Board of Directors
Eugene North Sr.
Co-Founder, Black Male Achievement Initiative (BMAI) & Behavior Interventionist, Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
Eugene S. North Sr. is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in the educational sector, specializing in mentoring and supporting young people. His passion for sports serves as a tool for engaging students and fostering their personal and academic growth. With a commitment to creating a positive impact, he encourages youth to develop their potential, build resilience, and cultivate important life skills.
Currently, North serves as a Behavior Interventionist at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy and has served in multiple capacities over his career at the school. He led the Boy’s Varsity Basketball team to win the District Championship during the 2023-2024 season. He’s responsible for building the current athletic program, including implementing baseball and cross-county at the academy as the Athletic Director.
North is the Co-Founder of Black Male Achievement Initiative and the Program Director for Dream Studio Detroit. In his role, he is responsible for advancing the mission for DSD and the programming for BMAI.
North is a devoted husband and father of three boys. He is a native Detroiter who loves his city. He is strong and steadfast in his faith and believes in treating others the way he would want to be treated. North’s ultimate goal is to give students resources to thrive and be successful in today’s society.
Tayon Shelby
Senior Director Field Maintenance Operations – Northeast Region, US Foods & BMAI Member
Tayon Shelby is a seasoned fleet operations executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience overseeing large-scale teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and operational performance across multiple locations. He holds an MBA from Walsh College, a Bachelor of Science in Automotive and Heavy Equipment Management from Ferris State University, and an associate degree in Diesel Industrial Technology from the Universal Technical Institute (UTI).
This combination of advanced business education and deep technical training provides Tayon with a unique leadership profile—one that blends strategic vision with practical, industry-grounded expertise. Known for his integrity, data-driven decision-making, and ability to lead large-scale transformation, Tayon has guided complex fleet organizations through improved performance, cost optimization, and team development at every level.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Tayon is a devoted husband and father of four whose commitment to family shapes his involvement in the community. He has been active for many years in youth sports, mentoring, and programs that support personal growth, discipline, and academic success for young people. Tayon values creating stable, supportive environments for children and families, and he brings a steady, community-centered perspective grounded in service, accountability, and a belief in strengthening opportunities for future generations.
Charity Dean
Founder, CEO, Michigan Black Business Alliance & Founder/Owner Rosa Detroit (KK/Biz Kidz parent)
Charity Dean is the President and CEO of the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA). After earning a political science degree from Oakland University, Charity graduated from the University of Detroit Law School.
Before founding MBBA, Charity served in Mayor Duggan’s cabinet as Director of Civil Rights addressing civil rights violations and supporting small and minority-owned businesses. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she led the city’s small business response. This momentum led her to co-found the MBBA, serving over 2,000 Black business members and facilitating access to over $12 million in funding.
Charity owns Rosa, a cafe in Grandmont Rosedale, with a second location opening on the Detroit Riverfront in fall 2024. Rosa is named after her great-grandmother, who faced racial injustices moving into Rosedale Park. Charity serves on the Citizens Research Council, Michigan Women’s Commission, Detroit Women’s Leadership Network, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, State Bar of Michigan and Wolverine Bar Association, the state’s largest association of Black attorneys. In 2024, Charity was named a Game Changer by Ilitch Sports & Entertainment and awarded the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Innovator of the Year. She was also honored as a Trailblazer by Alpha Kappa Alpha Lambda Pi Omega Chapter. Previously, she was recognized as one of Crain’s, 40 under 40 and 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan and one of Axios’ 8 Most Influential Leaders in Detroit in 2022 and Detroit Free Press Shining Light Award in 2020.
Valencia DeLoach
KK/Biz Kidz parent
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Valencia DeLoach is a dedicated professional and community advocate. A proud graduate of Detroit’s Renaissance High School, she earned honors and a full academic scholarship through the Detroit Compact program. Valencia continued her education at Grand Valley State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management, and later earned a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Wilmington University in 2008.
With over 20 years of experience in the automotive sector, Valencia has established herself as an esteemed HR professional. She currently functions as a Senior EEO Staff Advisor, where she administers policies and programs to promote workplace efficiency and equity.
Beyond her professional achievements, Valencia is a devoted mother of twin daughters and deeply values community resources and support networks. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of Kidz Kingdom and the Biz Kidz youth entrepreneurial summer program, she wholly understands the importance of empowering young people and fostering opportunities for growth.
Valencia is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Dream Studio Detroit, a community-centric organization and looks forward to contributing to its continued success.
Danielle D. North
Founder
North is a wife, mother of three, long-distance runner, children’s book author and founder. North is a first-generation college graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Central Michigan University, and a Masters of Science in Management from Walsh College. North is a cradle to career education and strategic consultant and specializes in driving ideas from paper to process to implementation.
As a visionary and strategist, North has successfully founded several initiatives: Kidz Kingdom, Detroit’s first indoor playground, which is also a licensed childcare center; Detroit Women’s Leadership Network, which has grown to over 14,000 members on its Facebook platform; Biz Kidz – to enhance her commitment to mentoring future entrepreneurs, Degree Forward to contribute to closing the college completion gap, and Dream Studio Detroit to culminate all of her initiatives under one umbrella. North currently serves as the Founding Executive Director of Bottom Line Detroit. A national nonprofit spanning across sites in Boston, New York, Chicago, and Dayton. Bottom Line partners with degree-aspiring students from first generation and low-income backgrounds as they get into college, graduate, and go far in life.
North has received many awards and honors for her advocacy and commitment to children, women, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is a proud 2012 alumni of the prestigious German Marshall Memorial Fellowship; a 2018 Race Relations & Diversity Taskforce Diversity Champion; a 2019, Detroit Free Press, Shining Light Mayor Dave Bing Future Leader Awardee and in 2021, North was awarded the honor and distinction of Crain’s 40 under 40. North is a Kresge Thrive Leader Fellow Alumnus, founding board member of MBBA and former Vice President of the board, fund development board member of Black Leaders Detroit.