ADVISORY BOARD

The Advisory Board plays an important function providing valuable perspectives and  recommendations on programs offered by the TIP program. Whenever possible, decisions made by the board will be made by consensus. Advisory Board members serve at the pleasure of the University. 

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MEMBERS

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ELIZABETH AGIUS WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY- SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK  

Elizabeth Agius has been a program evaluator and researcher at Wayne State for over 18 years. She worked in the Substance Abuse Research Division in the School of Medicine for 14 years, then moved to the School of Social Work where she is now the Manager of Community Research Partnerships. Her evaluation research is varied and includes evaluations of local, state and federal grants. Subjects of evaluation include capacity building for community-based organizations in Detroit; school- and community-based substance abuse prevention projects, and substance abuse treatment programs. Currently she serves as an evaluator for the Bureau of Substance Abuse and Alcohol Services on two federal grants for substance abuse prevention. Agius’ experience includes participatory, multi-methods and longitudinal designs that are developed in close concert with project stakeholders. She has co-authored publications, delivered presentations, and written numerous technical reports. 
               

ANGELA AUFDEMBERGE VISTA MARIA

Angela is the President and CEO of Vista Maria. Angela brings 20 years of executive experience to Vista Maria, with a track record of success across various industries including service, healthcare and manufacturing. Prior to starting at Vista Maria, Aufdemberge was the Executive Vice President of Sales Development & Support for Entertainment Publications. She also served as the company’s EVP of Operations and Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Aufdemberge earned her master of arts and bachelor of science degrees in business from Wayne State University. She also holds a senior human resources professional certification by the Society of Human Resources Management.

SARAI EMBAYE FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Sarai Embaye has been a child welfare advocate for 5 years. She has experience with non profit policy and assisting with the educational and employment needs of Michigan's most vulnerable populations. She is currently employed by the Ford Motor Company as a Recruitment Coordinator and is a graduate of Michigan State University. Sarai is hopeful that her personal and professional experiences with the child welfare system are inspirational to TIP Wayne students and are helpful throughout her term on the Advisory Board.  

MICHELLE FECTEAU MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Ms. Fecteau is a member of the Michigan State Board of Education, elected in 2012. She is currently the Executive Director the American Association of University Professors, jointly affiliated with the American Federation Teachers, at Wayne State University. Before this Ms. Fecteau worked as a labor educator in WSU’s Labor Studies Center. She also worked as a Union representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, the Service Employees International Union and the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union.

Michelle and her husband Eddie Hejka, a special education teacher in River Rouge, live in Detroit and have two children by birth, their oldest with autism. They have been foster parents to 9 children, 5 they adopted. Both she and her husband have been active in numerous programs supporting special needs children. 

LESTER GAYDEN DETROIT EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS CORPORATION

SENATOR DAVID KNEZEK MICHIGAN SENATE

Senator Knezek represents the 5th Disctrict in the Michigan Senate. Since being elected in 2014, David was immediately tapped to join the Senate Democratic leadership team where he currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus. Senator Knezek remains a strong advocate for Michigan students, seniors, working families, and veterans.

JACK KRESNAK DETROIT FREE PRESS (former)

A reporter and editor for 38 years at the Freep, Jack created a juvenile justice/child welfare beat in 1988 and had a large impact on Michigan's public policy regarding vulnerable children for 20 years. He capped off his award-winning career with a 14 part series on the Ricky Holland murder case. Jack was CEO of Michigan's Children, a small, independent, multi-issue advocacy organization working with government policymakers, corporations and communities across the stated to make Michigan a place where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Jack continues to work produce high-quality articles, essays, blog postings and books that improve the lives of children.

FRANCINE MELOTTI

Francine is an accomplished writer/communicator with more than 30 years’ experience in publications, executive speechwriting, marketing, public affairs and strategic analysis. She is currently a freelance writer for Ford Credit, a valued client since 2010. Her corporate experience includes work in Public Affairs as a consultant/contractor with Ford Motor Company and nearly 20 years in Corporate Communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

ERICKA PAGE  YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Ericka Page is the Special Projects Manager for Youth Development Commission.

KEVIN REIDEL STUDENT LIAISON- TIP WAYNE STATE

KHADIJA WALKER- FOBBS MYOI

Khadija Walker-Fobbs is the Director of Development & Community Partnerships for the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI), the State of Michigan’s program for youth aging out of foster care. Prior to her current position, Khadija consulted with the Michigan Department of Human Services and the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative. During that time, she helped implement a new program model statewide for youth aging out of foster care across multiple counties and regions. Khadija also oversees the Education Success Program with a grant awarded from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which provides educational supports for under-served youth from foster care in Michigan

MARGARET WARNER MICHIGAN DHS (retired)

Margaret Warner is recently retired but served as the Michigan Department of Human Services Child Welfare Director for Wayne County. In her 44 years with Michigan DHS, Margaret worked in a variety of capacities but is primarily known for her child and public welfare work in Southeast Michigan. In her final official role with DHS, Margaret managed four child and family services district offices. Margaret brings a range of competencies and superior judgement to the TIP Wayne State Advisory Board.