Key Staff

Rev. Joan Ross

Founder and Executive Director

Reverend Joan C. Ross, Founder and Executive Director of North End Woodward Community, has spent 20 years serving the underserved in Detroit, focusing on creating a sustainable, thriving community. She has led innovative renewable energy projects, launched Detroit’s first Community Land Trust in 2015, and empowered residents with vital skills for economic and cultural growth. Reverend Ross has received numerous accolades, including the Sustainable Champion Award and US Green Building Council's 2020 Shero of the Year, for her impactful work in community development and sustainability.

Shelia Dudley

Project Manager- Highland Park

Shelia Dudley is a Project Manager at NEWCC, specializing in social justice initiatives, with a career that spans roles in business operations, HR, and consulting. She began her career at Detroit Edison, then worked in various leadership positions at Broward County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, Lawson Software, and Burger King, driving technological transformation in HR. Shelia holds a master’s in business administration, a bachelor’s in human resource management, and a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification, and is actively involved in community organizations in Highland Park.

Mary Braun

Project Manager- Solar

Mary Braun has over a decade of experience working in education, climate justice, and environmental policy and is passionate about centering marginalized communities most impacted by the climate crisis. Mary is interested in making climate solutions accessible and actionable for all. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, a master's in education with teacher certificaiton, and a mster's in environmental science and policy, as well as professional certifications in community solar development and sustainable faciilities management.

Tahmina Begum

Project Manager - Hamtramck

Tahmina Begum immigrated to Hamtramck from Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2003, and pursued a bachelor's degree with Child Development Associate credential. She currently serves as a special paraprofessional for Hamtramck Public Schools, and is actively engaged with communitiy organizations such as Global Detroit, Grow Detroit, Friendship House, and Circle Time. She is passionate about fostering inclusive environments and empowering individuals within her community.

Changa Parker

Network Manager - EII

Changa Parker, NEWCC’s Network Manager and longest-serving employee, has been with the organization for eight years, starting as a Digital Steward before being promoted. A lifelong resident of the North End with deep family roots, Changa has dedicated his career to community service, including teaching math and working with nonprofits. He is passionate about giving back to his neighborhood and finds fulfillment in serving the communities of the North End, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.

Madeline Denson

Network Manager - EII

Madeline Denson is a lifelong resident of Highland Park and has lived in the same house since she was two years old. Madeline started as a Digital Steward for NEWCC in 2019. She was later promoted to Network Manager in 2021. As the Network Manager, her work touches all of NEWCC’s service areas and different community organizations, including installing and maintaining the internet infrastructure. She enjoys working in an industry that historically was dominated by white men. Madeline studied architecture and her siblings also work in the sciences. As a family, they have defied career stereotypes and disrupted perceptions about Black people growing up in divested communities.

Nikki Roach

Network Manager - EII

Nikki Roach got her start with EII as a Digital Steward in 2021, fueled by her passion for closing the digital divide and making tech knowledge available to everyone. Two years later, she ran an awesome summer Computer Camp for youth, aka the EII Tech Squad, helping young people level up their tech skills. Now, as Network Manager, Nikki works to keep the internet running smoothly for everyone on the EII network. She is especially responsible for responding to internet outages and maintaining hub infrastructure.

Camille Reed

Project Coordinator - EII

Morris Porter

Station Manager - WNUC

Dr. Shawn Forman

Advisor - Young Solar Neighbors

Dr. Shawn Renee Forman, a retired urban educator, is the founder of PR²OMiSE (Peers Responding to Overlooked Matters in Social Environments), an organization focused on mentoring and supporting inner-city youth through the arts to address social stressors and foster positive decision-making. With a multicultural approach, she builds holistic relationships to promote change, raise awareness, and enhance overall wellness through artistic expression. A native Detroiter, Dr. Forman enjoys traveling, gardening, jazz, photography, metalsmithing, sewing, and painting.