Detroit City Wire

The Skillman Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2025 Skillman Visionary Awards, which aim to honor significant contributors to education reform. Among the ten awardees is Wytrice Harris, Senior Director of College Success and Partnerships for Detroit Promise at the Detroit Regional Chamber.

The awards are designed to acknowledge and support leaders who are making transformative changes in education systems. "Forming a future-forward education system requires many people working together," stated Angelique Power, President & Chief Executive Officer of The Skillman Foundation. She emphasized that the awardees represent diverse roles within educational environments, including school systems, afterschool programs, community organizations, and policy advocacy.

Each recipient will receive a $50,000 unrestricted cash award. This year’s honorees include Saba Gebrai from Park West Foundation, Mario Lemons from Detroit Achievement Academy, Sarah Winchell Lenhoff from Wayne State University, Jametta Lilly from Detroit Parent Network, Juan José Martínez from Cesar Chavez Academy School District, Anika Akins McEvans from Detroit Public Schools Community District, Ambra Redrick from Teen HYPE, Alisa Ruffin also from Detroit Public Schools Community District, and Anisa Sahoubah from Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services.

The initiative highlights key objectives such as expanding participation in policymaking processes and amplifying innovative educational efforts within Detroit. "These awards not only celebrate individual achievements; they also serve as a down payment on the future of education," added Power.

For further details about the program and updates on awardees' stories and initiatives, visit www.skillmanvisionary.org.