About DCF

Every year, the aspirations of roughly 100,000 students in Detroit collide with a harsh reality: The scarcity of quality schools. Shockingly, a small majority of these eager minds can secure access to a high-caliber education within our city limits. The remaining are thrust into under-resourced educational institutions that struggle to meet even their most basic needs. It's a disheartening truth that without intervention, many of these students will inevitably fall behind, their potential untapped, their dreams deferred.

But it doesn't have to be this way. At the core of our mission lies a fundamental belief that every child is born with boundless potential, waiting to be unleashed. And a quality education is the key that unlocks that potential, empowering children to pursue their greatest aspirations.

This is where we step in. Detroit Children's Fund (DCF) is a powerful force for change, partnering with strong school leaders and equipping them with the resources they need to succeed.

We are committed to doing whatever it takes to cultivate a learning environment where students can flourish, unencumbered by the weight of poverty. We envision a future where every child can focus on their studies, propelled by the assurance that their dreams are within reach. Together in partnership with schools, we pave the way for a brighter tomorrow — for our students, their families, and our beloved city.

Learn more about our programs here.

Core Operating Principles

Invests in the hopes, dreams, and better opportunities for Detroit children.

Believes in the children, educators and the future of Detroit.

Funds student achievement innovations, systems change investments, leadership development for school leaders, and training for teachers.

Strategically partners with organizations to provide schools with the critical resources that all children need to learn and grow.

Values equity, inclusion and the social responsibility to educate all Detroit children regardless of neighborhood, or public or charter school designation.

Advocates for increased school budgets to overcome barriers created by poverty and inequitable educational funding.

Our Team

The Detroit Children's Fund team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to transforming the quality of education in Detroit. With diverse expertise and a shared passion for empowering children, they work collaboratively to ensure every child has access to excellent schools and educational opportunities.

  • Nick Karmanos is the Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Children’s Fund, where he is responsible for steering the organization’s operations, strategic planning, and fundraising efforts. His leadership is crucial in directing DCF’s mission and ensuring its substantial impact within the community.

    Prior to his role at Detroit Children’s Fund, Nick served as Senior Vice President of Institutional Relations at Karmanos Cancer Institute. With over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Nick is known for his hands-on leadership and his talent for turning complex problems into clear, actionable solutions.

    Nick’s leadership is marked by his dedication to enhancing organizational impact and cultivating strong community relationships. His reliability and extensive network have played a key role in advancing the missions of the organizations he has served, solidifying his standing as a respected and influential leader in Detroit. In addition to his effective leadership, Nick has successfully raised more than $300 million in donations benefiting hundreds of thousands of Detroiter’s.

  • Dr. Twila Ainsworth-Comfort is a Partner for the Detroit Children’s Fund. She is a non-profit leader, education expert, and turnaround strategist. She brings a wealth of experience in urban education reform, executive leadership coaching, research, and practice. Her leadership experience in both the non-profit and educational sectors, and her service as a former professor, elementary, middle and high school principal, program director, curriculum developer, instructional coach, and research practitioner spans across four urban school districts and three premier research institutions. In her role at DCF, she has the privilege of leading the overall strategy, administration, programming, partnerships, grants management, financial and contract management, and data analytics for the investment portfolio, while also facilitating executive coaching and professional development trainings for CEOs, superintendents, and educators at the university, district, and school levels. Much of her responsibility consists of managing all of the strategic partnerships and synergizing the worlds of ed.

  • Lisa Laurin is the Chief Development Officer at Detroit Children’s Fund (DCF), where she is responsible for building strategic partnerships, engaging key donors, and securing the resources needed to support DCF’s mission. In her role, Lisa oversees all aspects of DCF’s fundraising operations including major gifts, sponsorships, special events, and grant writing. Working closely with the CEO, Lisa also plays an active role in shaping DCF’s marketing strategies to raise awareness and support for Detroit students.

    Prior to joining DCF, Lisa served in various development roles at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. With 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Lisa is a dynamic leader recognized for her successful track record and dedication to advancing mission-driven work.

  • Sonia D. Smith serves as Achievement Coordinator for the Detroit Children’s Fund. She was born and raised in the city of Detroit, graduating from the Detroit Public School system. Sonia’s prior professional experience includes nonprofit organization compliance. In her role as Achievement Coordinator, she provides project management, grant management, and administrative support to DCF team members, external partners, and grantees to ensure the successful execution of DCF initiatives. Sonia is committed to supporting educators, their scholars and communities, continuous improvement, and breaking down barriers to achieve excellence within Detroit schools.

  • Dr. Irma J. Hamilton serves as Director of School Programs and Partnerships at Detroit Children’s Fund. Irma was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She brings with her a prolific career in education, earning her bachelor’s degree in Social Science, a master’s in Learning Disabilities and Reading, and a master’s in Guidance and Counseling followed by a doctorate in Educational Administration.

    Throughout her career, she has held numerous impactful positions such as principal of Detroit Renaissance High School where under her leadership, the school received the National Blue Ribbon Award, was featured in U.S News and World Report and cited in Activity Magazine for having “higher ACT scores than any other big-city predominantly African American high school in the nation.” In addition, Irma held roles as a state Leadership Coach, an Outreach Specialist at Michigan State University, as well as an adjunct professor at Wayne State and Concordia Universities.

    She is the recipient of numerous accolades including the Distinguished Service Award from the Detroit City Council, Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern Michigan University and the Principal of the Year Award from the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. Dr. Hamilton is dedicated to improving educational opportunities that support student achievement and school improvement.

  • Gabrielle Boyd is the Development & Events Project Leader and Social Media Manager at Detroit Children’s Fund. As a Detroit native, Gabrielle combines her passion for community engagement with her expertise in event planning.

    After completing her undergraduate degree at Spelman College, Gabrielle enhanced her skills in admissions and territory management at Spelman, reviewing applications and fostering educational opportunities across the Midwest. Her journey in academia transitioned to a role as a program manager, where she trained alumnae to recruit on behalf of Spelman in addition to her duties as a counselor. These roles expanded her responsibilities into event planning, where she honed her talents in orchestrating both large-scale and intimate events, both virtual and in-person.

    Further pursuing her passion, Gabrielle earned a Master’s in Global Hospitality Management from Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, focusing on tourism, hotel analytics, event planning, and organization. Gabrielle’s dedication to her craft and her community makes her a pivotal force in creating impactful, memorable events that foster growth and connection.

  • Suzanne Mitchell, Controller, joined Detroit Children’s Fund in September 2023.  With over 30 years of extensive experience in both public and private accounting, her skills include financial management as well as operational strategies. Prior to joining DCF, she served as the Chief Financial Officer for a prominent independent insurance agency for 14 years. In 2021, following the agency’s acquisition, she transitioned to the role of Assistant Vice President of Operations, where she managed operations across the Michigan, Texas and Arkansas branches.

    Suzy was born in Ann Arbor and grew up in Pinckney, MI. She obtained her bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting from Michigan State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Throughout her career, she has been committed to continuous learning and development, keeping abreast of industry trends and best practices.

Board of Directors

  • KC Crain

    President, Chief Executive Officer
    Crain Communications

  • Tonya Allen

    President
    McKnight Foundation

  • Tony Barra

    Retired Technology Consultant

  • Tiffany Douglas

    Global Women's Initiative, Under-represented Talent Strategy Executive
    Bank of America

  • Darienne Driver Hudson, ED.D

    President, Chief Executive Officer
    United Way of Southeast Michigan

  • Bill Emerson

    Vice Chairman
    Rock Holdings, Inc.

  • Kelle Ilitch

    Child & Education Advocate

  • Adam Levinson

    Managing Partner, Chief Information Officer
    Graticule Asset Management

  • Ryan Maibach

    President
    Barton Malow

  • Anup Popat

    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
    Systems Technology Group

  • Ray Scott

    President, Chief Executive Officer
    Lear Corporation

  • Arn Tellem

    Vice Chairman
    Detroit Pistons

  • Jason Tinsley

    Managing Director
    JP Morgan Private Bank

  • Jesse Venegas

    Vice President
    Ideal Group

  • Jeff Perlman

    Chief Executive Officer, Warburg Pincus