Detroit’s east side holds a legacy of resilience, a community that has long fought for resources, recognition, and revitalization. That fight continues with the work of the Eastside Community Network (ECN), an organization deeply embedded in the fabric of Detroit’s east side for 40 years. The latest addition to ECN’s leadership, DiAnna Solomon, steps into her role as Chief Development Officer with a clear understanding of that legacy and the responsibility that comes with it. Solomon is only the second person to hold this position in ECN’s history, marking a significant shift in the organization’s growth strategy.
Solomon’s experience spans over 16 years in political and nonprofit fund development, bringing a wealth of knowledge to an organization whose impact has shaped the east side for generations. Her connection to Detroit runs deep, shaped by both personal and professional experiences that align with ECN’s mission of strengthening people, places, and plans for sustainable growth. Donna Davidson, ECN’s president and CEO, sees this as a pivotal moment for the organization.
“I’m looking forward to working with a partner who will maximize opportunities to raise discretionary resources and connect us with a broader community of supporters,” Davidson said. “She and I already have a great working relationship that will only strengthen with her on our team. Our strengths are complementary.”
That relationship will be crucial as Solomon takes the reins of ECN’s fundraising initiatives, overseeing planned giving, annual giving, campaigns, and philanthropic outreach. These responsibilities go beyond numbers on a balance sheet. They are about sustaining an organization that has provided a foundation for countless residents and a roadmap for equitable development on the east side. Strategic planning and budgeting will play a critical role in ensuring ECN’s sustainability for years to come, and Solomon is clear-eyed about what that means for the community she serves.
“The power of the people, the east side ecosystem, and a personal story I rarely share drew me to ECN,” Solomon said. “I worked in the banking industry for nearly six years before the market crashed in 2008, and I still remember the hustle and bustle of eastsiders when touring Warren/Conner Development Coalition, now ECN. Their holistic approach to serving the entire community was undeniable.”
Detroit’s east side has experienced waves of economic hardship, housing instability, and systemic disinvestment. Organizations like ECN exist because solutions don’t come from outside the community—they come from within. The people who live here, who have stayed and rebuilt despite barriers, are the ones leading the charge. Solomon understands that ECN’s work is not just about addressing challenges but about uplifting and amplifying the people who make the east side what it is.
Longtime ECN board member and development practitioner Graig Donnelly spoke to the importance of Solomon’s leadership at this critical juncture.
“She’s the kind of leader, manager, and doer who can seamlessly toggle between big-picture strategy and detailed execution—an essential quality for working with a visionary leader like Donna,” Donnelly said.
That balance between strategy and execution is where real change happens. Vision without action falls flat, and execution without direction lacks impact. ECN has long operated at the intersection of community empowerment and strategic development, and Solomon’s expertise adds another layer of strength to that foundation. Detroit’s east side doesn’t just need investment—it needs investment that is intentional, equitable, and community-driven. That is the charge Solomon is taking on.
“ECN is an anchor for all things good, and the entire city of Detroit can—and should—see this,” Solomon said. “At this point in my career, I believe in the power of people and value the strength of community.”
Leadership in spaces like this is much more than credentials. It’s about trust. The east side has seen its fair share of promises made and broken. Organizations that stand the test of time do so because they honor the people they serve. ECN has built that trust, and Solomon stepping into this role is a commitment to keeping that legacy intact. The work of community development does not happen in a vacuum. It requires collaboration, shared decision-making, and a willingness to shift power back into the hands of the people most affected by development decisions.
Davidson recognizes that reality and what it means for the future of ECN.
“We will be better at all that we do with DiAnna on our team,” Davidson said.
Leadership isn’t merely about maintaining the status quo. It’s about pushing for more, creating more opportunities, securing more resources, and building a future where organizations like ECN don’t have to fight for funding just to do work that should already be prioritized. Solomon’s role as Chief Development Officer is about ensuring that ECN has the resources necessary to not only sustain its work but to expand it. Growth is not just about money—it’s about impact. More programs, more access, more advocacy, and more investment in the people who make the east side what it is.
Detroit is a city that has been defined by its ability to push forward despite the odds. The east side is a testament to that reality. The people here are not waiting for someone else to come in and dictate what their future should look like. They are building it themselves. ECN is a reflection of that spirit, and Solomon’s leadership is another step toward securing the future this community deserves.
She is no stranger to recognition for her work. Solomon was honored as one of Michigan Chronicle’s 2022 Women of Excellence, a testament to the impact she has already made. That honor is not just about past accomplishments—it’s a signal of the work still to come. Titles and accolades mean little if they don’t translate into tangible change, and Solomon is stepping into this role with the intent to make every move count.
Her arrival at ECN underscores what’s possible when people who understand the community’s struggles and strengths are the ones leading the charge. Detroit’s east side deserves leadership that doesn’t just see potential but acts on it. ECN has spent 40 years proving what’s possible, and with Solomon on board, that legacy is set to continue.
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