The Detroit Phoenix Center, a nonprofit that provides resources and a safe environment to Detroit-area youth and young adults, has announced Chanel Hampton has been named chair of the organization’s board.
Hampton is CEO of Strategic Community Partners, which has offices in Detroit, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. The national firm works with organizations by helping them with initiatives that advance equity with and for communities.
Birdie Johnson has also been named vice chair of the board, and Brandon Biddles has been named secretary to the organization’s board. Johnson is a supervisor with All Well Being Services in Detroit, a human services organization that provides therapeutic, prevention, and vocational experiences. Biddles is a senior management engineer with Henry Ford Health System.
“I am extremely excited to work with these exceptional individuals across all segments of our community,” says Courtney Smith, founder and CEO of the Detroit Phoenix Center. “These new board members, along with our current board, embody our mission of providing a continuum of services that empower our youth with the resources and support they need to build community connections, increase self-esteem, and actualize their dreams. There is no better group of people with whom I have more confidence in helping us make this happen.”
Before founding Strategic Community Partners, Hampton began her career as a middle school teacher, moved into administration, and joined Teach for America’s national recruitment team because she saw a need to diversify teacher talent. She created and spearheaded diversity and equity initiatives while working with the organization’s 52 regions as a strategic adviser and partner. She also led national initiatives and partnerships, including the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.
“We are incredibly honored to welcome Chanel to serve as chair of the board with her decade of experience championing education equity, nonprofit administration, and social justice initiatives,” says Smith. “Chanel brings a deep-seated commitment to our mission, and I look forward to working with her to move our organization forward.”
Hampton has a bachelor’s degree in African American studies, psychology, and socio-cultural anthropology. She also has two master’s degrees in secondary education and education administration. She is pursuing a doctorate degree in organizational leadership.
