Blog
Carol Goss Celebrated, Honored at Retirement Event
There were tearful speeches, funny quips, and shut-the-front-door performances from young Detroit performers.
There were coworkers, family and friends, neighborhood organizers, community activists, nonprofit leaders and a few dignitaries.
Oh, and there was dancing. African dancing, from a Wayne State University troop, as well as the good old fashion hustle.
On Wednesday night, hundreds gathered at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit to celebrate the legacy of longtime Skillman Foundation President & CEO Carol Goss.
Goss will retire at the end of 2013 after nearly a decade as the Foundation’s president & CEO. During her tenure, the Foundation underwent major strategic shifts, including becoming an embedded funder working on-the-ground in six neighborhoods.
Related: $10K scholarship to honor Goss at U-M School of Social Work
Goss, a social worker by training, championed that effort and became a voice for children in the city when few others were beating that drum.
Because of Carol Goss, the landscape of work for Detroit children has been reengineered. Because of her leadership, groups like Excellent Schools Detroit, Data Driven Detroit, Osborn Neighborhood Alliance, Congress of Communities Southwest Detroit, and Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance are in place now, moving outcomes for kids.
Throughout the night, Goss’ family members, friends, coworkers and others shared their praise for Carol and what she has meant for the city. Gov. Rick Snyder shared a message via video, and former mayor Dennis Archer came to say a few words, too.
When her time came to speak, Carol assured the assembled that her days as an advocate for Detroit children are far from over. The only question is what exactly is next.
Below, you’ll find the night captured in Tweets, Instagrams and other photos. If you want to share your own wishes for Carol, drop them in a comment or share via social media with hashtag #GoodbyeCarol, And don’t miss the video above, which includes many great moments, including Goss and her husband sitting down for an interview in their home, to talk about their long life together.
Photos by Paul Engstrom/Skillman Foundation
See many more photos from the event on our Facebook page.
Student Performances