In January, the Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education named Vanita Wilson, MA, LPC Counseling & Career Professional of the Year. She was honored for her outstanding work as the counselor overseeing 1,800 students at Genesee Career Institute (GCI). A member of the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) staff since 2016, Vanita earned a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling at Spring Arbor University and received a Bachelor’s of Social Work from the University of Michigan – Flint.
Xceptional Heroes is a group of friends, family members and individuals who are passionate about supporting young adults who have intellectual disabilities (ID). The group was founded in 2016 by Jen Silverton and Teresa White – two moms raising sons Aidan and Tyler – who realized the socialization and relationship void left in their sons’ lives after graduation. The organization began as a private social group to provide a variety of life-enrichment opportunities for young adults with ID.
Since 2001, the Genesee District Library has celebrated Black History Month by recognizing community leaders at the Annual Black History Month Brunch. This year, the selection committee chose to highlight three individuals and one place of worship for their contributions to the lives of their fellow citizens and Flint at large.
On January 1, 2024 Dr. Christopher Townsend stepped into the role of Executive Director of Carriage Town Ministries, succeeding Dr. Dallas Gatlin who retired after over 14 years. He is only the sixth person to hold the position in the organization’s 74-year history.
When My City visited the Flint Development Center recently, the halls were quiet. And at its current location – the renovated Bunche Elementary at 4121 Martin Luther King Ave. in the city’s north end – quiet is a rare thing. “At 4pm, it gets loud around here,” says FDC Program Manager Tamika Boxley. “Once the basketballs start bouncing, the drums start going and the kids show up, it can get a little crazy!”
In late 2022, the Friends of Berston (FOB) Board of Directors appointed Valorie Horton its interim executive director, following the sudden death of beloved former executive director Bryant “BB” Nolden. An FOB member since 2015, Horton is currently board president and charged with helping the plans move forward with the $30 million Berston Field House expansion project.
After 30 years away from Genesee County, Katie Kool-Wray, a former Flushing resident and Powers Catholic grad, felt the need to make an impact on the community. “I had to find a way to give back to the Genesee County community and to find my people,” she explains. “When I lived in Cincinnati, I was a member of a large network of women like myself, who wanted to make a difference.” After a discussion with a friend from Traverse City, Kool-Wray found a way to make it all happen. Her friend was a member of her local chapter of Impact100 and Kool-Wray immediately began to think about what the organization could do for Genesee County. Impact100 is a national organization of women who come together determined to make a difference in their local communities. Kool-Wray established the Genesee County chapter in June.
It’s tough out there in today’s business climate – you’ve got to be committed, you have to know your stuff and most of all, you must be resilient. In this challenging economy, each and every day is a battle; only those who have the heart can triumph. That is why reaching significant business milestones is a reason to celebrate!
Dr. Dallas Gatlin, Executive Director of Carriage Town Ministries (CTM), is retiring from his position after over 14 years. During his tenure at the faith-based shelter for homeless men, women and children in Flint, Dr. Gatlin has truly been a voice for the homeless. My City is proud to recognize him as our 2023 Cityzen of the Year. “I will turn 70 this year and it is time for me to move on. I feel at peace with God about it,” the director shares. “I will continue to be a supporter of CTM and I will support the new executive director in any way I can.”
Roger Sharp is a proud man. He’s proud of his time spent serving in the United States Army, proud of what he has been able to do for his community through his successful business, Sharp Funeral Homes and, above all, he is proud of our nation’s veterans and what they have done for this country. “I’m proud to be a veteran and I am proud of all the veterans we are able to serve through the funeral homes,” he states. “We are proud to lend support to various veterans organizations, as well as the Great Lakes National Cemetery.”
Travis Crossley fondly recalls the creative, early-teens version of himself. Back then, he was a kid with a specific passion and dream.
After a comprehensive search process last spring, the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library Board of Trustees offered Taliah Abdullah the position of executive director, which she accepted and officially began in late July.
