Michelle Matthews (she/her)

Michelle Matthews is a dedicated advocate for equitable development in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park serving as the Technical Assistance Manager at Capital Impact Partners. Her mission is to break down barriers and empower those who have historically been marginalized in the world of real estate. She combines her local expertise, compassionate spirit nurtured by her community, and deep understanding of the development process to bring about meaningful change. Michelle resides in the City of Detroit and is a proud graduate of Wayne State University. Michelle continues to expand her knowledge and insights as a current graduate student at the University of Michigan. She is particularly keen on introducing more women to the world of real estate and aims to assist WOB with the strategy and scaling of its physical footprint. 

Warda Bouguettaya (she/her)

Warda Bouguettaya is an Algerian-American woman, mother, wife, owner of Warda Patisserie in Detroit and 2022 James Beard Foundation Outstanding Pastry Chef Award Winner. Currently her medium of expression has been through baking, where she tries to incorporate all the different facets of my upbringing and life experiences in the form of pastries. Any given day it gives her the freedom to create the beautiful & borderless world she wants to live in and to share with others.

Mona Ali (she/her)

Mona Ali, a lifelong resident of Detroit's west side and has been with the Mayor's Office since her appointment by Mayor Duggan in 2014. That same year she graduated from Wayne State University with her B.A. in Public Relations. With deep roots in the city as a first-generation American, born to immigrant parents from Lebanon and Pakistan, Mona's commitment to Detroit is tied to her identity. Her time as District 7 Manager reflects her dedication and passion for advocating on behalf of Detroit residents. Mona championed the needs and aspirations of the people in District 7, collaborating closely with local neighborhood groups and businesses. During her time as manager, she led various city initiatives such as Motor City Makeover, Halloween in the D and District 7’s Detroit-Dearborn Block party, the first event of its kind to help strengthen relationships between neighbors in our bordering cities. Her objective has always been to make Detroit's neighborhoods more vibrant and prosperous, fostering positive change throughout the city. In February 2024 Mona took on a new role as Senior Advisor on the Mayor’s Neighborhood Economic Development team. In this role she works closely with developers and business owners in the neighborhoods to help them reach the finish line and add to the ever-growing development happening citywide in Detroit. Mona's connection to her hometown is palpable, and she continues to work diligently to ensure that Detroit - and its communities - thrive.

Melissa Smith (she/her)

Melissa Smith is a multi-faceted, senior-level professional with experience in ESG, corporate social responsibility, nonprofit operations, program management and environmental and safety management. Reliable and focused diligent worker with substantial experience in grant making and corporate foundation management.  Detail-oriented strategic thinker with a strong passion for corporate community outreach. Organized professional with strong people skills who enjoys taking on new challenges. 

Sara Afshar (she/her)

Sara Afshar is a poet and lawyer from Massachusetts living in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She represents Afghan evacuees in immigration proceedings and grows cut flowers. She is from a family of Iranian-Kashmiri refugees. Sara has an MFA from the University of Michigan.