Celebrating a Legacy of Advocacy, Education, and Community Engagement
Detroit Parent Network (DPN), Michigan’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to parent engagement, is gearing up for a momentous occasion as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The kick-off event, the Annual Meeting Breakfast, is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at The Wright Museum. The keynote speakers for this significant milestone are Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Ellen Gilchrist, Director of K-12 Education & Community at United Way of Southeastern Michigan.
Established with a mission to educate, equip, and empower parents as advocates for their children and catalysts for change in schools and communities, DPN has been a cornerstone of support for families across Metro Detroit. The organization focuses on encouraging parent engagement, providing training, and advocating for change in health and education systems from infancy through career development, ensuring the success and well-being of every child and family.
“We are thrilled to have Lt. Governor Gilchrist and his wife Ellen join us for our 20th-year celebration,” expressed Jametta Lilly, Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Parent Network. “Their support and personal experiences will resonate with everyone, highlighting the collective efforts of hardworking parents striving for the success of their children and all children in our community.”
The Power Parent Keynote Address by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Ellen Gilchrist will draw on their own experiences as parents, emphasizing the need for systemic changes that positively impact the lives of children on a daily basis. The event promises to inspire and mobilize attendees toward a shared vision of a thriving community where families flourish.
During the Annual Meeting Breakfast, DPN will also recognize and celebrate its Powerful Parent Champions, including influential figures such as Orlando Bailey, Rochelle Riley, Denise Smith, Michelle Richards, and Mama Shu. Special recognition will be extended to DPN’s founding CEO, Tonya Allen, and Board Chair Carol Goss. Additionally, Brian L. Love, a founding DPN Board member, recently appointed as Director of the Michigan Veterans Agency by Governor Whitmer, will be congratulated for his continued commitment to public service.
Anticipating the attendance of 150 parents, partners, and families, the event is set to be a reflection of the collective achievements and milestones of DPN. The organization boasts a membership network of approximately 700 parents, reaching thousands of families in Metro Detroit and beyond.
Acknowledging the crucial role played by funding partners, DPN expresses gratitude to The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, The McGregor Fund, Wayne State University, Max and Marjorie Fisher Foundation, and Southeastern Michigan Health Association. The inclusion of DPN in Governor Whitmer’s budget underscores the organization’s impact and will contribute to expanding its Equity-Focused Parent Empowerment initiatives into multiple Michigan counties, furthering its role as a partner in policy and community change.
As Detroit Parent Network looks back on two decades of service and forward to a future of continued advocacy, education, and community engagement, the Annual Meeting Breakfast serves as a moment of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to empowering parents and fostering positive change for generations to come.
