Building Equity by Investing in People
Metro-Detroit is filled with caring adults doing powerful work for young people. Across the city, BIPOC youth development leaders show up every day with patience, resilience, and deep care, often serving the same communities they grew up in. They do this while navigating barriers that impact both the young people they support and the systems we are working to change. Even when the work is complex, their commitment remains unwavering.
The Equity Accelerator for Youth Development (EAYD) was developed to address the need for BIPOC leaders to learn collectively and intentionally. Now in its fourth year, the program creates space for shared learning, leadership development, and reflection while navigating the out-of-school-time sector together.
What began as a cohort serving eight executive directors per year has grown to support 20 leaders across a range of roles within youth-serving organizations. This shift reflects what the sector needs to thrive: leadership at every level, relevant professional development, and environments that recognize the full humanity of the people doing the work.
How the Program Is Designed
EAYD is structured to support both individual growth and systems change. The program includes monthly learning labs, 1:1 mentorship, capstone project development, and in-person community-building experiences, such as kickoff gatherings and cohort convenings.
Learning labs explore leadership, advocacy, data-informed practice, and emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, while also centering introspection. Participants reflect on their lived experiences and multiple identities and explore how these shape their leadership and relationships with young people.
Participants receive mentorship with executive directors, many of whom are alumni, ensuring support across organizations. A core component is a cohort-driven capstone project in which participants design and lead a workshop or initiative that applies their learning and amplifies their voices.
From Advocacy to People-Centered Systems Change
EAYD initially focused on advocacy for funding, access, and visibility. While this remains important, leaders within the city's youth-serving organizations began seeking spaces designed for them, naming the need for support, connection, and growth without burnout.
In response, EAYD expanded to center leadership development, equity, and belonging. This shift strengthens both program staff and executive directors, building shared learning and increasing organizational capacity.
Why This Approach Matters
The Equity Accelerator for Youth Development is grounded in a clear theory of change. When BIPOC leaders are supported through collective learning, coaching, and community, they build confidence, strengthen their practice, and lead more effectively. As a result, organizations become more stable, collaboration increases, and young people experience stronger relationships and more responsive programming.
As EAYD continues to grow, one thing remains constant. Equitable support for BIPOC leaders is not a one-time offering. It is a practice. When we invest in the people closest to young people, we strengthen the entire ecosystem that supports them.
Author Bio: Kiylise Lowe is the fourth-year facilitator of the Equity Accelerator for Youth Development and also Founder and CEO of The DreamBuilding Consultancy. With years of experience in youth development and nonprofit systems, her work centers on equity, participant care, and the design of learning experiences that strengthen organizations and communities.
