About DCF

Every year, the aspirations of roughly 100,000 students in Detroit collide with a harsh reality: The scarcity of quality schools. Shockingly, a small majority of these eager minds can secure access to a high-caliber education within our city limits. The remaining are thrust into under-resourced educational institutions that struggle to meet even their most basic needs. It's a disheartening truth that without intervention, many of these students will inevitably fall behind, their potential untapped, their dreams deferred.

But it doesn't have to be this way. At the core of our mission lies a fundamental belief that every child is born with boundless potential, waiting to be unleashed. And a quality education is the key that unlocks that potential, empowering children to pursue their greatest aspirations.

This is where we step in. Detroit Children's Fund (DCF) is a powerful force for change, partnering with strong school leaders and equipping them with the resources they need to succeed.

We are committed to doing whatever it takes to cultivate a learning environment where students can flourish, unencumbered by the weight of poverty. We envision a future where every child can focus on their studies, propelled by the assurance that their dreams are within reach. Together in partnership with schools, we pave the way for a brighter tomorrow — for our students, their families, and our beloved city.

Learn more about our programs here.

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Core Operating Principles

Invests in the hopes, dreams, and better opportunities for Detroit children.

Believes in the children, educators and the future of Detroit.

Funds student achievement innovations, systems change investments, leadership development for school leaders, and training for teachers.

Strategically partners with organizations to provide schools with the critical resources that all children need to learn and grow.

Values equity, inclusion and the social responsibility to educate all Detroit children regardless of neighborhood, or public or charter school designation.

Advocates for increased school budgets to overcome barriers created by poverty and inequitable educational funding.

Our Team

The Detroit Children's Fund team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to transforming the quality of education in Detroit. With diverse expertise and a shared passion for empowering children, they work collaboratively to ensure every child has access to excellent schools and educational opportunities.

  • Nick Karmanos is the Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Children’s Fund, where he is responsible for steering the organization’s operations, strategic planning, and fundraising efforts. His leadership is crucial in directing DCF’s mission and ensuring its substantial impact within the community.

    Prior to his role at Detroit Children’s Fund, Nick served as Senior Vice President of Institutional Relations at Karmanos Cancer Institute. With over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Nick is known for his hands-on leadership and his talent for turning complex problems into clear, actionable solutions.

    Nick’s leadership is marked by his dedication to enhancing organizational impact and cultivating strong community relationships. His reliability and extensive network have played a key role in advancing the missions of the organizations he has served, solidifying his standing as a respected and influential leader in Detroit. In addition to his effective leadership, Nick has successfully raised more than $300 million in donations benefiting hundreds of thousands of Detroiter’s.

  • Originally from Detroit, Michigan, and a proud graduate of Detroit Public Schools, Dr. Carmen Kennedy-Rogers is a visionary educational and philanthropic leader. As Vice President of Programs and Community Engagement, she leads DCF’s student excellence and achievement strategy by aligning bold investments, innovative programs, and community partnerships to drive systemic change and transformative outcomes for Detroit’s students.

    With a career spanning public education and philanthropy, Carmen brings deep expertise in equity-centered, data-informed leadership. She previously served as a Director at The Skillman Foundation and held senior leadership roles across Southeast Michigan school districts,  including Assistant Superintendent, High School Principal, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Girls Varsity Basketball Coach.  Carmen earned her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Michigan and has contributed to the development of future educators as an adjunct faculty member at Eastern Michigan University, Madonna University, and Wayne State University.

    In every role, Carmen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to educational equity, civic leadership, and collaborative partnerships, focusing on transformative change for students and communities throughout Michigan.

    Carmen advocates that every young person deserves access to an excellent education coupled with enriching life experiences, enabling them to live their best and highest lives.

  • Sonia D. Smith is an equity-focused grants professional dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for Detroit students. As Grant Manager for the Detroit Children’s Fund, she oversees the administration and management of grants that support impactful educational initiatives across Detroit schools. Sonia works alongside DCF’s Program Team, school leaders, educators, and community partners to ensure grant-funded programs are implemented effectively, aligned with organizational goals, and positioned for long-term success.

    Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Sonia is a proud graduate of the Detroit Public School system. Her professional background includes nonprofit organization compliance, where she developed expertise in regulatory oversight, process improvement, documentation management, and organizational accountability. She also brings management experience from the biopharmaceutical industry, where she gained valuable experience in operational leadership, stakeholder communication, quality standards, and managing complex processes within highly regulated environments.

    Sonia brings a collaborative, detail-oriented approach to her work and believes strong partnerships, accountability, and continuous improvement are essential to driving meaningful change for students and schools. She is committed to supporting educators, their scholars and communities, and continuing to break down barriers to achieve excellence within Detroit schools.

  • Lindsey Barrett is a dynamic educational leader and strategist dedicated to advancing equitable opportunities for students in Detroit. As Director of School Partnerships and Impact, she fosters collaborative school partnerships to implement data-informed, responsive school initiatives that advance equity and excellence across Detroit’s education ecosystem.

    With over a decade of experience, Lindsey brings expertise in program implementation, education-focused grantmaking, and data-informed strategy. Previously, Lindsey served as a Senior Consultants at Public Sector Consultants, and held roles in the philanthropic, local government, and education sectors. She brings a practitioner perspective to systems-level change—bridging on-the-ground realities, philanthropy, and policy to create the conditions for all students to thrive. Lindsey holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University.

    Lindsey began her career as an elementary teacher where she watched young people boldly pursue their dreams and imagine a bright future each day. She is committed to being just as bold in her pursuit of reimaging systems that provide equitable opportunities for all Detroit youth.

  • Lisa Laurin is the Chief Development Officer at Detroit Children’s Fund (DCF), where she is responsible for building strategic partnerships, engaging key donors, and securing the resources needed to support DCF’s mission. In her role, Lisa oversees all aspects of DCF’s fundraising operations including major gifts, sponsorships, special events, and grant writing. Working closely with the CEO, Lisa also plays an active role in shaping DCF’s marketing strategies to raise awareness and support for Detroit students.

    Prior to joining DCF, Lisa served in various development roles at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. With 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Lisa is a dynamic leader recognized for her successful track record and dedication to advancing mission-driven work.

  • Gabrielle Boyd is the Development & Events Project Leader and Social Media Manager at Detroit Children’s Fund. As a Detroit native, Gabrielle combines her passion for community engagement with her expertise in event planning.

    After completing her undergraduate degree at Spelman College, Gabrielle enhanced her skills in admissions and territory management at Spelman, reviewing applications and fostering educational opportunities across the Midwest. Her journey in academia transitioned to a role as a program manager, where she trained alumnae to recruit on behalf of Spelman in addition to her duties as a counselor. These roles expanded her responsibilities into event planning, where she honed her talents in orchestrating both large-scale and intimate events, both virtual and in-person.

    Further pursuing her passion, Gabrielle earned a Master’s in Global Hospitality Management from Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, focusing on tourism, hotel analytics, event planning, and organization. Gabrielle’s dedication to her craft and her community makes her a pivotal force in creating impactful, memorable events that foster growth and connection.

  • Suzanne Mitchell, Controller, joined Detroit Children’s Fund in September 2023.  With over 30 years of extensive experience in both public and private accounting, her skills include financial management as well as operational strategies. Prior to joining DCF, she served as the Chief Financial Officer for a prominent independent insurance agency for 14 years. In 2021, following the agency’s acquisition, she transitioned to the role of Assistant Vice President of Operations, where she managed operations across the Michigan, Texas and Arkansas branches.

    Suzy was born in Ann Arbor and grew up in Pinckney, MI. She obtained her bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting from Michigan State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Throughout her career, she has been committed to continuous learning and development, keeping abreast of industry trends and best practices.

Board of Directors

  • KC Crain

    President, Chief Executive Officer
    Crain Communications

  • Tonya Allen

    President
    McKnight Foundation

  • Tony Barra

    Retired Technology Consultant

  • Tiffany Douglas

    Global Women's Initiative, Under-represented Talent Strategy Executive
    Bank of America

  • Darienne Driver Hudson, ED.D

    President, Chief Executive Officer
    United Way of Southeast Michigan

  • Bill Emerson

    Vice Chairman
    Rock Holdings, Inc.

  • Kelle Ilitch

    Child & Education Advocate

  • Tanya Kaiser

    Tanya Kaiser

    CEO, The TLConnection

  • Adam Levinson

    Managing Partner, Chief Information Officer
    Graticule Asset Management

  • Ryan Maibach

    President
    Barton Malow

  • Anup Popat

    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
    Systems Technology Group

  • Ray Scott

    President, Chief Executive Officer
    Lear Corporation

  • Arn Tellem

    Vice Chairman
    Detroit Pistons

  • Jason Tinsley

    Managing Director
    JP Morgan Private Bank

  • Jesse Venegas

    Vice President
    Ideal Group

  • Jeff Perlman

    Chief Executive Officer, Warburg Pincus