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Ordinary people
doing extraordinary things.

Chronic absenteeism plagues our city and leads to poor academic performance. Meet the team that tackles this issue daily.

2022-2026

Board of Directors

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The Konnection embodies the essence of my childhood...

 The Konnection embodies the essence of my childhood: support, love, attention, fun, and excitement. With a solid family foundation, I aim to extend these blessings to every child I encounter. Their happiness and well-being are the driving force behind The Konnection.

Sharnese Harris, CEO & Founder of The Konnection

Founder & CEO

Sharnese Harris

I have a heart for our Kommunity -- I can't abandon where I grew up..."

I'm born and raised in Detroit. I had a great childhood but longed for the day I could make an impact. Programming for the Konnection has been a dream come true. Seeing our kids excel after our programs is a joy.

Sarah Marshall, Project Manager of The Konnection

Sarah Marshall

Project Manager

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Suzanne Marshall, Finance Director of The Konnection

Finance
Queen

Suzanne Marshall

CEO, Nanny on Wheels

Sharnese Marshall, CEO of The Konnection

CEO & Founder

Sharnese Marshall

The Konnection

DeAnte Thompkins, Out Reach Director at The Konnection

Konnector

DeAnte Thompkins

Market Director, Thrivent Financial 

Brandi Haggins, Problem Solver at the Konnection

Problem
Solver

Brandi Haggins

Director of Collaborative Workspace & Facilities, TechTown

Gavin Marshall, Innovator at the Konnection

Innovative
Thinker

Gavin Marshall

Director of Logistics, Lear Corporation

Increase access to quality after school programs

Increase access to quality after school programs

Improve attendance rates

Improve math and reading scores

Improve graduation rates

Improve school climate / culture

No mission

is complete

without goals.

See our current goals and find out how you can support us.

2026

Advisory Board
Kommittee

Join the

team today.

Become a mentor or volunteer and help us defeat chronic absenteeism. 

"My contributions are appreciated and my voice is heard -- mentoring helps the kids, but it's changed my life..."

- Danny

Dannny, a profile picture taken for testimonial entry

2024-2025

Administrative

Team

Jhonika Hawkins, Advisory Board Member for The Konnection

Jhonika Hawkins

Excel Marketing

Laurel Whalen, Advisory Board Member for The Konnection

Laurel Whalen

Wayne State University

Gail Perry Mason, Advisory Board Member for The Konnection

Gail Perry Mason

Money Matters 4 Youth

Chris Economeas, Advisory Board Member for The Konnection

Chris Economeas

Detroit Pistons

Imani Foster, Advisory Board Member for The Konnection

Imani Foster

482 Forward

Breyana Lowe, Advisory Board Member for The Konnection

Breyana Lowe

St. Jude Research Hospital

Nando Felten, Advisory Board Member for The Konnection

Nando Felten

Google, Code Next Detroit

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Seeing the impact of our work firsthand, I felt called to step into a greater role...

I started as a mentor with The Konnection, but I knew I wanted to do more. Seeing the impact of our work firsthand, I felt called to step into a greater role. As the Program Assistant, I carry the weight of our mission with pride, knowing that every connection we make transforms lives.

Lydia Marshall, Program Assistant of The Konnection

Program Assistant

Lydia Marshall

KaiLaunei Tripp, Intern at The Konnection

KaiLaunei Tripp

Intern

As a DPSCD student, I understand firsthand the importance of support...

As a DPSCD student, I understand firsthand the importance of support and mentorship in a young person’s life. That’s why I joined The Konnection team—to be a part of the impact. As a senior at East English Village Preparatory Academy, I’m excited to give back and help create meaningful experiences for students like me.

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