THE CHANGE AGENTS

Sommer Woods is a consummate advocate for equity and inclusion. This is evidenced by her storied professional career which spans over two decades. The very fabric of her being is to champion for inclusivity, and she is unwavering in this commitment. Sommer has conducted extensive data analysis and benchmarking studies to determine inclusive objectives. Her skill set also includes creating project specific procurement goals and complying with federally mandated procurement guidelines for minority and women-owned businesses, which she exceeded the industry's standards and met the 25% goal on a major transportation project.

She has successfully advanced her agenda for inclusion by utilizing various resources available to her. This included implementing golf clinics for inner city youth for the PGA Tour; creating internships for students of color while working in various capacities including the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix and as an appointee to Mayor Dave Bing; and spearheading talent acquisition efforts to ensure diverse representation. Sommer was also instrumental in creating a new infrastructure to address equity and inclusion concerns at her alma mater, Mercy High School (Farmington, MI). This included enhanced curriculum and processes, creation of an accountability council, and the development of an inaugural faculty position designed to foster sensitivity and inclusion. 

An ardent supporter of young people, Sommer has actively mentored young professionals and high school students in Detroit for well over a decade with the Midnight Golf program. During these collaborative encounters, she unselfishly shares her wisdom, and expertise. She understands that this is a population that often lacks access to resources, networks and information. She provides guidance and counsel, and helps them identify and secure opportunities for professional and personal growth and development. Sommer also utilizes her networks to identify and secure employment options for her mentees.

Sommer understands the power of community engagement and how it can effectively create synergy and an environment of cooperation and inclusion. She intentionally approaches every project with the overarching premise to advocate for all stakeholders to be heard. As a result of her extensive experience, she 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 the stated objectives of her clients are diverse programming; navigating complex relationships with various stakeholders; ensuring that volunteers and team members reflect their respective communities; establishing business and community advisory councils and increased economic investment resulting from the development of tactical partnerships. Sommer is results-oriented and can be the catalyst for sustainable change. 

When she is not advocating for equity, Sommer enjoys playing golf, trying new recipes, dancing like no one is watching, traveling, enjoying the sisterhood of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and attending HBCU events.

Michele Lewis Watts, Ph.D. has been exploring and working to dispel the inherent disparities relative to equity and inclusion for over 25 years. Her involvement in organized sports served as the impetus for her interest in an area that has intrigued her personally, professionally and academically. Dr. Watts completed her Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science at Wayne State University on the impact of gender stereotypes on the gender and athletic identities of middle school African American girl athletes. Her research was significantly influenced by her volleyball coaching experiences. As a Black girl raised in a suburban community, coaching in Detroit exposed her to the inequities of starkly different communities in a more personal way. The physical condition of the schools, funding inequities, the financial situation of players, and the lack of supplies and resources was disturbing and pervasive.

The experience of most urban athletes is challenging; the intersection of urban environments and girls was even more disheartening. After coaching for several years, mentoring her players, and witnessing the limited opportunities for Black girls to play organized, competitive volleyball in Detroit, Dr. Watts partnered with Detroit PAL to address the barriers that limited access for this population. This collaboration focused on intentionally growing the sport in Detroit. Prior to this partnership, there were no AAU programs in the city. Their collective efforts yielded AAU teams, provided low cost entry and improved accessibility for participation and athletic scholarships. She joined the board of PAL to raise awareness for and specifically address biases and resource and participation inequities for girls. Dr. Watt’s professional development was also complemented by her tenure at the Michigan Women’s Foundation. While in their employ, she became immersed in the various facets of gender equity. This experience expanded her overall perspective and interest in equity and inclusion. Her focus shifted from a micro perspective to a macro perspective. She fully understood that the lack of inclusion not only adversely impacted athletes, it also permeated all aspects of society.

Academics which includes curriculum design, is the platform Dr. Watts utilizes to effect change for her students and her clients. In her role as Director and Assistant Professor, Sport Management at Madonna University, she is in a fluid educational environment that encourages the exploration of novel ideas, theories and concepts and also reveals the inequities of our K-12 educational system in preparing students for higher education. As an academician, she enjoys the challenge and satisfaction of creating an environment for respectful, engaging, thought provoking and potentially difficult exchanges that lead to reflection and personal growth. This is especially true when she guides her students through her Gender and Race in Sport class, which she most enjoys teaching. This forum allows her to facilitate valued discussions about race, biases, resources, and barriers that impede inclusivity and equity in the sports industry. Her commitment to equity and inclusion is her driving force for delivering lasting and tangible solutions.

An avid learner, Dr. Watts enjoys reading, engaging in debates and watching documentaries. She also, of course, loves sports and the outdoors, hosting friends and families for events, and playing with her two grandboys. Whenever she can, she goes up north to enjoy and work to reinvigorate Idlewild, Michigan, a historic African American lake community.