THE CHANGE AGENTS

At Woods & Watts Effect we know what it feels like to be the only woman and/or person of color at the proverbial table.

Collectively we have over 60 years of experience in public, private and independent sectors.

Working within diverse institutions allowed us to gain intimate knowledge of the inequities that are inherent in many organizations.

This cross sector experience also provides a unique perspective on the functionality of organizational systems. We are able to identify where inequities reside within an entity, and we engage our clients to create viable solutions. Our team is a complementary balance of practical experience coupled with scholarly knowledge. This collaboration of experience is extremely useful when developing relevant solutions based on historical context.

You don’t have to live next to me / Just give me my equality.

- Nina Simone

singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, and civil rights activist

Sommer Woods

Sommer Woods is a consummate advocate for equity and inclusion. This is evidenced by her storied professional career which spans over 25 years. She values and fully understands the importance of strategic alignment, and its ability to reset how an organization, a project or an individual is perceived. Some of the proven methods that she has successfully utilized to achieve client objectives are diverse programming; navigating complex relationships with various stakeholders; ensuring that volunteers and team members reflect their respective communities; and establishing business and community advisory councils. Her background in sports and events is evident in the implementation of client programming and productions that are delivered to ensure equitable and inclusive participation. Her advocacy for others continues ‘out of the office’ as she has mentored Detroit’s young for more than 15 years, providing guidance, networks, and access to opportunities. Sommer is results-oriented and can be the catalyst for sustainable change.

Michele Lewis Watts, Ph.D.

Michele Lewis Watts, Ph.D., has spent more than 30 years addressing disparities in equity and inclusion. Her passion began through her personal experiences in organized sports, which later shaped her professional and academic interests. She earned her Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science from Wayne State University, studying how gender stereotypes influence the gender and athletic identities of African American middle school girls—research sparked from coaching volleyball in Inkster and Detroit. Her experiences in professional sports, recreation, and non-profits in and around metro Detroit revealed deep disparities that she has worked to address. Dr. Watts has partnered with organizations to create accessible programs for youth and women, utilizing strategies such as reducing participation costs, advising on gender-biased programming, and expanding educational and training access for the underemployed. As a professor, she designed curricula and created opportunities to meet the needs of her students – many of which were first generation college students - while fostering challenging discussions on bias and barriers. Dr. Watts remains committed to making tangible change for clients.