Maria Anderson - President

Ms. Anderson has served on the Academy Board since January 2004.  Ms. Anderson recently retired from the State of Michigan's Family Independence Agency where she was Supervisor.  Ms. Anderson has been providing social work and leadership services since 1966.  Ms. Anderson has an extensive background in social work, counseling, and leadership.  She has operated in various leadership positions across these arenas including the Department of Civil Rights, the Family Independent Agency, Catholic Youth Services, and Foster Care.  Ms. Anderson has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from University of Detroit.  She also earned a Master of Arts degree from Wayne State University in Educational Sociology and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from University of Detroit.

Judge Lucile A. Watts – Vice President

Judge Watts has served on the Academy Board since December 2003.  Judge Watts is retired from the Wayne County Circuit Court bench, but remains actively involved in law, operating a small legal clinic.  She is also active as a private arbitrator serving the Wayne Circuit as a neutral mediator.  Judge Watts was the first black woman to serve on the Circuit bench in the State of Michigan when elected 1980.  Judge Watts has held positions such as President, Metropolitan Society for Crippled Children and Adults; General Counsel for Project C.H.I.L.D.; Chair of the Northern Branch; Y.M.C.A; Trustee of the Y.M.C.A.; President Emeritus, The Mary McLeod Bethune Association of Michigan, Inc.; Chair of the Board, Focus Hope (1970-1999); and Life Member of the N.A.A.C.P.  Judge Watts completed her undergraduate work at University of Detroit and earned her L.L.B. and J.D. from Detroit College of Law.

Dr. Montressia Smith-Cannady – Secretary

Dr. Cannady has served on the Academy Board since December 2005.  Dr. Cannady has served in numerous clinical/healthcare positions.  Her employment started with a 13-year service at the Lafayette Clinic.  Dr. Cannady also worked for the Detroit Community Mental Health Center, Hutzel Hospital, Detroit Memorial Hospital, and Westland Medical Center.  She continues to service clients through her private practice, Smith-Cannady Counseling.  Dr. Cannady's professional affiliations have included membership with American Nurses Association, National Black Nurses Association, Association of Black Social Workers, Michigan Nurses Association, National Association of Social Workers, and Women of Wayne State University Alumni.  Dr. Cannady earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oakland University, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from University of Detroit, Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Michigan, a Master of Social Work and Community Organization from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Education in Behavioral Science from Wayne State University.

Dr. Virginia Lloyd – Member

Dr. Lloyd has served on the Academy Board since December 2005.  Dr. Lloyd is a native of Baltimore, Maryland.  She earned her Bachelor's degree from West Virginia State University and subsequently earned her Master and Doctoral degrees from Wayne State University.  Dr. Lloyd's career in the Detroit Public School system spans some 35 years, including services as an elementary school teacher, a reading specialist, and as a principal of a Detroit Public School alternative school for pregnant and parenting girls.  In addition, Dr. Lloyd spent one year serving as the Branch Executive Director of the Highland Park Y.M.C.A.

Dr. Franklyn Evans Seabrooks – Member

Dr. Seabrooks has served on the Academy Board since August 2010.  Dr. Seabrooks has been in the medical field for over 40 years from running his own private medical practice to being very active in the residency training program at St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital (where he was a member of the Residency Review Committee).  He also worked for the State of Michigan at Northville State Hospital as a Gynecologist, and, currently, he is an instructor in the Department of Ob/Gyn at Wayne State University Medical School.  Dr. Seabrooks' personal and professional affiliations have included membership with Wayne County Medical Society, Detroit Medical Society, Wolverine Medical Society, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Surgeons, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Life Time Member of the N.A.A.C.P., Wayne State University Alumni Association, and The Association – Men's Social Club.  Dr. Seabrooks earned his Bachelor of Science from Wayne State University, a Doctor of Medicine from Meharry Medical College and became Board Certified in Obstetrician and Gynecology in the State of Michigan.