National Convening Program Books 2016 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 76

YEO Bios
MARY SHEFFIELD City Councilmember
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

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 six through eight, 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. These
programs will build on each other, working to close the gap some students face. In his professional
career, Sherman owns a small business that provides maintenance and janitorial services to
commercial enterprises. He earned his B.A. in business administration from Northwood
University. @Ambitiousfew

CLEMENT SMITH State Representative
St. Louis, Missouri

A member of the minority whip team, Clem Smith was born in 1977 in St. Louis City. Rep.
Smith is a graduate of Clayton High School, and received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia
College. He currently resides in St. Louis County. Rep. Smith is employed as an aircraft assembly
mechanic. He is a member of Albert Holman #179 F&AM-PHA, the International Association
of Machinist and Aerospace Workers L.L 837A, Missouri State Workers Union/CWA Local
6355, Multiple Sclerosis Society, CBTU, and NAACP. Rep. Smith serves on the executive
committees of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the Nation Labor Caucus
(AFL-CIO). He was elected to the House in 2010 and 2012.

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YEO BIOS