Rashonda Dawson

I've dedicated my career to helping others through education and workforce development. For over 13 years, I worked in education at charter schools, starting as a paraprofessional at Lawrendale Charter Academy through National Heritage Academy, working with first graders and later transitioning to 4th and 5th graders. I then moved to Allen Academy as a writing lab coach, where I helped prepare students for the MEAT test and taught writing skills through the Step Up to Writing program. One of my proudest moments was enrolling several students in a writing contest focused on stopping violence, which led to them traveling to Washington, D.C. and having their publications printed in the Library of Congress. After having two children, I wanted to devote more time to my own family, as the extended hours in education were overwhelming, so I transitioned to the nonprofit sector. For the past 11 years, I've served as the coordinator of the Senior Community Service Employment Program at Detroit Area Agency on Aging. In this role, I help seniors stay above the poverty level by securing employment for them through our paid work and training program. We have over an 87% placement rate in unsubsidized employment, and I work with employers who specifically have an interest in hiring seniors. This work is incredibly rewarding because I'm helping seniors who are just one meal away from not having food or $10 away from not being able to pay their rent. I also run a mobile dry cleaning and laundry business on the side, which I started after being encouraged by my co-worker and mentor, Mr. Steven Dobson. My daughter assists me with the business, and I use it as an opportunity to teach her life skills and business skills.