Donele Wilkins

Leader, visionary, result-oriented, Donele Wilkins has demonstrated servant leadership in her hometown Detroit for nearly 20 years. First by leading the local movement for environmental justice on the front-lines, and secondarily expanding to achieving true sustainability for all. Her leadership style has motivated many to take their place in a truly transforming movement. Her achievements include: participating in the development and adoption of an Environmental Justice Policy in the state of Michigan, and conceiving and launching the first Green Jobs Training Program in the city! She’s been an advocate for citizen involvement in Brownfield Redevelopment as well as other environmental policies, placing environmental stewardship on the agenda of many community leaders and decision makers.  Ms. Wilkins is noted for inspiring young people to take a lead in their communities.  As the founder of The Green Door Initiative, Donele plans to take not only the city of Detroit to the next level of environmental stewardship but the nation. GDI stands out as a national model for sustainable living through civic engagement for everyone!