“Children DESERVE to receive every opportunity to be leaders of their learning and advocates of their lives. Along with many others, I assign myself to make meaningful contributions to dismantling the inequities to liberate education for Detroit children. I unapologetically and boldly stand for children in gratitude to all the individuals who stood for me during my childhood and educational journey.” 

Dr. Carmen Kennedy-Rogers is the director of Ground Building, supporting the power of Detroit youth, educators, and residents to shift education policy and systems change. Previously, Carmen led the Foundation’s K-12 Education grantmaking.  

Prior to the joining the Foundation, Carmen served as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Avondale Schools in Auburn Hills, where she was responsible for providing leadership and vision to the district by supporting its efforts in planning, implementation, development, direction, review and evaluation of curriculum and instructional services. She oversaw the district’s federal programs, career and technical education services, assessments, research and educator evaluation services. She also served in five different Michigan school districts as a high school basketball coach, physical education teacher, athletic director, and high school principal at a turnaround school. Carmen currently serves as a board member for Wayne State University College of Education Board of Visitors. Previously, she served on the Michigan High School Athletic Association Representative Council and the Michigan Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Board of Directors. 

Carmen holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and three degrees from Wayne State University, including a Master of Arts in Sports Administration, School Counseling, and an Education Specialist Degree. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Michigan-Flint in 2020. 

Carmen is married to Alex Rogers, Jr. and together they gratefully raise their son, Alexander Rogers, III. They reside in the Detroit Metro area with their rescue dog, Molly. Outside of work, she focuses on self-care by meditating, reflective journaling, living a healthy lifestyle, and spending quality meaningful time with family and friends. 

Areas of expertise:
Building relationships with educators, school leaders, and other stakeholders in Detroit’s K-12 education landscape.

How I can help partners:
Providing opportunities to listen and learn, as well as thought partnership, co-design, and supporting their work however possible.

A quote that describes my outlook:
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” -Maya Angelou

How I reenergize:
Spending time with family and friends, enjoying coffee and cupcakes, prayer, essential oils, journaling, and candles