Angel dupree | FOUNDER | PRESIDENT

Angel Dupree was born and raised in the City of Detroit and is a 2002 graduate of Lewis Cass Technical High School. After spending time abroad, Angel went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2012. There, she was initiated as a member of the Theta Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Upon completion, she began her career as a construction site inspector and later performed as a project manager, contributing to several notable infrastructure and transportation projects, including Detroit’s Q-Line. She currently serves in customer success for Livegistics, LLC, a top prize winner of Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Competition.

Driven by a passion to address social inequities through thoughtful public policy while preserving the historical and cultural fabric of legacy cities, Angel pursued and completed a Master of Urban Planning at Wayne State University in 2016, with a concentration in Urban Economic Development. Her master’s essay, “Exploring and Evaluating Policy Options for Avoiding Displacement in Detroit,” reflects her commitment to equitable development and inclusive urban revitalization.

Angel currently serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Pontiac, where she applies her technical background and planning expertise to guide land use decisions, review development proposals, and help shape policies that promote sustainable growth, economic opportunity, and community-centered development.

As a mother, Angel understands the importance of positive influence and education. As the founder of the Urban Bloom Foundation, she is committed to creating space for these values to take root in the lives of those in need. When she isn’t working or uplifting women in her community, Angel enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Shalika Sanders | VICE-PRESIDENT | Director of Special Initiatives

Shalika Sanders is a Professional Healthcare Policy Writer and Analyst for one of Michigan's largest health insurance companies. After graduating from Martin Luther King High School in Detroit, Shalika went to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy, a Master of Healthcare Administration from Walden University and a Certification in Revenue Cycle Management from the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

With her education, 16 years of experience and leadership expertise in the healthcare finance industry, Sanders has provided excellent knowledge of financial planning, family relations, project management, policy development and other relevant skills required of an effective leader.

Shalika is a wife and mother of 2 daughters, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and founder of the Detroit Derby Brunch, an annual fundraising event that helps provide financial support to women nonprofits in the City of Detroit. While her vision was to create an event to celebrate womanhood, Shalika understood the importance of connecting women for the purpose of fellowship and empowerment.

Donnah Laster | Director of Financial Operations

Donnah Laster was born and raised in Detroit, MI, where in 2004, she graduated from Lewis Cass Technical High School. She continued her education as a legacy at Marygrove College. In spring 2007, Donnah pledged the Theta Tau chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated, and was immediately voted treasurer of her chapter. Donnah graduated from Marygrove College with honors in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with an English minor, and In May 2014, Donnah graduated from Wayne State University with an MBA. Donnah is currently earning a Ph.D. in Global Leadership, with a concentration in Financial Management Theories, at the Indiana Institute of Technology.

Prior to graduation, Donnah accepted a position as a Mathematician for the United States Federal Government, where she has been working for 10 years, including three different developmental assignments at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. during President Barack Obama’s presidential term. In the past year alone, Donnah lead the completion of 11 Continuous Process Improvement projects, saving the Federal Government over 65 million dollars.

Months after starting her career, Donnah became one of 3 founders of the nationally recognized and award winning Cass Tech Marching Band’s Sophisticated Ladies Dance Team. As a Sophisticated Ladies’ coach and mentor since its inception in 2009, Donnah has continuously invested personal time in guiding and motivating young women in the areas of academics, community service, health and fitness, sisterhood, and social engagement and responsibility.

In February 2018, Donnah became an entrepreneur, creating a Concierge Financial Management Firm by the name of Poly Pomona. Poly Pomona manages the finances of individuals, families, and small businesses, where they specialize in eliminating debt, developing savings plans, and executing investment strategies.