Michigan organizations honor two of our team members

We know our team members are amazing, but it’s extra special when other people acknowledge it, too. When it was announced that two of our Rocket Community Fund^SM team members were being honored by other organizations for their work, it made us proud.

Myka Burley and Jasmin DeForrest have both been recognized by Michigan organizations for their work in creating more equitable, thriving and inclusive communities in Detroit.

Here’s a little about them, the work they do and the organizations recognizing them.

Myka Burley – 2021 MichBusiness Shooting Star honoree

Myka Burley is a newcomer with Rocket Community Fund, joining as a Program Manager on the Education and Employment team in the fall of 2020. Her focus is set on managing the digital equity and inclusion portfolio of work for her team.

She’s played an integral role in growing and supporting The Connect 313 Fund. Connect 313 is a citywide digital inclusion strategy that brings Detroiters together by increasing digital access. This is a huge step in growing opportunities in our city for our residents. MichBusiness honored Myka with a Shooting Star award, which recognizes rising female talent.

MichBusiness has been honoring women leaders for over 25 years, touting those who make large contributions to their community and in their fields.  

Jasmin DeForrest – 2021 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence honoree

Jasmin DeForrest is a Director of Community Sponsorships with Rocket Community Fund. She’s responsible for supporting arts and cultural organizations that build resilience in Detroit by bringing people together.

Jasmin created the Detroit Out Loud summer festival to celebrate Detroit’s diverse culture and communities. During the 2020 COVID-19 situation, she transformed the event into a two-day hybrid festival, featuring live music, dance performances, cooking lessons and unique opportunities for outdoor play.

Continuing to innovate, Jasmin teamed up with CultureSource to create the (DAAP). This program supports arts and culture organizations in growing their online arts work. They seek to empower and grow participants’ technological abilities to be prepared for the future.

Jasmin was named one of their Women of Excellence due to her work in the community supporting arts and cultural organizations.

The Michigan Chronicle has celebrated local Black women who inspire and exemplify vision and leadership.

Our family of team members works on a wide range of initiatives and programs, tackling challenges every day. We’re proud of these team members and want to highlight their successes. The work they do with the Rocket Community Fund grows our city, empowers its citizens and seeks to make it a better place to live for all.

Read the Rocket Community Fund blog post to learn more about Myka and Jasmin, as well as the awards they’ve received. Congrats to both on their amazing achievements!