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 YEO National Convening | 2015 91 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