Meet The Team

Jerjuan Howard is the Founder and the owner of the soon-to-be Howard Family Bookstore. In addition to that, he is a proud product of Detroit Public Schools. Jerjuan is an author, veteran, and community builder dedicated to uplifting Detroit through education, empowerment, and revitalization.
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Through Umoja Village and the Howard Family Bookstore, Jerjuan has revitalized his childhood neighborhood. Founded in 2021, Umoja Debate League equips Detroit youth with critical life skills like critical thinking, confidence, and conflict resolution. The league is a pipeline for future lawyers, leaders, and changemakers. Umoja Village, once a neglected space, is now a vibrant community hub featuring gardens, art installations, a community tool shed and a performance stage.
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A U.S. Army National Guard veteran and Information Technology Specialist, Jerjuan earned the Army Achievement Medal for his service. Jerjuan is a 2020 graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, where he also served as President of the Black Student Union. His book, A Message to Black College Students, encourages young Black scholars to uplift their communities.
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Jerjuan has served as an Academic Interventionist with Detroit Public Schools and as Special Projects Coordinator for Detroit City Council, where he led key initiatives like the Taskforce on Black Male Engagement and gun violence reduction programs.
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His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Detroit Pistons Game Changer Award, the Spirit of Detroit Award, the Skillman Visionary Award, and Community Change Agent of the Year. He also serves as a 2023 Fellow in the Equity Accelerator for Youth Development Cohort and works on the Advisory Board for the University of Michigan’s Detroit Vacant Lot Reuse project.
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Through his dedication and vision, Jerjuan Howard continues to inspire and transform his community.

Nando Felten, currently pursuing a Master's in Educational Design and Tech (SOE) at the University of Michigan (UMICH), has a remarkable journey of academic and community engagement. His dedication to fostering inclusivity began during his undergraduate years at UMICH, where he co-founded Building Successful Bridges (BSB). Through BSB, Nando provided invaluable career and professional development resources to minority students through workshops and networking opportunities. For the past four years, Nando has continued his impact by assisting in the creation of a pioneering 4-year degree program at the School of Education, emphasizing problem-based learning and community engagement, known as LEAPS.

Today, Nando Felten represents Code Next in Detroit, where he plays a pivotal role in establishing the organization's presence in the community. He forges partnerships with local tech companies, nonprofit organizations, and schools, acting as a liaison between Code Next and influential regional partners like Michigan Central and the Ford Foundation.

 Judge Karen Braxton was first elected to the Third Judicial Circuit Court in 2012 and re-elected
in 2018 and 2024. She presides over juvenile and family law matters, including delinquency,
dependency, adoption, guardianship, and child custody, and currently serves as Presiding Judge
of the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court.
Judge Braxton serves on the boards of the National Council of Juvenile & Family Court Judges,
the National Association of Counsel for Children, Mosaic Youth Theatre, and the Umoja Debate
League, and is an active member of several professional and community organizations. She
currently serves as Chair of the Child Welfare Improvement Task Force, which provides policy
and practice recommendations to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services focused
on improving child welfare outcomes and reducing bias.
A recognized leader in juvenile justice reform and child welfare, Judge Braxton was appointed to
the Governor’s Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform and leads juvenile justice reform efforts
for the Third Judicial Circuit Court. She is a certified Child Welfare Law Specialist and
frequently presents at local and national conferences. Judge Braxton regularly engages with
legislators, community organizations, and youth to promote alternatives to incarceration and
improve outcomes for children and families.
Judge Braxton earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and her Juris
Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She is a proud member of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
 

Meet Von, a true city kid with big dreams. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Detroit, he was a force to be reckoned with as a multi-sport athlete. Growing up in the Motor City was an adventure in itself, but Von's story was just getting started. After an unforgettable childhood and graduating from Mumford High School, Von set his sights on a new horizon. He embarked on a journey to the soulful state of Mississippi, where he would find his calling at Jackson State University. With unwavering determination, he earned himself a Bachelor of Science in Biology, equipping him with the knowledge to make a difference in the world. Returning to his beloved Detroit, Von dove headfirst into the world of education. He became a beacon of inspiration for young minds, teaching middle school science at Brenda Scott Academy in the DPSCD district. Little did he know that this would be just the beginning of his extraordinary impact. But Von's passion didn't stop at the classroom door. He discovered his love for coaching on the basketball court at BSA, igniting a fire within him. With each victory, he gained momentum and carved out a name for himself as an exceptional head basketball coach. In 2023, Von made a bold decision to take a leap of faith. It was time to pursue his dreams of becoming a community leader in the very city that shaped him. His dedication and commitment to making a difference caught the attention of Challenge Detroit, and he was selected as a Fellow in their prestigious 12th cohort. Now, Von spends his days serving the youth in his community as an unwavering advocate for afterschool and summer programs. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering belief in the potential of every young person have made him an invaluable asset at the Youth Development Resource Center - YDRC. But Von's journey doesn't end there. Moving forward from his time at Brenda Scott, he has taken on a new role as the head basketball coach at GESU Catholic. With his unparalleled passion and dedication, he continues to shape young minds both on and off the court, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Von's story is a testament to the power of following your dreams, embracing your roots, and making a lasting impact on the world around you. He is a true inspiration and a shining example of what it means to be a community leader.

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Ashley Addrow-Pierson is a project manager in the nonprofit sector, working closely with MiCHWA and Mothering Justice. At MiCHWA, she helped create and lead the MI Medicaid CHW Registry. As the Director of Project Management at Mothering Justice, Ashley leads national signature events and guides major initiatives, including the In Her Honor project and the organization’s work with the Congressional Mamas Caucus.
 
Before joining Mothering Justice, Ashley served as Community Engagement and Special Projects Director at Detroit VS Everybody, managing collaborations with Gucci, Ford, Ally Financial, and the University of Michigan. She also worked with the Detroit City Council as a Special Project Coordinator. Across every role, Ashley brings strategic clarity, community grounding, and a commitment to meaningful, lasting impact.

Dr. Curtis L. Lewis is the esteemed Founder and CEO of the Black Male Educators Alliance (BMEA).

Additionally, he holds the positions of Assistant Professor of Teacher Education and Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) at Michigan State University. Dr. Lewis’ expertise lies in the philosophy and implementation of restorative practices and culturally sustaining pedagogy within K-12 school communities. He is dedicated to addressing the inequities in schools that hinder the academic success of students of color. With a specific focus on K-8 mathematics teaching and learning, school leadership development, and the dismantling of oppressive educational structures, Dr. Lewis is committed to amplifying students’ voices and fostering liberatory educational practices.

Dr. Curtis L. Lewis’ distinguished achievements have garnered numerous accolades and recognition for his outstanding contributions in the realms of expertise, instructional leadership, and transformative influence on school communities nationwide. In 2018, he received the prestigious Men of Excellence award from the Michigan Chronicle, recognizing his exceptional dedication to the field of education. Dr. Lewis is also a committed board member for Communities In Schools of Michigan and the American Montessori Academy in Metropolitan Detroit. Alongside his professional endeavors, he takes great pride in being a devoted father to his four remarkable children.

Community advocate, educator, counselor, entrepreneur, and student are just a few titles associated with Sharea Ayers. She is a product and former employee of Detroit Public Schools Community District. She attended Renaissance High School and went on to acquire a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Arts degree from Michigan State University. Furthermore, she comes from a strong family of educators and community influencers that encouraged her spiritually, academically, and professionally.  Given their support she has been blessed to do a plethora of things throughout the years. She has received 3 Spirit of Detroit Awards for community efforts, a Real McCoy Award for teaching in STEM, the IIMD African American Achievement Award, and more. She was editor and chief of F.L.Y magazine; a magazine that celebrates female entrepreneurship and empowerment. Sharea produced and co-wrote a play entitled Parenting on the Edge. She was also a recurring panelist for Councilman Roy McCallister’s District 2 Mental Health Task Force. Ayers is the creator of  Blackout Trivia, the proprietor of Aster Consulting and Event Planning LLC, and the founder and director of Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit. Additionally, she's been honored to work with several community partners including the Charles H. Wright Museum, Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance, Downtown Detroit Partnerships, The Livernois Business Association, and the well-versed members of the Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Committee.  Presently, Ayers is the Director of Events and Membership for Black Leaders Detroit; a funding vehicle for Black-led businesses and nonprofits that operate in the city. She’s an alumnus of New Leaders Council and a current member of Leadership Detroit Class 44. Lastly, she sits on the board for Umoja Debate Team, Isaiah 58, and Grace Learning Village.

Margrit is a Detroiter: born, raised, and remained. Educated at Cass Technical High School, Marygrove College, and the University of Detroit Mercy, she found her voice early through competitive debate. As a 16-year-old on the Cass Tech debate team, she learned that confidence, preparation, and the courage to speak truth could level playing fields. That foundation shaped everything that followed: a career dedicated to creating pathways for others to discover their own power and rise.

As the National Director of Workforce Programs and Funding at Trinity Health System, Margrit leads economic mobility strategies that impact over 25,000 employees annually across 26 states. She has held executive and leadership roles at Urban Alliance Detroit, Center for Employment Opportunities, and SER Metro, and is the principal of MA Workforce Solutions, a boutique consultancy providing nonprofit organizations with capacity-building support. Margrit is an alumna of the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunity Fellows program and Leadership Detroit, Class XLII. Margrit gives back to her community through board service with Safe and Just Michigan, the University District Community Association, Detroit Public Schools Community District's Healthcare Career Advisory Board, and the GreenLight Fund Detroit Selection Advisory Council. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Margrit serves on the Umoja Debate League Board with the hope that every young person in Detroit has access to the transformative power of debate that shaped her own path. A mother of two sons, Jason and Harper, she has Harper engaged with Umoja early so that he will learn confidence, critical thinking, and the unshakable knowledge that his voice matters.

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