Angela “Angie” Reyes has been named the Detroit Lions’ 2025 Inspire Change Changemaker, an annual honor that highlights leaders making a significant impact in their communities as part of the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative. The recognition focuses on efforts in education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform.
Reyes is known for her approach to social justice that emphasizes healing and transformation from within the community. She refers to youth not as “at-risk” but as “at-promise,” reflecting her belief in providing opportunities and respect. This philosophy has influenced the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC), which she founded in 1997. Many current DHDC staff members are former program participants or individuals whose lives Reyes has impacted.
Her work includes mediating conflicts between street crews in the 1990s and creating job opportunities for returning citizens. Reyes has been present in various community settings—streets, homes, and schools—offering support where needed. Through DHDC, she has provided programs such as adult education classes, mental health resources, housing counseling, financial literacy courses, advocacy groups, entrepreneurship support, youth development initiatives, parenting resources, and violence intervention.
The effects of her leadership extend beyond individual programs to influence generations of young people and families who have benefited from her guidance and advocacy.
Reyes will be honored at the Detroit Lions Inspire Change game on Sunday, December 21, 2025. She will also receive a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to be directed to a nonprofit organization of her choice.
“Angie Reyes’ relationship with her community is one of deep love, trust, and lifelong commitment,” said Detroit Lions Vice President of Detroit Lions Foundation & Community Relations Roxanne Caine. “For more than five decades, she has been both a daughter and matriarch of Southwest Detroit’s Latino neighborhoods — someone who never stood above the people she served but always within them. Her connection to the community runs far deeper than the traditional role of a nonprofit founder; she is regarded as a protector, healer, and voice for those too often unheard.”
“The Changemakers selected this year have demonstrated what’s possible when leaders commit to creating real change in their communities,” said Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. “Their work is a powerful example for others and proof that sustained dedication can drive meaningful progress. The NFL family is proud to recognize their impact.”
Ford Field serves as home stadium for the Detroit Lions and hosts professional football games with optimal sight lines for fans according to its official website. The stadium accommodates about 1.85 million square feet with seating capacity for 65,000 spectators according to team sources. It was developed through public funding from entities like the City of Detroit along with private investment including Ford Motor Company as stated by official sources, totaling approximately $500 million in combined investments. Ford Field hosts nearly 1.5 million attendees each year across different events which contributes to local community engagement as reported by team officials.
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