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Cyekeia Lee, Executive Director
Cyekeia Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in counseling education from Wayne State University. At her most recent position, she held the role of director of community collaboration at The Kalamazoo Promise, an award-winning initiative to provide up to 100% of tuition and fees paid for students from the Kalamazoo Public Schools at any in-state public community college or university.
Prior to her time with the Kalamazoo Promise, Lee was the executive director of The Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo, where she had the opportunity to work with cross-sector partners to explore community collaboration efforts for students in Kalamazoo County. Additionally, she has served as the director for higher education initiatives with the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, where she worked to streamline higher education access for students experiencing homelessness in 25 states.
Ashley Terry, Ed.D, Deputy Director
Dr. Terry holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication degree from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Arts in Education –Teaching and Learning, and a Doctor of Education –Higher and Postsecondary Education degree which his dissertation research was authored: A Case Study On The Factors Of Why Black Men Leave College After The First Year. Both graduate degrees are from Argosy University. Dr. Terry also holds a certification in Inclusive Teaching For Equitable Learning which all has continued to help move the needle to improve the education equity barrier in underserved communities.
As a Student Affairs professional, Dr. Terry has successfully led Pre-College and College programs at the University of Michigan-Flint. While incorporating his excellent interpersonal skills, relationship building, and curriculum development into programming, these efforts have provided a great student experience which has resulted in phenomenal retention and persistence percentages in the Flint Community.
Prior to his time at the University of Michigan-Flint, Dr. Terry worked as a Retention Specialist and at Schoolcraft College. During this role, he was an extremely important piece in designing and execution of the institutions very first Peer Mentorship Program for underrepresented students. He also still holds the title of Adjunct Professor where he teaches a First –Year Seminar course, College & Beyond. Dr. Terry has many years of admissions experience and training and development. One of his most proud career moments was working as a paraprofessional for DPS. Dr. Terry truly believes that opportunity was one of the biggest reasons why he pursued this mission of being an educational champion in marginalized communities. He continues to conduct his volunteer efforts in the Detroit community by speaking at Career fairs at local high schools.
Ashley Lane, Program Manager
Ashley Lane is the Program Manager. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor as a proud recipient of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarship. Prior to her time at DCAN, she worked as the College Prep Coordinator and Alumni Relations Coordinator at University Prep Science and Math High School for 5 years.
As a first-generation college student from Detroit, Ashley strives to empower urban youth to successfully navigate their educational pathway to bring their dreams to reality.
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Daniel Valentine, Professional Development Program Manager
Daniel Valentine is a native Detroiter and proud alum of Central State University in Ohio. While in college, he discovered his passion for college access and volunteered with various groups to support student success. After earning his Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications- Broadcast Media, he was recruited by his alma mater, to head the Marauder Jumpstart Program. As the Program Coordinator he developed and managed the leadership training curriculum for incoming freshmen.
Upon returning to Detroit, Daniel began working directly with Detroit’s youth in various ways. Daniel currently serves as the Program Director for the Detroit Youth Choir and most recently worked as an Admission Counselor for Grand Canyon University. Daniel’s passion is to impact the next generation, and is excited to begin his new position as Professional Development Program Manager for DCAN.