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 construction site inspector. Angel has performed as a project manager, and has worked on many notable projects, including Detroit’s Q-Line. She currently serves in customer success for top prize winner of Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Competition, Livegistics, LLC.

Realizing her passion to eliminate social injustices through public policy, while preserving Detroit’s historical integrity, Dupree pursued and completed a Master of Urban Planning at Wayne State University, with a concentration in Urban Economic Development in 2016. The topic of her Masters Essay, “ Exploring and Evaluating Policy Options for Avoiding Displacement in Detroit,” is indicative of her desire to promote urban renewal while maintaining economic equality.

As a mother, Angel knows the importance of positive influence and education. As founder of the Urban Bloom Foundation, she hopes to make room for these values to take root in the lives of those in need. When Angel isn’t at work or uplifting women in her community, she 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.