The Discovery & Impact Benefit Dinner supports Teach For America Detroit's efforts to strengthen Michigan's educator workforce by recruiting, developing, and retaining outstanding teachers and school leaders. Through TeachMichigan, we are working alongside schools, districts, universities, and community partners to address educator shortages and ensure more students have access to excellent teaching and leadership.

Funds raised through the event will support educator recruitment, leadership development, coaching, and retention efforts that are helping build a stronger future for students and communities across Michigan.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations and individuals interested in supporting this important work while engaging with leaders from philanthropy, business, education, and community organizations across Michigan.

For sponsorship information, please contact:

Marah Casey
Vice President, Revenue & Operations
Teach For America Detroit
marah.casey@teachforamerica.org

Interested in attending or learning more?

Join our interest list to receive updates about ticket availability, sponsorship opportunities, event announcements, and featured speakers.

We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of inspiration, connection, and investment in Michigan's future.

Impact Award: Recognizing Enduring Leadership in Service of our Communities

Shirley Stancato

Board of Governors, Wayne State University

Shirley Stancato is a seasoned executive, a prominent civic leader, and a social justice advocate. For almost 20 years, Stancato was president and chief executive officer of New Detroit Inc., metropolitan Detroit’s leadership coalition devoted solely to improving race relations. Under her leadership, New Detroit continued its role as an essential forum for discussion and advocacy for the elimination of racial disparities in the region. Stancato is an architect of civic engagement opportunities that bridge economic, geographical and racial divides.

Prior to joining New Detroit, Stancato enjoyed a long career at NBD Bank (now Chase Bank) where she became Senior Vice President. As a banking executive, Stancato led retail banking initiatives including consumer and mortgage lending as well as community partnerships throughout southeast Michigan. In addition, as leader of the bank’s Foundation, she was responsible for its corporate giving program providing support for community initiatives throughout its footprint in Michigan.

Stancato currently serves on several boards including, Teach for America Detroit, The Coleman A. Young Foundation, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra the Detroit Zoological Commission, and International Women’s Forum Michigan.

In 2020, Stancato joined the Wayne State University Board of Governors when Governor Whitmer appointed her to fill a vacancy.  Later that year, she won a statewide election to serve an additional eight-year term.

In 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Stancato to Co-Chair the “Growing Michigan Together Council” to develop an outline for a statewide strategy to attract and retain talent, improve education, and bolster Michigan’s economic momentum.

Stancato earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Wayne State University. She also holds an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Michigan.

Stancato’s honors include the Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership, Champion of Justice Award from the Michigan Delegation of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Woman of Achievement by the Anti-Defamation League. Additionally, Stancato was named a Woman of Excellence by the Michigan Chronicle, a Regional Power Broker by Crain’s Detroit Business, a Distinguished Warrior by The Detroit Urban League, and Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News. In 2021, Stancato was inducted into The Michigan Business Women Hall of Fame.

Changemaker Award: Recognizing a Teach For America Alumnus Making Lasting Change

Brandy Johnson

President, Michigan Community College Association ・TFA Las Vegas ‘05

Brandy became President of MCCA in December 2021. Prior to this role, she served in the Governor’s administration, first as Governor Whitmer's education policy advisor and then as a manager of the Office of Sixty by 30 within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. In 2010, she founded the Michigan College Access Network and served as its Executive Director until 2019. Brandy also served as policy fellow and college access coordinator under Governor Jennifer Granholm. She was appointed by Governor Whitmer to represent Michigan on the Midwest Higher Education Compact and served on Governor Snyder’s 21st Century Education Commission. She has been recognized for her leadership and advocacy by the Michigan Association of School Administrators, National College Access Network, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, as well as by the Michigan College Access Network. Brandy earned her B.A. in Political Science from Arizona State University and her M.A.in Public Policy from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.

High-Impact Educator Award: Recognizing Excellence in the Classroom and Beyond

Recipient to be announced