Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 1

Advisors, Partners and Potential Partners for

Cooley Reuse Project
Among others, the following individuals, organizations and institutions have been or will
be solicited for their assistance in this project (Note: Blue lettering indicates a stated
commitment from that entity or individual):
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity -- National President, Mark Tillman
Advisor source of event opportunities, mentors and volunteers
Community Development Advocates of Detroit -- University of Michigan Detroit
Center, 3663 Woodward Avenue, Suite 150, Detroit, Michigan 48201
Cooley HS Alumni Associations (specifically the 1985, 1986 and 1970-1979
graduating classes) -- source of support, mentors, internships, and donations
Thomas Ciul,
K-Adult Self-defense Trainer and Music Education Partner -- local harpsichord, lute
and traditional instruments maker with tuning and repair contracts with DSO and
University of Michigan; black belt in martial arts and experience in self-defense
training, especially for women
Cresit Energy, Inc.,
Owner, Robert Kulick
Parnter -Rob Kulick of Cresit Energy, Inc. based in Wyandotte, Michigan is the proactive
designer responsible for homes that are sustainable, solar-powered, energy-efficient,
featuring aquaponic gardening (which anticipates the "Blue Economy" forecast in the
Detroit Future City plan), fair worker pay for a 10-day build all at an affordable cost.
With a sustainable housing project already underway at Samaritan Center on Detroit's
East Side, 5555 Conner with the participation of on-site high school students, Cresit
homes will demonstrate how a community of well designed homes can be practical,
sustainable, energy-efficient, attractive and affordable. Cresit Energy plans for several
homes to be built on the Samaritan Center site over the coming months.
Cresit Energy, Inc. is committed to building sustainable homes on Cooley's site and in
the surrounding neighborhood where there is vacant land and community support to

Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 2

build upon thus increasing the desirability, walkability and vibrance to the community
in which Cooley is located.
Maisha Daniel and Greg Smith
Graphics and Media Supplier
DAPCEP, Jason Lee, CEO and Deputy Director, Michelle Reaves offers
S.T.E.M. education to thousands of K-12 students annually. Job readiness and
academic partner.
Detroit Department of Neighborhoods and District Managers and Assistant
Managers, specifically Stephanie Young, District 1 Manager and Deputy
Manager, Reggie Reg Davis -- Mayor Duggans administration created this
department and hired district managers for long term planning in neighborhoods, land
use, city systems such as transportation, and economic growth initiatives.
Detroit Department of Transportation set up contract for on-site pick-up and
drop-off at well-lit building entrances of Cooley High School
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) former CEO, George Jackson, is
a Cooley Alumnus; funding source
Detroit Kitchen Connect Devita Davison, founder of this program and
winner of Oprah Ovation Award in cooperation with Toyota -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOPkdhp9oHc&sns=fb -- and recently
featured on WDIV Chanel 4, has established a network of community
kitchen space for use by caterers and food truck operators among others.
Networking and income source.
Detroit Martial Arts Institute and After School Program,
Partner
After school K-12 program, Karate school and transportation partner
Detroit Police Department, Second Precinct, -- Partner
Detroit Police Department -- The following opportunities are detailed in the
Detroit Police Department's Plan of Action dated January 9, 2014:

DPD: Citizen Radio Patrol Group Meeting Space

Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 3

DPD: Precinct Community Council Meeting Space

DPD: Neighborhood Policing Unit Location

DPD: Community Center can provide incentives for Neighborhood

Police Officers (NPO) who will only receive a nominal stipend for
their specialized work in the community

DPD: Take over the fourth floor gun range for DPD's shooting
practice

Walter Doan, Cooley Reuse Project Board of Directors Member. Mr.

Doans background is in Mental Health and Social Work. He has worked at Salvation
Army's Southeast Michigan Adult Rehab Center where he worked with AfricanAmerican men returning home from prison and at Coalition on Temporary Shelter
(COTS).
Mr. Doan also offers his construction background as a former builder and construction
industry sales rep with experience submitting bids, securing contracts and insuring
quality control on large construction projects
Cecil Grant Furniture Refinisher, Carpenter
Advisor
Job Training Resource
Paul Green, Attorney, Clark Hill Law Firm,
Legal Advisor
John George, Founder of Motor City Blight Busters,
Community Development Advisor
Advisor on community enhancement and revitalization, property development,
volunteer programs for community members
Greening of Detroit a nominal fee gains the organization access to free plants and
seeds as well as free classes on topics ranging from bee keeping to composting to
seasonal gardening
John Gruchala, Urban Gardening Advisor

Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 4

Owns, leases, sells and renovates multiple single family homes and maintains
extensive Detroit urban garden which produce over one ton of fruits and vegetables
annually and is located on the East side of Woodward on Parkhurst Street (across from
Palmer Park Golf Course)
http://www.iptv.org/mtom/story.cfm/feature/6873/mtom_20040709_2944_feature

Gwen Hayes, MA, NCC, LPC, Individual and Group Counselor and Partner
Mrs. Hayes will have her offices located in the Cooley Community Center and will
offer referral services as well as individual and group counseling sessions.
Rosalyn Jackson, ERA Country Ridge Realty, Inc., Real Estate Advisor
Sabrina Johnson, Counselor at Catholic Social Services, Childrens Grief and
Teen Parent Counseling,
Counseling Partner
Behavioral services with a focus on children grief counseling as well as teens, teen
mothers and other groups handled by Catholic Social Services
Darlene Johnson-Bignotti,
Cooley Library Advisor
Ms. Johnson-Bignottis library training extends over two decades, and she will advise
the establishment of the Cooley Library collection and management of library staff
Pat Jones and Darryl Jones,
Job Training and Physical Recreation Facilities Parnters
Basketball, volleyball, softball, and track referee job training
Darryl Jones, Counselor,
Counseling Advisor
HIV/AIDS counselor and rapid testing for high risk groups
Kresge Foundation, Wendy Lewis Jackson,
(Neighborhood Investment) funding source

Senior

Program

Ingrid LaFleur,
Cooley Reuse Project Board of Directors Member
Detroit, Michigan Independent Art Curator, Art Consultant, and Lecturer
Joel Landy,

Officer

Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 5

Cooley Reuse Project Advisor

Cass Technical High School graduate, Joel Landy has won state and national
awards for adaptive reuse in Midtown Detroit. His adaptive reuse of a Detroit
Public School, Burton Academy on Cass Avenue and Peterborough in Midtown
Detroit features event space, mutiple surround sound movie theatres and a
childcare facility.
Landy is also developer and owner of mixed-income loft space throughout Detroit.
A long-time supporter of Detroit Public Schools surplus property adaptive reuse,
Joel Landy has demonstrated the steps to countless community members and
investors at LISC-sponsored events.
Thanks to this firm commitment, Cooley Reuse Project will benefit from Landy's
theatre reno and theatre business expertise as he is acting as head advisor on
Cooley's theatre preparations.
Link: http://www2.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=3329
LISC, Rob Dewaelsche, Deputy Director and Program Director, Brandon Ivory
Funding Source -This non-profit organization is prepared to offer finances toward the purchase of
Detroit Public Schools as well as grants to rehabilitate the outdoor sports fields which
the community still makes use of despite the buildings closing in 2010.
National Trust for Historic Preservation, Funding Source
The National Trust will fund 20% of the cost of restoration of the Cooley site.
Leah Robinson, Cooley Reuse Project Board of Directors Treasurer and
Secretary Leah Robinson is a Detroit resident and Renaissance High
School graduate who grew up in Cooleys neighborhood. A university
administrator with a passion for life-long learning and personal
empowerment, Ms. Robinson has significant experience with first generation
and/or low-income post-secondary students. Armed with an Education
Specialists degree in Instructional Technology and a Masters degree in
Educational Psychology she has developed successful interventions,
curriculum, and programming for students in summer-bridge, at-risk,
medical school, and English as a Second Language programs. Previous
courses taught include college survival skills, anthropology, and computer

Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 6

skills in addition to teaching dance and coaching gymnastics. She believes

that the only limit a person has is the one they place on themselves.
Pursuing social entrepreneurial interests, Ms. Robinson cofounded with
fellow Detroiter and classmate, COOL (Creative Online Opportunities for
Learning) School Technologies, L3C. COOL School Technologies, L3C is a
low-profit limited liability company that focuses on closing the digital divide
found in many urban schools by providing hands-on technology professional
development for school personnel. By focusing on free and low-cost webbased technologies that engage student learning and increase digital literacy,
cost-effective solutions that promote critical thinking and student retention
are both viable and sustainable. Ms. Robinson has more than twenty years of
educational experience including work at Wayne State University and two
start-up universities in the Middle East.
Debra Rowe, Ph.D., Sustainability Advisor --

President
U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development
www.uspartnership.org
Advisor
Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium
www.aashe.org/heasc
Founder and Facilitator
Disciplinary Associations Network for Sustainability
www.aashe.org/dans
Senior Advisor
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
www.aashe.org
Senior Fellow
Second Nature
www.secondnature.org
Chair, Technical Advisory Committee
Sustainability Education and Economic Development Resource Center
www.theseedcenter.org
American Association of Community Colleges
Faculty, Sustainable Energies and Behavioral Sciences
Oakland Community College
www.oaklandcc.edu/est
Consortium for Education in Renewable Energy Technology
www.ceret.us

Herman McCord, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,

Mentor Partner and Mentor Program Manager
Experience with mentoring males in the City of Detroit through Neighborhood
Service Organization (NSO) and other programs and services.

Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 7

Paul Newman, Landscape Contractor and Entrepreneur, Partner -Mr. Newman lives within a five minute drive from the Cooley site, and he is a Detroit
homeowner who is deeply invested in his community. Mr. Newman will provide
year-round landscaping services using his trusted team of professionals for the Cooley
grounds, walkways and sidewalks.
Duane Parham II, Cooley Reuse Project Board of Directors Member -- As
a multi-talented saxophonist, writer, director and community activist, Mr.
Parham is among the most notable Cooley alumni for his renowned,
unwavering support in Detroit's creative arts community.
Mr. Parham's two most recent projects are The Unsung Musicians of the
Motown Empire, a film documentary that pays homage to the horn players
of Motown that have historically been unrewarded and a song entitled
Detroit City Is Coming Back. This song was written and produced by Mr.
Parham and features over 100 singers and musicians performing it in over 20
musical genres.
Additionally, Parham is the founder of Educational Art Society (E.A.S.), an
organization committed to the personal, creative and professional
development of inspiring young artists. The objective of E.A.S is to develop
a network of resources, which young artists can easily access and take
advantage of a range of unique opportunities.
With Mr. Parham's many artistic endeavors being firmly rooted in Detroit's
music scene, the Cooley Reuse Project's Board of Directors will benefit from
his connections and affiliations to Detroit's rich musical heritage in
supporting budding artists who will set music trends for decades to come.
Nicole Pitts,
Founder of Cooley Community Center -A native San Diegan -- married over 12 years to native Detroiter, LaMar Williams -- is
tenured and has been an English Professor at Oakland Community College (OCC) for
more than 20 years.
From 1999-2001, Ms. Pitts held the position of English Department Chair for both the
Royal Oak and Southfield Campuses. As an administrator of more than 60 adjunct

Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 8

(part-time) professors at two campuses, she was also a campus representative on the
OCC faculty's Union Council.
Years prior to coming to the Midwest, at University of Maryland, Ms. Pitts fulfilled
her master's degree fellowship at the National Trust for Historic Preservation Library
at the College Park Campus. During her two years working for The National Trust,
she learned that preserving and reusing historic structures is an environmentally,
socially and financially sound investment.
Once the community center has opened, Ms. Pitts will serve as Deputy Director.
Satroi Shakoor,
Advisor and Partner
Ms. Shakoor is a 2013 Spirit of Detroit Winner and recipient of the 2013 Knight Arts
Foundation Grant among many others. One of her shining contributions to arts and
culture in Detroit and the international scene is her monthly storytelling event the
Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers held at the Charles H. Wright Museum in
Midtown Detroit.
Ms. Shakoor's passion for storytelling extends to beyond the well-attended events she
sponsors; she has also hosted storytelling events at other venues such as The Moth
events at The Filmore in Detroit and in Ann Arbor which are broadcast on National
Public Radio (NPR).
Ms. Shakoor will be using the theatre for upcoming events and is seeking
practice/rehearsal and office space for her non-profit organization.
Curtis Smith,
Advisor
Mr. Smith has 19 years of urban planning, economic development, social justice and
entrepreneurship experience from his duties as Acting Director of Development for
the City of Highland Park and Director of Strategic Initiatives for COTS in Midtown
Detroit and most recently the Marketing Director for Coast II Coast All-Stars, ABA,
basketball team whose head coach is a Cooley High School graduate.
With his multiple talents in the areas of business, the arts, sports, finance and
development, Mr. Smith will serve as well-versed advisor on the development team
and later as a trusted board member.
The Sphinx Organization, Partner

Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 9

This non-profit organization, founded by Aaron Dworkin, offers youth string players
training and scholarships. Cooley is a potential site for Sphinx programs.
Dwight Skip Stackhouse, De Brik Haus Construction, Construction and
Building Trades Advisor
Detroit, Michigan Building Contractor
Beverly Stanbrough, Cooley Reuse Project Board of Directors President
Beverly Stanbrough has served for more than a decade as a Dean of Academic
Affairs and as Dean of Academic and Student Services, one of the most demanding
administrative positions at Oakland Community College.
Since 2002, Ms. Stanbrough has engaged in short- and long-term college planning,
worked as a collaborator and leader among faculty and administration as well as
implementer and communicator of policies related to labor agreements, college
policies and other applicable laws.
This former Mackenzie High School Alumni Association President of the Board of
Directors is an active church member at Judah Tabernacle in Detroit, college
instructor of Introduction to Education classes, international traveler and has many
professional association memberships such as the Association of Black Women in
Higher Education.
Ms. Stanbrough possesses the multifaceted perspective of our community needs,
higher education needs, the duties of leadership, staff development needs and
planning needs that will enable Cooley Reuse Projects Board of Directors to
effectively and proactively guide the Cooley community centers success.
Karima Sorel, Owner of Le Petit Zinc, Kitchen Renovation Advisor
Mrs. Sorels experience setting up and running a boutique restaurant in Detroit will be
invaluable as the Cooley Reuse Project plans to renovate Cooley cafeterias kitchen
facilities to be a working kitchen and prep area for a network of caterers and food
trucks through the Food Lab Detroit organization.

Deacon Charles M. Thomas, Cooley Reuse Project

Board of Directors Member, is a retiree of Chrystler
Corporation after 37 years of employment, CEO of Parenting
Assistant Childcare, his family business, a B.S. degree holder from
University of Detroit Mercy with a double major in Human Services

Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 10

and Social Psychology, will serve on Cooley Reuse Project's Board

of Directors.
Affliated with the Hariet Tubman Center, Detroit Clergy Gathering,
board member of Greening of Detroit, member of the Planning
Committeee of the Engaged D project, 15 year-President of
Belmont Community Council, Inc., and responsible for community
improvements of over $300,000, Deacon Thomas' community,
State leadership and White House links make him a valuable
board of directors member.
University of Detroit Mercy has recognized Deacon Thomas as
Professional Mentor with a Recognition of Excellence in
Mentorship (2000-2005).
Deacon Thomas is a man of God who was re-ordained under
Evangel Ministries lead by Pastor Chris Brooks. Now, Deacon
Thomas serves as Evangel Ministries Liason. In this capacity, he
ministers as a Christian Educator for the Detroit Rescue Mission
and Salvation Army Second Chance Program which offers spiritual
guidance and spiritual training to previously incarcerated men.
Walker-Miller Energy Services, LLC, Job Readiness Partner
Partner in facilities management, K-12 S.T.E.M. and adult job training partner -$2300/student, 15 student minimum, $15K for each unit, 2 units recommended for
training and possible business incubator for graduates of the training program
Junious Williams, Unify Detroit Coalition,
Health and Technology Programs Advisor
Mobile dental unit; health fair sponsor; computer facility advisor; community
outreach partner
LaMar Williams,
Founder, Entrepreneur and Licensed Barber,
Cooley Community Center Executive Director
LaMar Williams, a proud and life-long Detroit Westsider, has Panamanian American
heritage thanks to his Central American-born mother and Eastside-born father.
A motorcycle enthusiast, avid traveler, ASL (American Sign Language) speaker, father
of two beloved sons, 8 and 10, and professional/volunteer barber for more than two

Cooley Reuse Project Partners List, 11

decades in the City of Detroit, Mr. Williams has a community spirit that embraces the
worlds of international languages, cultures, business, recreation and charity.
At the same time, Mr. Williams has a deep connection with Detroit youth and Detroit
residents that only an experienced barber can possess -- someone who is at the hub of
community activity, culture and conversation.
With this unique skill set, Mr. Williams will serve as Executive Director of Cooley's
community center.
YMCA John Harris, Vice President of Detroit YMCA
Partner
Pool-based programs will be offered
YWCA Emma Peterson, CEO of Detroit YWCA
Partner and Advisor
Childrens day care, programs and services partner
Your PC Connection, Owners, Al and A.J. Borbeau
Partner -The Borbeau team will provide computer repair, upgrades, networking and IT services
for the computer classes, computer lab hardware and software, phones and wireless
services available at Cooley's 320,000 square foot community center and residences.