The Skillman Foundation announced that Angelique Power will lead the organization as president and CEO, beginning September 13. Power is an accomplished champion for racial justice who comes to the foundation after serving as president of the Field Foundation in Chicago.  

“Detroiters do not suffer fools. I will enter Detroit hat-in-hand, ready to listen and learn. In fact, this is one of the things that excited me the most. I move at the speed of relationships, which move at the speed of trust. Trust is the ultimate determinant of success,” Power told CMF. 

According to a press release, Power was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago by a white, Jewish mother who was a Chicago Public School teacher and an African American father who rose to be Sergeant in the Chicago Police force. Power has an intense passion for catalyzing new ways of thinking about racial equity and social justice.

"Angelique is a strong mission and cultural fit for The Skillman Foundation. She continues the foundation's line of bold, conscientious leaders who pursue an ambitious vision for Detroit children by nurturing shared power across our team, our partners, and the people of Detroit, including and especially its youth." Maria Woodruff-Wright, interim president and CEO and vice president of operations and CFO of The Skillman Foundation said. 

As Detroit and Michigan grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial inequities that stifle opportunity and prosperity for Detroit youth, Power will continue the foundation’s work to advance an Opportunity Agenda for Detroit Children, retooling systems to center child well-being, youth voice and leadership, and skills that align to the future of work. 

“Young people need to be the designers of their own destinies rather than the beneficiaries of others’ benevolence. I look forward to joining The Skillman Foundation team to amplify the voices of Detroit youth in this moment we most need to hear from them and to ensure they are able to dream and design their destiny,” Power told CMF.

According to the press release, Power started her career in philanthropy with the Dayton Hudson Corporation, where she learned about corporate social responsibility and what effective civic engagement looks like in areas across the Midwest, including in Detroit. 

She went on to lead community relations giving at Target Corporation. In addition, she has served as director of community engagement and communications at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and as program director at the Joyce Foundation where her regional focus included funding in Detroit.  

“I want to congratulate The Skillman Foundation on the choice of Angelique Powers as its next president. I’ve seen Angelique have extraordinary impact as a foundation leader in her hometown of Chicago where she has been an enduring champion for racial equity, bringing resources to bear in service of systems change and justice for communities of color. Angelique is a truth teller, careful listener, and bridge builder. She will bring a fresh perspective on how to advance opportunity and prosperity for our young people in Detroit. She will also bring a deep humility and respect for the rich insights and history of Detroiters. She is truly an inspired choice.” Melanca Clark, president and CEO of Hudson-Webber Foundation and CMF trustee said. 

As president of the Field Foundation, Power doubled the grantmaking and staff size through strategic partnerships locally and nationally. Additionally, under her leadership, a socially responsible and racially equitable focus was added to the endowment, new funding paradigms were created, and the foundation’s impact measurement was re-thought. 

“I am excited to welcome Angelique Power to our community of philanthropy. Ms. Power’s leadership at the Field Foundation came at a critical time for Chicago. She brings a vital perspective to The Skillman Foundation’s focus on children and families in Detroit. She is a champion for the power of equity-centered philanthropy and I look forward to working closely with her as she begins her new role at The Skillman Foundation,” Kyle Caldwell, president and CEO, CMF said.

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Read the full press release.