Nicole Sherard-Freeman’s Leadership Marks a New Era for Black Philanthropy in Detroit

Nicole Sherard-Freeman’s appointment as the incoming President of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a significant moment for both Black leadership and philanthropy in the region. Sherard-Freeman, with over 30 years of tri-sector experience, will take the reins in January 2025, becoming one of the most powerful Black women in Detroit’s philanthropic space. Her leadership signals a pivotal shift—Black women are increasingly stepping into roles that shape the financial and social futures of entire communities. In a place like Detroit, where most of the residents are Black, this kind of leadership in philanthropy is not only impactful but essential for creating equitable change. “The Community Foundation’s footprint is a seven-county region in Southeast Michigan,” Sherard-Freeman shared. “So, it is the opportunity for greater impact around a broader region that sets this particular opportunity apart.” Black women have long been at the forefront of movements for social justice, education, and economic progress in their communities. Whether it’s organizing voter drives, running nonprofits, or advocating for systemic changes in policy, their work has often laid the groundwork for progress. But leadership in the philanthropic sector has historically been dominated by white men. The sector, despite being rooted in the idea of...