For our first challenge of the 2024-2025 program year, we collaborated with Black Leaders Detroit (BLD), a nonprofit that provides no-interest loans and grants for Black-led businesses and organizations located in Detroit. Five teams of Fellows created recommendations and tangible work products to support the volunteer recruitment, volunteer engagement, in-person rider recruitment, “ride-your-own-way” recruitment and membership recruitment for the 2025 Ride for Equity, a five-week fundraising ride taking place late May to early July. The teams worked with the amazing BLD team – Dwan Dandridge, Sharea Ayers, Tiana London-Harris, Carrie Smith, Jarod Pratt and Larenz Studavent. Learn more about the project from the Fellow perspective!
MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT
When we started working with Black Leaders Detroit (BLD), we quickly discovered how deeply aligned we were with their mission. As soon as we learned about the impactful work they do and the community they serve, we felt a strong connection. We’re incredibly grateful to Black Leaders Detroit for their unwavering dedication to the community. What they’re doing is no easy feat, yet they tackle it every day with a smile on their faces.
We developed strategies and a toolkit to convert in-person bike riders, volunteers, “Ride Your Own Way” participants, and residents into members, with Speak for Yourself (SFY) events as a key focus. These events foster community through storytelling and connection. We also recommended handing out a physical pamphlet throughout the 2025 Ride 4 Equity to share information about becoming a member and to highlight the amazing community BLD has created. We also designed a social media campaign and recommended BLD start sharing content via “Membership Mondays”. Here, BLD can utilize social media to showcase their members. We created a toolkit for the BLD team to use, with guided questions, social media templates, and video instructions for member spotlights.
We want to highlight the collaborative effort that made this partnership so special. The teamwork, the creative brainstorming, and the open exchange of ideas really stood out. Our partners constructive feedback was invaluable, and we took it to heart, pivoting where necessary to meet their needs. We listened intentionally to what they wanted, and it was so fulfilling to hear that we delivered exactly what they were looking for. Knowing that they’re happy to use what we created is a true testament to the strength of our collaboration. We’ll continue to support and uplift their efforts, as they are truly making a difference in the community.
Working with Black Leaders Detroit on membership recruitment has been deeply meaningful and inspiring, as it brings together creativity, innovation, and collective dedication to support Detroit’s Black entrepreneurs, raise awareness about equity, and empower a community driven by connection and care.

Membership Recruitment Team (L to R: Brianna Jackson, Daphne Donigan, Mandolyn Hanson, Chanale Greer, Eman Azrak) presenting their work at our project presentation
***