|
As we wrap up Women’s History Month, I’ve been thinking about what this time really means. Of course, March is dedicated to honoring history-making females of the past, but it is also about recognizing the incredible women in our lives today.
Across Oakland County, women are shaping our communities in meaningful ways, sometimes behind the scenes, but always with impact. I’m shining a light on just two of my many colleagues who are changemakers:
Sara Gold leads our first-ever Office of Strategic Partnerships, working with non-profits to help fund and improve access to county services and programs. She helped secure a $4.6 million grant from the Ballmer Group, which is being used in part to support expanded services in Southfield and Hazel Park Schools. Also, thanks to her leadership, Oakland County is part of Rx Kids, a “cash prescription program” aimed at supporting expectant parents/guardians with the needed money to support the early months of a new life.
Another standout female leader is Workforce Development Manager and Oakland County Michigan Works! Director Jennifer Llewellyn. Her main role is helping adult residents find life-changing job opportunities. And for the past five years, she’s been the lead on the region’s MICareerQuest program, exposing thousands of students to hundreds of in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, construction, health sciences and technology. A county employee for more than two decades, Jennifer worked her way up from her first role as a county intern. Listen as she reflects on her decade in her current role, including doing so as a working mother.
I’m also thrilled to amplify the success of other exceptional women who were recognized recently for their contributions in our county:
- Oakland Thrive CEO Camille Walker-Banks, one of 10 to receive a Greater Good Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Greater Detroit Chapter for the work she is doing to support Oakland County and surrounding communities.
- OaklandTogether40 alum Sairy Garcia, manager of Global Resource Program & Loan Funds for Oakland Thrive, for earning The Women of Merit Award at the 2026 Women in Leadership Summit hosted by The Unity Collaborative.
- And the six local leaders who were honored by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for making significant contributions in education, public service, mental health and civic leadership.
In my most recent State of the County speech, I shared stories of two women entrepreneurs who are invested in the community of Pontiac and making a difference amid the historic transformation taking place:
Deya Marchand, owner of Designed Mindfully, is paving the way for local artists to get a start in business by providing space within her interior design store for them to sell their wares. And Karema DeJesus has taken her passions for faith and health and created The Fitness Hub, a place where people can strengthen their mind, body and spirit.
And it is exciting to see the next generation of female entrepreneurs and community activists already stepping up. We have several other emerging leaders like Berkley teen Lydia Binelli and Huntington Woods teen Mia Mracna, who are part of our Acorn2Oak program with Leadership Oakland.
Young women across our county are doing amazing things, and they’re just getting started.
I’m so inspired by them and looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
|
