prevention coalitions have been developed and funded in Hazel Park, Pontiac and Southfield.

Teresa Singleton’s long list of accomplishments, undying commitment to the Detroit community and entrepreneurism distinguishes her as a strong advocate in public service. She possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. She is an active 23 year firefighter with the Detroit Fire Department. She is the owner of BouTiki, the thrift boutique located within the Durfee Innovation Society, which is a small extension of her $800,000 mixed-use community development project within the city of Detroit.

Moderator

Romy Kochan is the President & CEO of Gingras Global Inc, an impact investing and social enterprise intermediary & third-party recordkeeping and reporting company, President of Gingras Global Development Inc., an impact investing and social enterprise development firm, and Managing Partner of Gingras Global Groups, L3C, and impact investment fund management service. The Gingras family is 100% women-owned and has assisted in the creation of more than $1 million of wages for Detroiters alongside more than $45 million of capital moved to impact businesses and projects in Michigan.

View Attendee List

Downtown Detroit Affinity Group
Lunch meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.  Meeting locations vary from month-to-month as our group focuses on highlighting businesses, companies and organizations within the Detroit city limits.  We offer a light lunch and refreshments at all our meetings.  All are welcome.

Chairs

Mary Cooney marycooney@getcreativia.com

Kelly Lockman klockman@bodmanlaw.com 

Maria Martinez mmartinez3@bcbsm.com

Viva Nsair vivansair@wayne.edu

Deb Scola dscola@michiganhumane.org