60 Examples of Detroit Genius: 31-40
Detroit youth possess genius. Their talent comes in all forms: academics, arts, sports, service to the community, and more.
To celebrate Detroit genius, we asked the community-at-large to let us know of young people who astonish and inspire.
Here, we highlight honorees 31 through 40.
Javion Terrell
Age: 17
Genius: Acclaimed Artist & Musician
A multi-instrumentalist and multimedia artist, Javíon has performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Youth ensemble and Oakland University’s Honors Orchestra and danced in a local production of “The Boy from Hutchinson Street.”
Jaylin Dorsey-Mitchell
Age: 18
Genius: In-Demand Photographer
In addition to having photos published in the Detroit Free Press and serving as a district photographer for Chandler Park Academy, Jaylin teaches community photography classes.
Jea’na Warden
Age: 24
Genius: Literacy Mentor
As a member of Hope Network’s Michigan Education Corp, Jea’na teaches literacy to K-3 students at Munger Elementary School.
Jenise Williams
Age: 24
Genius: Super Teacher
Jenise, a former DPSCD Rookie of the Year, is a second-year kindergarten teacher at Burns Elementary, where her students routinely show tremendous growth on assessments.
Jeshua Yglesias
Age: 23
Genius: Change Maker
Jeshua founded the Detroit Goodfellows‘ Next Gen program for teen volunteers and young philanthropists.
Jimena Garcia
Age: 7
Genius: Budding Visual Artist
Jimena uses her unique artistic style to create visual stories for the books she reads, helping her build both art and reading skills.
Kennedi Cornelius
Age: 14
Genius: Dance Star
Kennedi, a dancer with My Sister’s Keeper, uses her art to mentor young girls and bring awareness to community problems.
Khari Haynes
Age: 18
Genius: Mega Mentor
Khari helps students improve their grades and incorporates culturally-responsive teaching with his mentees.
Kristina Bland & Gabe Francis
Ages: 15 & 17
Genius: Ice Dancing Champions
Kristina and Gabe are gold medalists, winning the 2020 Championship for U.S. Intermediate Ice Dance.
Motor City Street Dance Academy
Ages: 6-17
Genius: Superstar Breakdance Team
The youth at MCSDA do more than just preserve hip-hop history; they build community values and support one another on the dance floor and beyond.
Check out the full list of Detroit Genius honorees and share this blog using #DetroitGenius.
The Skillman Foundation
The Skillman Foundation is a grantmaking organization established in 1960 by Rose Skillman. We have granted out more than $730 million and have served as a vocal advocate to strengthen K-12 education, afterschool programming, child-centered neighborhoods, youth and community leadership, and racial equity and justice.
We are in the process of developing a new strategic framework, co-designed with Detroit youth and their champions.