"To always do as much as we can, in the way we can, to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it"~Kuumba!
Co-Founder and Board President
Turning Activism Into A Daily Activity
Leslie Windless, M.S., is a multifaceted community activist, business owner, and advocate for social justice. She is the founder of Win with Windless, LLC, a Silent Disco company that uniquely combines entertainment with advocacy to raise awareness about the special abilities and needs of individuals with Autism. In addition to running her business, Leslie consults on Parent Engagement and Empowerment, Union-related matters, College Academic Advising, and Financial Aid, leveraging her diverse expertise to empower individuals and communities. Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from Baker College and a master’s degree in Human Services from Walden University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Human Services at Walden University, further deepening her commitment to serving others through education and advocacy.
A passionate social justice advocate, Leslie serves on multiple boards of directors focused on community activism and equity. She is an active member of the Dearborn & Dearborn Heights League of Women Voters and the Western Wayne NAACP, where she tirelessly works to champion voting rights, equity, and inclusion. With a strong focus on supporting at-risk populations and advocating for disenfranchised groups, Leslie dedicates her time and expertise to creating meaningful change in her community. Her work reflects her unwavering commitment to empowerment and progress. Leslie’s slogan, "Turning Activism Into a Daily Activity," captures her belief in making advocacy an integral part of everyday life and her mission to inspire continuous engagement for a better society.
Board Vice President
Turning Education Into Empowerment & Equity
Heather Nicholson-Bester is a passionate educator, scholar, and advocate who has dedicated over 15 years to transforming education and championing social justice. She currently works in the office of Curriculum and Instruction for the Detroit Public Schools Community District, where she has led significant initiatives, including spearheading a district-wide task force to enhance the Social Studies curriculum. Heather also serves as a lecturer in the College of Education at Oakland University, where she inspires the next generation of educators. With a BA in Secondary Education and a Ph.D. in Urban Education from Eastern Michigan University, as well as an MA in Social Justice from Marygrove College, Heather's academic and professional journey reflects her commitment to equity and educational excellence. Her research focuses on dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline and promoting anti-racist teaching practices, aiming to create transformative educational spaces for all students.
Heather's dedication to her community extends beyond the classroom. She has served on the Dearborn Heights Community Cultural Relations Commission, worked as an NAACP voter organizer, and volunteered with impactful organizations such as the Ruth Ellis Center and Freedom House. A devoted wife, bonus mom, and proud fur mom, she balances her professional and personal life with grace and determination. Heather's mission is guided by the belief that education can be a powerful tool for justice and liberation. Her TMN slogan, "Turning Education Into Empowerment and Equity", captures her lifelong dedication to creating a more inclusive and just world for all.
Board Treasurer
Turning Air Into Action
A proud native Detroiter, statistics would say that by his age, Byron D. Brooks (He/Him/His) would either be dead or in jail. Born in prison, and formerly homeless. Brooks was raised by his great-grandparents, Roscoe and JoEsther Corner, and through faith and perseverance, he was able to show society that he is more than a statistic. As an activist, philanthropist, social entrepreneur and transformational Speaker, Brooks is passionate about youth, black economic and community development, fighting homelessness, and being an advocate of change! He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc
Brooks is passionate about social justice, equity, and bridging the gap between race, faith, and justice. Known as ”MoSoul The Hood Preacher” Brooks was licensed as a Minister of The Gospel at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church of Detroit on July 30, 2017, and is an advocate of Black Liberation Theology. He is a proud member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Detroit where KC Pierce ll is his Pastor. He is particularly interested in exploring ways to dismantle systemic racism from marginalized communities, and the educational system, while living out the vision of the talented tenth to promote social equity. His hope is to be a living example, and spread the spirit of the African Proverb, Ubuntu: I am because We Are!
Board Secretary and Trustee
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities and Connection
Rachel LaPointe is a dynamic leader and third-generation Dearborn Heights resident committed to fostering trust, transparency, and a sense of belonging in her community. Rachel is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and young people while addressing the city's pressing challenges from the podium. With a bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and extensive experience in communications and marketing, she prioritizes improving city communication, enhancing financial transparency, and ensuring that residents feel heard and included.
Rachel’s forward-thinking approach centers on making Dearborn Heights a city that offers first-class amenities for all its residents. Inspired by neighboring cities with robust recreational opportunities, she envisions a future where families and children have access to enriching activities and spaces that foster connection and joy. An active community advocate, event organizer, and church volunteer, Rachel believes that clear communication and strategic planning are keys to success. Her TMN slogan "Turning Challenges Into Opportunities and Connection", reflects her mission to transform Dearborn Heights into a thriving & inclusive community by any means necessary.
Board Trustee
Turning Passion Into Purpose and Progress
Keisha Eddie, M.A., is a dedicated Site Manager for I9 Sports, where she oversees football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball programs, combining her expertise in sports management with a passion for empowering young athletes. A Detroit native, Keisha holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science and a Master of Arts in Sports Administration from Wayne State University, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing excellence in sports and athlete welfare. With her sights set on studying concussions, she aims to contribute to research and education that enhances safety in sports, especially for youth athletes.
Beyond her professional achievements, Keisha is a devoted mother, mentor, and community servant. She finds joy in spending time with her son, guiding high school girls, and giving back to her community. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Keisha embodies the principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood in all she does. Whether managing sports programs or inspiring young women, she is driven by a mission to uplift and lead. Her TMN motto, "Turning Passion Into Purpose and Progress", encapsulates her dedication to fostering growth, safety, and opportunity both on and off the field.
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Board Trustee
Turning Grief into Impact and Inspiration
Tabatha Kerr is a resolute community activist and school safety expert whose life changed forever in 2017 when her daughter, Lilliana, tragically passed away due to a preventable incident involving a recalled folding table at her preschool. Determined to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families, Tabatha became a fierce advocate for school safety and legislative reform. Her efforts have been instrumental in advancing "Lilliana's Law," a Michigan bill requiring mandatory annual safety inspections in schools to identify and eliminate hazards. Through her advocacy, she has raised awareness about the critical importance of child safety in educational settings, ensuring that no other parent experiences such a devastating loss.
Beyond her work in legislative advocacy, Tabatha serves as a board member for Thrive by Any Means Necessary, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating barriers for families in need. With expertise in school safety, legislative processes, and community activism, she provides essential leadership and support to initiatives focused on creating safer environments and stronger communities. Tabatha's unwavering dedication to these causes reflects her belief in the power of action and her commitment to turning personal tragedy into meaningful change that protects and empowers others.