Meet Dr. Courtney Griffin | College Success Mentor & Inclusion and Equity Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Courtney Griffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Courtney, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
As diversity, equity and inclusion efforts around the world become obsolete, it’s important for a number of things to happen. The first is that Black children are prepared for college. Not only must they be prepared, they must be equipped with a toolkit of what to expect, what to do when things go wrong and simply how to navigate in an environment not created with them in mind. The second is that companies need to ensure that their employees feel seen and heard. Employees who feel seen and heard are better employees. Feeling seen and heard isn’t as simple as listening. It’s respecting employees by acknowledging their cultural and various differences whether that is sexual orientation or (dis)abilities.

This is what I do, I equip Black students with the armor to navigating a space not created with them in mind. A space that they are told they must navigate in order to be successful. I also work to create inclusive working environments where all employees feel empowered to succeed and be their authentic selves.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As cliche as it sounds, what sets me apart is my passion! I love the work that I do. I’d do it, even if I wasn’t getting paid for it. That’s how much I love it. I honestly do want to see Black kids from Detroit be successful. I want us all to take pride in the city. I want people to be treated fairly, for everyone to have a sense of belonging. Because it matters. I’m most excited about the 2024-2025 school year, I have a series of workshops planned for Detroit girls! My journey wasn’t easy and want to work to ensure that future Black girls from Detroit have it easier than I did.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Everyone who knows me, knows I love Detroit. There is always something to do! I’m also the ultimate trip planner. So here’s a quick Detroit weekend itinerary.

Friday:
Happy hour drinks at Townhouse
Tigers game (plenty of food options, including vegan)
Late night drinks at Standby

Saturday:
Breakfast at Babo
Shopping at Eastern Market
Visit to the DIA
Visit the Alley
Dinner at SheWolf
Late night espresso martinis at Book Tower

Sunday
Brunch at either Central Kitchen or Kitchen with Q
Walk the Detroit Riverwalk & Belle Isle
Dinner at The Petersboro

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have the most amazing friends! They support me, the push me, they encourage me and even tell me when I’m wrong. Thank you y’all!

Website: https://drcaegriffin.com

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