National Convening Program Books 2015 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 92
YEO Bios
Warren Seay
School Board Member
DeSoto, Texas
A product of DeSoto’s public schools, Seay has a strong commitment
to their continued success. On the school board, Seay spearheaded
projects to increase alumni participation in the district and challenged the
administration to enhance instruction and rigor. In 2011, Seay was elected
as the school board president, making him the youngest person in the state
to chair the municipal school board. Seay led the district through balancing
the current budget, lowering taxes, the naming of a new superintendent, opening the new College and
Career Academics, and numerous other major initiatives. @warrenseayjr
Mary Sheffield
City Council Member
Detroit, Michigan
Mary Sheffield is a native Detroiter with a track record of service and
leadership in her community. In November 2013, Sheffield became the
youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council at the age of 26.
Serving in District 5, Sheffield was appointed as chair of the Neighborhood
and Community Services Standing Committee, serves as a member of
the Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee, and has
been appointed as a board member for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. Sheffield has launched
a number of initiatives designed to engage residents and offer a truly representative form of
government. Some of her most groundbreaking initiatives include her monthly “Conversations with
the Councilwoman” series, the Neighborhood Angels Program, and the Homelessness Taskforce and
monthly e-newsletter. She is committed to building a “New Detroit” and attracting new residents but
wants to ensure the city remains committed to residents who stayed through the toughest of times.
@MsMarySheffield
Carl Sherman, Jr.
School Board Trustee
DeSoto, Texas
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Carl Sherman, Jr. is a school board trustee for DeSoto Independent
School District. Elected in 2013, Sherman is a staunch proponent of early
childhood education and STEM learning. During his tenure, the district has
placed a strong emphasis on these issues. In 2014 the district initiated the
iSTEAM program for grades 6-8, which is a STEM-based curriculum that
incorporates the arts. In 2015 the district introduced elementary magnet
academies that will provide exposure to technology, agriculture, business, and the arts at an early
age. In 2016 the district will open an early childhood center to educate students as young as three
years old. In his professional career, Sherman is a small business owner of a company that provides
maintenance and janitorial services to commercial businesses. He earned his B.A. in business
administration from Northwood University. @Ambitiousfew