Vision
Sinai-Grace Guild Community Development Corporation serves Northwest Detroit neighborhoods with integrity and respect. We work to strengthen the neighborhood connection between residents, businesses and institutions. We work together as stewards of our beautiful, walkable, vibrant, and hopeful neighborhoods. Residents are deeply valued and have genuine opportunities for healthy, financially secure, and rich lives.
Mission
Driven by our community residents, businesses, and leaders, Sinai-Grace Guild Community Development Corporation is committed to holistic and equitable revitalization toward a thriving, healthy, and sustainable Northwest Detroit.
Our History
For over 40 years, the Grace Guild of Sinai-Grace Hospital served patients and residents in Northwest Detroit. Under the leadership of Juanita Dickerson, the Guild worked to promote positive health outcomes in the community. In 2015, the hospital's leadership facilitated a community conversation about the revitalization of Northwest Detroit. The Guild responded by renaming the organization and focusing its efforts on community development.
In December 2018, Lisa Campbell became the Executive Director of the Sinai-Grace Guild CDC. Her work reflects the Northwest Detroit Neighborhood Revitalization Strategic Framework and continued conversations with community stakeholders to implement a shared vision. Lisa has now transitioned to a new position. Palencia Mobley, formerly vice-chair of the SGGCDC Board, is the current Executive Director.
Meet the Team
Executive Director,
Palencia Mobley, PE
Palencia Mobley, P.E. is a lifelong resident of the Winship Community which is a part of the Sinai-Grace Guild CDC service area. Palencia has built an extensive career in planning, designing, and constructing drinking, waste and stormwater infrastructure. A graduate of Detroit Public Schools, the University of Michigan (Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering), and Wayne State University (Master of Science Civil Engineering), Palencia was one of the youngest minority women to ever attain licensure as a Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan in 2006.
In addition to serving on multiple national, regional, and statewide task forces, councils and boards, Palencia has received a variety of professional accolades including Crain’s Detroit Business notable woman in STEM and 40 Under 40 Award in 2019. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Alpha Rho Omega Chapter.
Economic Development Manager
Emily Baxter, AICP
Emily Baxter, AICP was born in Birmingham, Alabama, grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and has lived in several states. She has a Master’s of City and Regional Planning from Georgia Tech and recently earned her AICP credential from the American Planning Association. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Eastern Michigan University in Urban and Regional Planning. Prior to that, she studied Fine Arts at Pacific Northwest College of Art.
Her previous experiences include internships in urban planning and economic development and a position with home repair non-profit Rebuilding Together. She also worked for several years as a Survey Research Technician for the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. She brings her skills in urban planning, GIS, the arts and social research to her work supporting local business leaders and the economic security of the CDC area.
Our Board
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Katrina McCree
President
Katrina McCree is a visionary leader celebrated for fostering connections, driving innovation, and achieving impactful results through strategic partnerships, processes, and people. As Chief Community Impact Officer at Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), Katrina leads corporate development, community affairs, strategic partnerships, marketing, and public relations. She has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including a capital campaign for Detroit's first Healthy Housing Center for the homeless and a branding strategy to enhance NSO’s integrated care approach.
Previously, Katrina served as Associate Administrator of Operations at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital, managing multimillion-dollar budgets and leading special projects for senior executives. In her roles as Market Director for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Operations and Director of Government and Community Affairs, she drove ACA enrollment for 65,000 individuals, secured funding for neighborhood revitalization, and contributed to a $40 million capital campaign for a new emergency department.
Katrina’s extensive experience spans roles as Organizational Development Consultant for Wayne County and the City of Detroit, Training Manager Consultant for Detroit’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Executive Director of Women ARISE, a human-service agency for women ex-offenders.
Her dedication extends to board service with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, SDM2 Project Education, Sinai Grace Guild Community Development Corporation, the Coleman A. Young Foundation, and Detroit’s Local Development Finance Authority. She is also an active member of The Links, Incorporated, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Katrina holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s in human resource management from Marygrove College. Her career reflects a deep commitment to community impact, organizational excellence, and transformational leadership.
Deacon Lawrence Mathews
Treasurer
Deacon Larry Mathews, Ph.D., CPA is the Chief Financial Officer of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church and all of its related entities. Prior to joining Hartford, Dr. Mathews was the Deputy Director of Finance of Wayne County and the CFO of the Institute for Population Health (the City of Detroit Health Department). Dr. Mathews has an earned a doctorate from Wayne State University, his Masters of Public Administration from WSU and an MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan. An avid golfer and swimmer, Dr. Mathews is married to his wife Beverly. They have two children, Gerald and Portia and 4 grandchildren.
June Mack
Secretary
June A. Mack is a dedicated community leader and advocate who has been a proud resident of Detroit, Michigan, since 1977. Originally from Harlem, New York City, she relocated to Detroit with her mother to join her oldest sister. As a devoted caregiver, she provided unwavering support to both her mother and sister during their lifetimes, a testament to her deep sense of compassion and service.
In recognition of her impactful contributions to the community, June was honored as the 2022 Changemaker of the Year as part of the 70 Over 70 Awards at the Hannan Center. She has also received numerous accolades from the Michigan Senate, Wayne County Commission, and the Michigan House of Representatives for her dedicated service.
Passionate about gardening and outdoor maintenance, June enjoys cultivating her own vegetables, maintaining her lawn, and managing snow removal—activities that reflect her strong work ethic and love for nature.
A committed educator, June has been instructing seniors in basic computer skills at WCCCD Northwest, free of charge, since 2021. She believes that technological literacy is essential and takes pride in empowering seniors with the knowledge to navigate the digital world.
Her leadership extends across multiple organizations, serving as the Secretary of Sinai-Grace Guild CDC and the President of the Winship Community Improvement Association since 2017. Additionally, she is a Case Manager for Detroit Renaissance Group and a Community Ambassador, further demonstrating her commitment to uplifting others. She also volunteers at two food pantries on Detroit’s East Side, where she assists with registration for Forgotten Harvest, ensuring that families in need receive essential food resources.
June’s unwavering dedication to community service, advocacy, and education continues to make a lasting impact throughout Detroit.
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Ryan Mack
Board Member
Ryan graduated from the University of Michigan Business School with a concentration in Finance. His career in equity markets began in Detroit as a stock trader. He eventually traded for the largest NASDAQ trading firm in the nation, Knight Securities. He established his own financial awareness group in 2003, publishing newsletters about financial issues. In addition to being a financial advisor working with many prominent clients, he lends his support to inner-city communities by coordinating workshops and creating economic empowerment initiatives that teach the principles of financial literacy.
As a renowned public speaker, he has provided keynote presentations to organizations such as Harvard, Columbia and Princeton Universities, the NAACP, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Housing Preservation and Development, National Urban League, NASA, National Black MBA Association, the NBA, Microsoft Corporation, HSBC, KPMG, Johnson and Johnson, Six Flags, and Deutsche Bank. He can be regularly viewed on television networks such as GMTV, CNBC, CNN, Thomson Reuters, and BET discussing economic/social issues.
Ryan has also authored books “Living in the Village”, the “Playing Smart” financial handbook for athletes, and “The Stop and Frisk Handbook”; and co-authored a book with Kevin Powell entitled “The Black Male Handbook”.
Crystal Perkins
Board Member
Crystal Perkins was born and raised in Detroit, where she developed a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for hard work. From an early age, she was drawn to problem-solving and helping others, which ultimately shaped her career path.
With a passion for serving the community, she pursued opportunities with the City of Detroit, allowing her to make a meaningful impact in the city she loves. As Director of the General Services Department, she has worked diligently to improve processes, foster teamwork, and drive positive change within her organization. Her career has been centered around efficiency, innovation, and ensuring that her teams have the resources and support needed to succeed.
One of Crystal’s greatest strengths is her ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships. She believes that success is not just about achieving goals but also about uplifting others along the way. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in empowerment,
collaboration, and creating an environment where people feel valued and motivated to perform at their best.
Outside of work, Crystal is passionate about volunteering, mentoring, traveling, and giving back to others. Her commitment to community development is why she believes the work being done with the Community Development Corporation is essential to sustaining Detroit’s neighborhoods for current and future generations.
Throughout her journey, she has faced challenges, but each one has strengthened her resilience and determination. She remains committed to making a difference—both in her workplace and in the community—and looks forward to future opportunities to further this
mission. She believes in lifelong learning and continuous growth, both personally and professionally.
Crystal’s ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact—one that reflects her dedication, integrity, and vision for a stronger, more connected Detroit.
Evelyn Zweibach
Board Member
Evelyn (Evy) Zwiebach is a seasoned planner, policy analyst, and program manager with 15 years of experience advancing equitable communities. As Director with Enterprise Community Partners in Detroit, Evy leads initiatives that promote affordable housing production and preservation, tenant protections, and access to affordable homeownership. She is co-author of a policy brief on land contract reform and a Land Contract Buyer guide [detroitmi.gov] for City of Detroit residents. She also oversees the Detroit Home Repair Fund, which provides low-income Detroit homeowners with critical health and safety repairs, paired with energy improvements.
Prior to joining Enterprise, Evy was a planner with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning where she led neighborhood and municipal planning processes and helped develop the Agency’s regional plan. Evy also previously worked as Assistant Project Manager at Telesis Corporation, an affordable and mixed-income housing development company, and as a paralegal at New York Legal Assistance Group. Evy earned her Master in Urban Planning from Harvard Graduate School of Design and her Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College. Evy currently serves on the boards of Sinai-Grace Guild CDC and the Coalition for Home Repair.
Our Sponsors
