Civic Leader Inspiration with Shirley Stancato

Denise Ilitch show

Shirley Stancato is known for her leadership in Detroit and enduring commitment to social justice. She talks with Denise about the New Detroit coalition, race relations, and dealing with adversity. “Having conversations about race helps leaders in their organizations”. Top down, leaders and educators must set standards for interaction and rules of engagement. For an honest and productive discussion we need a no fault environment and a focus on the issue rather than an individual. She also poignantly reminds us that even if you are alone in your opinion, it doesn’t mean that you are wrong. Shirley shares personal stories of growing up and having responsibilities of an adult while still a child herself. Tune in to hear about empathy, ethical decision-making, inclusivity, and a vision for positive change.

Shirley Stancato is a seasoned executive, a prominent civic leader, expert on race relations and social justice advocate. She serves on the Board of Governors for Wayne State University as well as on the boards of Fifth Third Bank of Eastern Michigan, Teach for America Detroit, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Zoological Commission. She received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Wayne State University. In 2017, she received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Michigan. Stancato's recent honors include the Champion of Justice Award from the Michigan Delegation of the Congressional Black Caucus, and City Year Detroit's Idealist in Action Award. Additionally, she has been recognized as a Woman of Achievement by the Anti-Defamation League, Regional Power Broker by Crain's Detroit Business and Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News.

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. FOLLOW DENISE @thedeniseilitchshow