Published by: Ashley Terry, Ed.D.
October 2024
Well, friends, it’s that time! As I prepare to bid farewell to my role as Deputy Director at Detroit College Access Network (DCAN), I find myself reflecting on what a truly remarkable journey this has been. Over the past two years, we have had a singular mission: increasing college access and success for the students and families of Detroit. And let me tell you, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career.
When I first joined DCAN, I knew I was stepping into a role with big goals and big dreams. The task ahead of us was clear – remove inequitable barriers, advocate for our community through a powerful policy lens, and fight against the inequalities that our students and professionals face regularly. It has not always been easy, but the journey was worth every minute. Together, we have been part of something much larger than ourselves, paving pathways and breaking down obstacles for Detroit’s young minds and future leaders.
Let me take a moment to give a shout-out to the DCAN team. Honestly, I do not think I could have asked to be part of a better squad. I know I am probably a little biased here, but I truly believe we are the best Local College Access Network (LCAN) in the country. You all have made this journey an unforgettable one. I have enormous respect for each one of you and am endlessly grateful for your dedication and passion. To my team Ashley Lane-Barrett, Daniel Valentine, Latayia Byars, and colleagues Jasmine Brooks and Kendra Agee, I hope that under my leadership and guidance, you have felt supported and encouraged to grow, both personally and professionally. You are an extraordinary group, and it has been my greatest privilege to watch each of you bring your unique talents, perspectives, and passion to our work. I hope that I have been able to provide you with the tools, trust, and freedom you needed to explore new ideas, take risks, and push beyond the limits of what you thought possible. You have each contributed to our success in ways that can never be overstated, and I am deeply grateful for your dedication and resilience.
Special thank you to our Executive Director, Cyekeia Lee. Your vision, energy, passion, and leadership have been instrumental in helping me grow in ways I never could have imagined. In this line of work, one must be bold and fierce, and you have exemplified both with remarkable grace and resilience. I am deeply grateful for your unwavering belief in my ability to shoulder the responsibilities of this role, and for allowing me to bring my vision and strategies to all DCAN’s programmatic areas. Thank you for your trust, and guidance, and for inspiring me to be the best version of myself every day.
Hear me out… one last time…
Detroit’s Counselors and professionals, I know in the day-to-day hustle, it can sometimes be hard to see the impact of your work, and there may be moments when it feels as though your efforts go unnoticed. Let me assure you, nothing could be further from the truth. You are the foundational piece of our youth’s success, and your commitment to moving the needle in college access and success is both invaluable and transformative.
Every conversation you have, every bit of guidance you offer, every resource you make available, every exposure opportunity, and every moment you spend advocating for our students makes a profound difference. It is another barrier removed so our students can move forward. Opening doors to higher education, you are helping to build a brighter future not only for individual students but for entire families and communities. The work you do goes far beyond the walls of your schools—it is about building pathways, breaking down barriers, and providing hope and possibility where it may have once seemed out of reach.
So please, remember this: you are valued. Your role is essential, and your dedication does not go unnoticed. You are the heart and backbone of our community's success, and we are incredibly grateful for all that you do to make college access and success a reality for Detroit’s youth. Thank you for being the champions of our students' dreams and for your unwavering commitment to their futures. Your work truly changes lives!
In closing, as I step away, I do so knowing that DCAN will continue to thrive and lead the charge in creating opportunities for Detroit’s students. The work we do is never-ending, and I am confident the team will continue to drive change, combat injustices, and open doors for generations to come.
With heartfelt gratitude and sincerest thanks,
Dr. Ashley Terry
Deputy Director, DCAN
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