WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Corktown Business Association is proud to recognize the women who power our community, especially during Women’s History Month. This month celebrates the achievements and contributions of women throughout history while highlighting the impactful work still being done today.

From business owners to community leaders, women in Corktown continue to inspire and drive progress in our neighborhood. Women's History Month reminds us to honor their resilience, leadership, and creativity, shaping a brighter future for all.

We celebrate the women who help make Corktown stronger every day.

Debra Walker (In Memoriam) | Community organizer, activist, writer, multimedia artist, poet and longtime Corktown resident

Debra Walker, a devoted community leader, passed away in November 2022 at the age of 69. A Wayne State University graduate, she retired from Daimler-Chrysler in 2007 and dedicated herself to service through AmeriCorps, nonprofit boards, and community programs.

After opening Ladel’s Books in Corktown with her daughter, Walker became deeply involved in the neighborhood, supporting local businesses and advocating for responsible development. She served on multiple boards, including the Corktown Business Association and the Board of Zoning Appeals, and was a founding member of the social justice group Black CAT.

Walker’s passion for uplifting others led her to create programs like WAVE, a support group for African American breast cancer patients, and Mighty Words, an after-school conflict resolution program. Her lifelong mission was to foster communication, preserve Corktown’s character, and empower her community.

Joyell Lewis | Owner, Joyola Mei Salon

Joyell Lewis, a licensed cosmetologist since 2011, brought her vision to life in May 2022 by opening Joyola Mei Salon in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood. Specializing in wavy, curly, textured, and coily hair, the salon addresses a vital need in Detroit’s beauty scene. Lewis's commitment to eco-conscious practices is reflected in her use of sustainable, vegan-friendly products, blending style with environmental responsibility.

As a Motor City Match awardee, Lewis turned her passion into a thriving business, serving as an inspiration for women and entrepreneurs of color. Her dedication to creating an inclusive, welcoming space has positioned Joyola Mei Salon as a beacon of empowerment in Detroit’s beauty industry.

Through her innovative approach, Joyell Lewis continues to uplift her community, offering a salon experience that celebrates natural beauty while promoting sustainability — a powerful example of leadership and vision.

Gabriela Santiago-Romero, MSW | Detroit City Council Member for District 6

Gabriela Santiago-Romero, an immigrant from Mexico raised in Southwest Detroit, has dedicated her life to justice and community advocacy. As the Policy and Research Director at a state-based movement organization, she has worked on policy changes and mutual aid efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. Her experiences growing up in poverty have shaped her dedication to addressing issues like housing instability and transportation. Gabriela also emphasizes the power of community, often rallying people to support one another in times of need.

Currently serving as Detroit’s City Council Member for District 6, Gabriela is the first Latina to chair the Public Health & Safety Committee and serves on the Budget, Finance & Audit Standing Committee. Her policy priorities include equitable development, housing, public safety, and environmental justice. Gabriela remains deeply committed to creating positive change in her community, continuing to advocate for the basic needs of Detroiters while strengthening connections across neighborhoods.

Rhonda Greene | Executive Director, Heritage Works

Rhonda Greene is the Executive Director of Heritage Works, bringing her passion for dance and culture to the forefront of her work. She began her journey in dance at just 12 years old and has since built a diverse career. Rhonda has worked on impactful programs such as the Knight Foundation Outreach Program at The Henry Ford and served as the Healthy & Smart program manager for the Detroit Empowerment Zone. She has also contributed to Detroit's Underground Railroad monument activities for Detroit 300 and worked with the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, handling production and folklife activities. With an internship at the Smithsonian Office of Folklife Programs and an MFA from Brown University, Rhonda’s extensive background reflects her dedication to preserving and celebrating culture in all its forms.

Angela Reyes | Founder & Executive Director, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC)Founder & Executive Director

Angela Reyes, Executive Director of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC), has been a driving force in Southwest Detroit since the 1970s. In 1997, she founded DHDC from her living room, determined to stop the cycle of youth violence.

Partnering with community leaders and local businesses, Reyes launched DHDC’s Gang Retirement and Continuing Education and Employment program, providing gang-involved youth with job opportunities and a path to positive change.

In 2001, DHDC moved to its current Corktown location, now a thriving 28,000 sq. ft. community center serving over 5,000 people annually — a lasting tribute to Reyes’ dedication to her community.

Rikki Hudson | Owner, Hudson Styling Co.

Rikki Hudson, owner of Hudson Styling Co., has transformed Detroit's beauty landscape with her unique approach to hair care. As a Detroit native, Hudson opened Hudson Styling Co. to provide a welcoming, inclusive space for clients of all hair textures. Her salon offers a range of services, including natural hair care, coloring, styling, extensions, and brow and lash enhancements.

Located in Detroit’s Robertson Building, Hudson Styling Co. is committed to sustainability, operating as Detroit’s first Aveda Lifestyle salon that exclusively uses 100% vegan Aveda products. The salon also features an Aveda Retail Experience Center, where clients can purchase eco-friendly beauty products that align with Hudson's vision of sustainable self-care.

Through her dedication to quality, environmental responsibility, and community, Rikki Hudson has established herself as a trailblazer in Detroit’s beauty industry, redefining salon standards with her innovative and inclusive approach.

Madeline Sherman | Owner, Momma Sherm’s

Madeline Sherman is the proud owner of Momma Sherms, a Detroit-based food business inspired by her Middle Eastern heritage and family recipes. With a deep love for cooking and tradition, Madeline created Momma Sherms to share comforting, home-cooked dishes that reflect her cultural roots. Her commitment to authenticity, flavor, and community has earned her a loyal following. Through her work, Madeline continues to celebrate her family’s legacy while contributing to Detroit’s vibrant food scene

Tina Arroyo, ABOC | Owner, Spectacle Society

Tina Arroyo, owner of Spectacle Society in Corktown, is one of just 11 opticians in Detroit certified by the American Board of Opticianry. Combining her love for fashion, photography, and eyewear, Tina founded her boutique to provide personalized experiences that help clients express their unique style. Spectacle Society specializes in handcrafted, independent eyewear while also investing back into Detroit's community. Despite opening in 2020 amid COVID-19 challenges, Tina’s dedication has built a space that celebrates individuality and connection through eyewear.

Sheila Cockrel | Owner Crossroads Consulting

Sheila Cockrel is a former Detroit councilwoman who made significant contributions to the city's growth and development during her 16 years of service. Known for her integrity and dedication, she earned a reputation as a consistent voice of reason. During her time on the Detroit City Council, Sheila served as chair of the Budget, Finance, and Audit Standing Committee, where she was instrumental in shaping policies that fostered economic development, improved public services, and enhanced the quality of life for Detroiters.

In 2012, Sheila, along with Wayne State University’s President Emeritus, Dr. Irvin Reid, co-founded the civic engagement initiative CitizenDetroit. Its mission is to provide factual, non-partisan information to help citizens make informed decisions about public policies and candidates running for office.

In addition to her work with CitizenDetroit, Sheila is the president and CEO of Crossroads Consulting, a full-service public policy and public affairs consultancy. She is a proud member of the Board of Directors for the Corktown Business Association, continuing her commitment to fostering local growth and community engagement.

Sheila’s leadership and impact have been widely recognized, earning her the 2014 Distinguished Warrior Award from the Detroit Urban League. Drawing on her wealth of experience in local government, Sheila is a frequent guest lecturer and a regular contributor on local broadcast news media public affairs programs.

Sheila holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a Master of Arts in urban planning from Wayne State University. Even after her time in office, Sheila continues to be a respected voice in Detroit’s civic landscape, actively working towards a brighter future for the city's diverse communities.

Deveri Gifford | Co-owner, Brooklyn Street Local

Deveri Gifford, co-owner of The Brooklyn Street Local, has made a lasting impact on Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood since opening her restaurant in 2012. Originally from Toronto, Gifford and her then-husband, Jason Yates, embraced Detroit’s potential and transformed a former diner into a cherished breakfast and brunch spot. Her dedication to locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and a welcoming environment quickly turned The Brooklyn Street Local into more than just a restaurant — it became a hub for community connection.

A true advocate for environmental responsibility, Gifford implemented eco-conscious practices like composting, recycling, and supporting local farmers and vendors. Her commitment to sustainability and mindful consumption set a powerful example in the industry.

Facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gifford made the difficult decision to temporarily close the restaurant in 2021. However, her resilience and dedication to Corktown’s community inspired her to reimagine The Brooklyn Street Local. In 2022, she announced plans to reopen with a streamlined menu, counter service, and adjusted hours — balancing quality dining with personal well-being.

Through her innovation, advocacy, and perseverance, Deveri Gifford has shown remarkable leadership in Detroit’s food scene. Her journey reflects a powerful commitment to sustainability, equity, and the power of food to bring people together

Sandy Simmons | Manager, Nemo’s

Sandy Simmons has been a beloved fixture at Nemo’s for over 30 years, bringing warmth, dedication, and an infectious smile that has made every guest feel at home. As a longtime manager and now the event coordinator, Sandy has played an essential role in shaping the welcoming atmosphere that Nemo’s is known for. Whether she’s coordinating unforgettable gatherings or simply greeting customers with her signature warmth, her passion for hospitality shines through. Her commitment and energy have made her a true cornerstone of the Nemo’s family, and anyone who walks through the doors knows that a friendly face and a great experience are guaranteed with Sandy around!

Rohani Foulkes | Owner, Folk

Rohani Foulkes is the visionary co-founder of Folk Detroit, an artisanal café and specialty market located in Corktown, known for its focus on ethically sourced, seasonal comfort foods and a commitment to community-building through food. With over three decades in the food industry, including working as a professional chef in Australia, Rohani’s passion for food and community led her to create Folk after identifying a need for locally sourced produce in Detroit. Folk started as The Farmer’s Hand farm stand and evolved into the thriving café and market it is today.

A pioneer of the no-tip movement in Detroit, Rohani is dedicated to creating a fair and equitable work environment, offering benefits like parental leave, fair wages, and inclusion training for her team. Her commitment to sustainable practices and community impact is evident in Folk’s partnerships with local farmers and their dedication to minimizing food waste. Folk’s success was recognized nationally in 2019 when it was named one of Food & Wine’s 19 Great Restaurants to Work For. Rohani continues to foster a space where food connects people, celebrating her Indigenous roots and the lessons learned from her mother and grandmother.

Alana Rodriguez | Owner, Mama Coo’s

Alana Rodriguez, owner of Mama Coo's Boutique, has created a space that’s as welcoming as it is unique. Located in Corktown, Mama Coo’s offers an eclectic mix of vintage finds, resale treasures, and handmade goods — all at affordable prices. Whether you're on the hunt for mid-century modern furniture, vintage clothing, or one-of-a-kind accessories, Alana’s thoughtfully curated collection never disappoints.

Rooted deeply in community and family history, Mama Coo’s is more than just a boutique — it’s a piece of Alana’s story. As a lifelong southwest Detroit resident, she chose Corktown for her shop to stay close to home. In a beautiful twist of fate, Alana discovered that her grandparents once lived in the very building her shop now occupies. Inspired by this connection, she named her boutique after her grandfather’s nickname for her: “Mama Coo.”

Since opening in 2016, Alana has made it her mission to create a welcoming space for all. She’s dedicated to keeping her prices accessible and regularly supports local artists and community events. As Corktown continues to grow and change, Mama Coo’s stands as a heartfelt reminder of the neighborhood’s rich history and strong sense of community.