Members
W.I.S.E. Partnership is a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to making a positive impact in the Detroit community. Our organization is uniquely comprised of members and volunteer staff who are professionals from a diverse range of industries including corporate America, service industries, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. As a black women-led organization, we are proud to advocate for social justice and educational equality in our community. Our team is comprised of experienced educators, talented realtors, dedicated mental health professionals, campaign leaders and successful business owners – all of whom have a deep understanding of the Detroit community and its dynamic needs. At W.I.S.E. Partnership, we are committed to empowering our community through education, awareness and service initiatives, as well as community development. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve Detroit and its people.
Ms. Monife Knuth
Board Chair
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Real Estate Specialist
Ms. Knuth is a realtor with a special love for historic communities. She has had a life long passion for helping others. She has been able to marry that passion with real estate. Her goal at W.I.S.E. is to use her knowledge to educate and support our community. Knuth has published a myriad of articles on mortgage rates, moving, selling and buying homes. She serves on the Executive Committee for Jack and Jill Detroit, and many community boards whose focus and mission is to effect social change and equity for all in the United States. She is a member of the Agent Leadership Council in Detroit as well as the Social Equity Ambassador for the Michigan and Northern Ohio Region in Keller Williams.
Ms. Olwyn Shirley
Board Secretary/Treasurer
Research
Ms. Shirley is a semi-retired compensation analyst in Human Resources. She brings her business acumen and attention to detail to W.I.S.E. along with her strong sense of community and willingness to help others. Ms. Shirley’s dedication to uplift others is evident in the support groups she leads in the community.
Ms. Barbara Kellom
Executive Director
Ms. Kellom is a lifelong community and youth advocate with over 30 years experience in leadership in the nonprofit sector. In addition to W.I.S.E., she was the founder of several youth initiatives including Detroit Area Teen Investment Project, Onyx Cultural and Education Foundation, and most recently Teens in the D, a media initiative currently operating with Reel Roots Multimedia.
Ms. Kellom holds a Masters in Administration. Her memberships include the International Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi Honor Society) and the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She is a fellow of the Detroit Equity Action Lab Cohort 6. Her goal as a Fellow was to gain greater knowledge and perspective on systemic and structural racism as it pertains to the community she serves. Kellom is also a published children’s author and self-taught visual artist.
Ms. TaNisha Cameron
Marketing Team
Reel Roots Multimedia Team
Board Member
TaNisha Cameron is dedicated and knowledgeable communications professional with experience drafting press materials and assisting with press and public relations.
Her experience as a field trainer is a valued asset on our social justice team. TaNisha is a solid voice of team spirit and integrity
Dr. Angelika Jones
Director of Marketing
Victory Village Center of Literacy & Learning
Curriculum Design
Board Member
Angelika Jones is a creative leader. She holds a doctorate in Strategic Media and uses her skills to communicate the needs of businesses effectively.
A self-starter, Dr. Jones is both innovative and motivated to bring excellence to W.I.S.E. Partnership. She is a entrepreneur, thought leader and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Ms. Lacetia Walker
Victory Village Center of Literacy & Learning
Program Coordinator
Ms. Walker is an Educator and Instructional Specialist. Her energy and willingness to engage are a welcomed addition to W.I.S.E.
Walker is invested in the community. She holds a Masters of Education in Urban Education and Leadership from Cambridge College and and Masters in Learning Disabilities & Mathematics. Her passion for elevating the community’s literacy rate will be witnessed in the W.I.S.E. Victory Village Center of Literacy & Learning. The social entrepreneur is the owner of several companies including, Elevate Up. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.