Walsh College in Troy will confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on its keynote speaker and Walsh Alumnus, Lisa Howze, at its 120th Commencement Ceremony on June 21. Howze is founder and CEO of the Lisa Howze Experience, which empowers professionals to achieve career advancement and financial success through strategic guidance and mentorship.
“Walsh College is proud to confer this degree of distinction upon Lisa Howze,” says Suzy Siegle, president and CEO of Walsh College. “Lisa is an outstanding example of one of our alumni living our mission in the world. Her education, professional experience, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of young people in schools and communities exemplify the very best of making a positive impact in the world. We are thrilled that she will be speaking to our graduates and inspiring them as they celebrate the achievement of earning their Walsh College degrees.”
Howze is a nationally recognized empowerment speaker, author, CPA, and career strategist with three decades of experience in government, higher education, and the accounting profession. Her journey from childhood eviction to entrepreneurship and beyond serves as a powerful testament to resilience and determination.
A native Detroiter, Howze launched her career in public accounting shortly after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Science in finance from Walsh College and became a licensed CPA.
Her experience includes serving as a Michigan state representative from 2011-2012. Later, she was appointed by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan as chief of staff and chief government affairs officer during his first term (2014-2018). She also was vice president for Detroit campuses and strategic partnerships at Davenport University (2018-2021), where she focused on student success, operational oversight, and strategic alliances.
