Meet Sherisse M. Butler
Sherisse M. Butler is a change-catalyst. Her work with the city's youth is driven by the values instilled in her by her grandparents. A native Detroiter and DPS graduate-a proud King Crusader, she never forgot how important it is to stop and reach back to the next generation
Impact at City Year Detroit
In her role as Senior Vice President and Executive Director of City Year Detroit, Sherisse brings over two decades of experience. She drives change and impacts the lives of students right here in the city. Under her leadership.
Sherisse's Results at City Year Detroit
1
$6M Public Funding
City Year Detroit’s recruitment has grown over 75% and the organization received its first-ever state appropriation under her leadership. The organization has received $6M in public funding over two fiscal years—increasing services to AmeriCorps members and Detroit students.
2
Expanded Services
Her leadership has expanded the reach and impact of workforce and leadership development training to over 100 young adults and CYD has expanded services to 6 new schools under her leadership.
3
Student Improvements
Her expanded emphasis on evidence-based academic training on the science of reading and Mental Health First Aid has shown demonstrable gains in student outcomes. Over 80% of students are showing improvement in Math and ELA. City Year is one of the most impactful organizations in Detroit helping students to get back on track and graduate from high school on time!
'Sherisse's commitment to her hometown Detroit extends far beyond her professional role"
Community Involvement
Sherisse's Education
Having received her bachelor’s and master’s Degrees at Columbia University in the City of New York, she decided to move back home to Detroit in 2015 to be a part of the change that she wanted to see in her hometown. Sherisse believes it is her mission to kick in the doors of opportunity, build a table, and bring in more chairs to accommodate the voices of our young people.
A recipient of numerous awards including the Skillman Foundation’s Visionary Award, Michigan Chronicle’s 2024 Standout Black Nonprofit Leader and Crain’s 40 under 40, Sherisse firmly believes that education gives young people the ability to dream and realize any possibility in life.