Alumni Society Board Members

Sheri Hunter, Chair
'89 BA
Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, City of Birmingham
Birmingham, MI
Sheri Hunter is a marketing and public relations professional with a background in broadcast journalism, print media, and strategic communications. She began her career as a media producer for Detroit’s national news affiliates, including CBS and NBC, before becoming a journalist for publications such as the Oakland Press. After earning her MBA, Sheri transitioned into marketing strategy and communications. She is also the author of Daring to Live, published by Baker Books, which was inspired by her journey of resilience and personal growth following the loss of her husband. Her story has been featured in MORE Magazine and National Geographic, and the book was optioned by Amazon Films in 2024. Sheri speaks to organizations about workplace wellness and the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "What UM-Dearborn means to me is the opportunity to grow, develop, and build meaningful relationships while preparing for my future. Being part of a smaller campus community allowed me to connect with professors, classmates, and mentors on a more personal level. It provided an environment where I could truly learn, gain confidence, and develop both academically and professionally. The flexibility of being able to work part time while attending school also allowed me to save money and gain valuable real-world experience. UM-Dearborn gave me the foundation, support, and opportunities I needed to grow into the person I am today."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "I joined the University of Michigan Alumni Society Board because I wanted to stay connected to a university community that has had a meaningful impact on my life and find ways to give back. With my background in communications, marketing, and storytelling, I was excited about the opportunity to use my skills to help share the stories, achievements, and experiences of fellow alumni while supporting the board’s initiatives. I look forward to contributing my expertise in creating meaningful communications, strengthening alumni engagement, and helping build connections within the Wolverine community."

Matthew Carter
'18 BA
Senior Underwriter & Resident Advisor, Excess Casualty, CHUBB
Livonia, MI
All roads lead back to Southeast Michigan for Inkster native Matthew Carter. After his high school graduation, he proudly served as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army. Having been fortunate enough to have traveled the world with the Army, he returned to the area with a renewed passion for community betterment. Since his return, he has worked tirelessly to give back to the region that he calls home. In 2017, Matthew served on the executive team of the New Leaders Council – Detroit Chapter. A University of Michigan-Dearborn alum, Matthew, has built a solid reputation for himself as a professional in the middle market business community. Having ten years of experience in the insurance industry, he has achieved a tremendous amount of success as an insurance broker, consultant, and subject matter expert. Matthew led the UM-Dearborn Alumni Society Board as chair during the 2025-2026 academic year.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "UM-Dearborn means so much to me. As a non-traditional student, I wanted to get a world-class education that fit my daily schedule.  I received a world class education from fantastic professors that believed in me. They helped me realize that education is extremely important and takes continuous effort that should be prioritized."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "I wanted to do more to engage with the next generation of leaders. Being on the board allows for me to be on the front lines and in the conversations between students and faculty."

Becky Chadwick
'92 BA, '96 MPA
Retired
Trenton, MI
Becky Chadwick is a retired professional with forty-six years experience in higher education and IT. She has had the privilege of gaining various unique perspectives of the University, experiencing it as an undergraduate and graduate student, administrative staff, and faculty. As a first-generation student she completed her Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Public Administration with high academic distinction at UM-Dearborn. For several years she was an administrator in the Office of Institutional Research and taught in the Rackham Graduate School in Dearborn’s Masters of Education (Research in Education) and Public Administration (Statistics for Public Administrators) programs. She continued her studies and doctoral work at Wayne State University majoring in Education Leadership with a minor in Education Evaluation and Research. She retired from Henry Ford Community College as the Vice-President of Strategy and Information responsible for strategic and operational planning, Information Technology, Institutional Research and Reporting, Higher Learning Commission accreditation, assessment of student learning and, as a Six Sigma Black Belt, continuous process improvement. Since retirement she has focused on more creative endeavors, pursuing a certificate in Art History from the Smithsonian and taking design, drawing and painting classes.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "UM-Dearborn was a life changer for me. My education there connected me to lifelong friends, an education that provided a broad perspective of the world and gave me great skills for work and life."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "I joined the Alumni Society to support the mission of connecting our alumni to the great things happening at the University and to its students."

Valeria Garcia-Lopez
'25 BBA
HR & Administrative Support Professional, Hayden Industrial
Owasso, OK
A proud first-generation graduate and former Alumni Society Board Student Representative, Valeria is passionate about building meaningful relationships, supporting people, and making a positive impact through service and collaboration.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "UM-Dearborn means opportunity, growth, and home. As an alumna and former employee, it opened up so many new doors of opportunities for me. It’s a place that whenever I’m back in Michigan, I know I can go back and visit and see all the great things Dearborn is doing for their students."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "I’ve always wanted to figure out ways to give back to my community, while also continuing to maintain and build new connections. ASB allows me to continue making a difference no matter the distance."
 

Syeda Ghani
'09 BSEMech, '19 MSE
Director, Product Strategy, Harman International
Rochester Hills, MI
Syeda Ghani is an engineering leader, strategic consultant, and educator specializing in corporate strategy, technology integration, excellence in STEM and engineering ethics. As a Director in the automotive tech sector and a Lecturer at the University of Michigan, Syeda sits at the intersection of industry innovation and academic excellence. Her professional practice centers on leading complex luxury automotive product portfolios. In academia, her work emphasizes student identity development, active learning pedagogy, and ethical decision-making in technical management. A dedicated advocate for equity in technical fields, Syeda regularly contributes to leadership panels, curriculum development, and mentorship initiatives for women in STEM. She holds an MS in Engineering Management and a BSE in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan–Dearborn.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "UM-Dearborn means foundation and opportunity. It is where I developed the problem-solving mindset and leadership values that have guided my professional journey. The university embodies a community dedicated to resilience, practical innovation, and supporting one another, and I am proud to continue contributing to its vibrant legacy."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "My motivation stems from a desire to support UM-Dearborn's mission of academic excellence and community impact. Having experienced the transformative power of a UM-Dearborn education firsthand, I wanted to leverage my industry experience and background in higher education to strengthen alumni engagement, champion student mentorship, and support the strategic growth of our university community."

 

Zaineb Hussein
'06 BA
Chief of Staff, Mayor's Office, City of Dearborn
Dearborn, MI
Zaineb Hussein serves as the chief of staff for the city of Dearborn. Her extensive career in public service spans diverse roles, including deputy political director for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in Michigan, deputy director of external affairs for Wayne County, and deputy chief of staff for the Michigan Secretary of State. Zaineb has demonstrated exceptional leadership in strategic planning, policy development, and community engagement. Her contributions have been instrumental in transforming local government operations and fostering supportive environments. As Chief of Staff, Zaineb works closely with the mayor, providing strategic advice and overseeing the coordination of citywide goals and key initiatives. She also spearheads crisis management and staff development while serving as a key liaison between city administration and the public. In addition to her UM-Dearborn degree, Zaineb holds a master's degree in counseling from Spring Arbor University. Her dedicated service underscores a strong commitment to public service, community development, and inclusive, equitable growth. In addition to her professional work, Zaineb serves, or has served on many boards of directors, including the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Access, League of Women Voters, Arab American Cancer Awareness Organization, and eMgage

Bryan Jager
'99 BS, '02 MS
Principal Consultant, Cyderes
Canton, MI
Bryan Jager earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 1999 and his Master of Science in Software Engineering in 2002. He has spent 25 years in enterprise technology and currently works as a Solution Architect specializing in identity and security — designing the systems that determine how people safely access an organization's applications and data. Mentoring has been a consistent thread throughout his career. Bryan regularly guides less-experienced colleagues in their technical and professional growth, and he sees the alumni board to extend that work to the institution that launched his own. He believes deeply in the value of higher education and hopes to give back by sharing both the expertise built over his career and the perspective of someone who walked the same campus. Bryan and his wife have been married for over twenty years and are the parents of two children. Outside of work he follows football closely and can often be found backstage at his daughter's dance events, where he serves in the essential role of prop dad.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "UM-Dearborn is foundational to where I am today. Beyond the technical curriculum, what stayed with me was a way of thinking: how to step back and see the big picture, and how to apply critical thinking to break a large, ambiguous problem into smaller pieces I could actually solve. That skill has proven more durable than any specific technology I learned. Twenty-five years into a career in enterprise architecture, the tools have changed many times over — but the approach hasn't. I still work the same way I was taught to."

Question - What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "I want to help the next generation of students understand what actually awaits them after graduation. There's a real gap between finishing a degree and navigating the first years of a career, and I'd like to help close it — giving students a clearer picture of what to expect and guiding them through those early professional decisions. That work is a natural extension of what I already do. Mentoring less-experienced colleagues is one of the most rewarding parts of my job, and I'd like to bring it to my alma mater."
 

Lauren Johnson
'02 BA
Program Director, National Energy Foundation
Brighton, MI
After graduating from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a bachelors degree in elementary education with an early childhood ( ZA) endorsement, Lauren Johnson enjoyed six years of classroom teaching, including teaching pre-Kindergarten and first grade. Following her classroom experience, she expanded her work in education over twelve years with the National Energy Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides energy education in partnership with energy providers and other energy initiatives. She currently works directing energy education programs, targeting energy efficiency and energy safety, in elementary through high schools. Lauren is proud to lead programs that reach over 45,000 students and families and over 700 schools each year across the state of Michigan.

Sadaf Lodhi
'96 BS
Physician - Gynecologist
Chappaqua, NY
Dr. Sadaf Lodhi is a board-certified OB-GYN with over 20 years of experience dedicated to empowering women through education, advocacy, and personalized care. She is the founder and CEO of Femme Vie Health, a concierge gynecology practice in New York, and also provides telehealth services for patients in Michigan. Her clinical focus spans the full spectrum of women’s health, with a specialization in menopause, sexual health, and intimacy coaching. Sadaf is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, an ISSWSH Fellow, and a sexual counselor and educator through the University of Michigan. She holds a BS in Biochemistry with honors from the University of Michigan–Dearborn. She earned her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University. Her impact extends beyond the clinic. In 2023, she delivered a TEDx talk, “Sexual Education for Physicians: Lessons from a Muslim Gynecologist.” In 2024, she was honored as Alumni of the Year by the University of Michigan–Dearborn for her pioneering advocacy through the globally recognized Muslim Sex Podcast, which has reached audiences worldwide with accessible conversations on menopause, intimacy, and sexual health. She is also a contributing author in Thriving After Burnout and Made for More 2, further amplifying her mission to help women embrace midlife as a season of vitality and possibility.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "Legacy."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "To give back."

Jaime Martinez
'87 BS
Manager, General Dynamics Land Systems
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Jaime Martinez is a cybersecurity leader, educator, and public servant with deep expertise in IT management, enterprise security, and secure software development. As a leader at General Dynamics Land Systems, Jaime guides software development teams in delivering resilient, secure code for critical military vehicle platforms. His security expertise spans Disaster Recovery, Vulnerability Management, IT Audit, Security Policy Development, Application Security, and Secure Infrastructure. Beyond his corporate work, Jaime serves as an adjunct professor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Cybersecurity and IT. Passionate about community impact, he actively mentors students, aspiring professionals, military veterans, and military spouses through formal mentorship programs. Grounded in public service, Jaime works part-time as a Police Officer with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, supporting both the Road Patrol and Marine Units. He also serves on the executive boards of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Detroit Chapter and the Women Security Alliance (WOMSA). Jaime holds a BS in Computer Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and an MS in Cybersecurity from Walsh College. He maintains a comprehensive suite of industry credentials, including CISSP, CISA, CISM, CDPSE, PMP, and CMMI.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "To me, UM-Dearborn is where potential meets purpose. It wasn’t just a step in my education; it was the launching pad for my entire career. The rigorous academic environment and the genuine dedication of the faculty gave me the critical skills, confidence, and foundation that opened doors for me across the professional ranks. I carry the impact of my time on campus with me every single day. Beyond the credentials, UM-Dearborn represents a community that truly invests in its people. That experience left such a lasting impression on me that I love coming back to campus to speak with students, share real-world insights, and mentor them as they navigate their own journeys. It’s a place that changed my life, and I want every student who walks through those doors to feel that same sense of support, drive, and belonging."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "I joined the Alumni Society Board because I am deeply invested in seeing our students thrive, both in the classroom and long after they graduate. Having experienced firsthand how transformative a UM-Dearborn education is, I wanted to pay that gift forward. Nothing is more rewarding to me than directly connecting with students—whether it’s mentoring them one-on-one, speaking to classes, or helping them build strong pathways into their careers. I want to ensure today’s students have an empowering university experience that builds their confidence and sets them up for lifelong achievement. Serving on the Board gives me the platform to advocate for their success, share my experiences, and help guide the next generation of leaders."

Edward Nielsen
'66 BSEMech, '67 MSE
Retired
Grand Rapids, MI
While at UM-Dearborn, Edward (Ned) Nielsen participated in the co-op program with four work terms at the Chevrolet Engineering Center and the GM Proving Grounds. That co-op experience, along with two UM-Dearborn professors, Dr. Na and Dr. Kurajian, had a huge impact on his life and career. After graduation Ned worked in the aerospace industry where he was the project engineer for the gyroscopes used on the lunar rover and the F111 Fighter plane. He then worked in the laser construction tool industry where he was Vice President of Engineering and received 17 U.S. Patents. After 28 years in industry, Ned joined Calvin College as a Professor of Engineering Design. He always wanted to give back as the UM-Dearborn professors and what the co-op experience had given to him. While at Calvin, Ned started and ran an internship program helping to place three thousand plus students in internship positions. He also started and led two international programs taking over 1,200 students to Europe. Ned retired from Calvin College after 25 years, then joined Hope College where he set up and ran an internship program and a summer program in Germany. After 5 years at Hope College, he has retired for a second time.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "A place where students mature, grow, learn, and become prepared for life and a career."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "To give back to the school that had a huge impact on my life and career."
 

Shanta'l Overton
'12 BA
Chief Executive Officer, Prove Them Wrong, LLC
Detroit, MI
Shanta’l Overton is a proud University of Michigan-Dearborn alumna who believes that the connections and experiences built at UM-Dearborn extend far beyond graduation. As a member of the Alumni Society Board, she is passionate about giving back, staying connected, and creating opportunities for students and alumni to feel supported and engaged. Shanta’l is the Founder and CEO of Prove Them Wrong (PTW), a motivational lifestyle and empowerment brand focused on encouraging people to push beyond setbacks, limitations, and the expectations of others. Her passion for empowering others is also reflected in her involvement in mentorship, leadership, scholarship support, and community initiatives. Her connection to UM-Dearborn remains especially meaningful. In addition to her service on the Alumni Society Board, Shanta’l continues to support student-focused programs and campus initiatives. In 2026, she had the honor of returning to her alma mater as the keynote speaker for UM-Dearborn’s Black Celebratory Graduation. For Shanta’l, being an alumna is about more than earning a degree. It is about staying connected, reaching back, and helping create opportunities for those who come next.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "UM-Dearborn means opportunity, growth, and community to me. It is a place that helped shape who I am today and continues to be a meaningful part of my journey long after graduation. Some of my most rewarding moments have come from returning to campus, connecting with students, and finding new ways to give back. UM-Dearborn will always be more than the university where I earned my degree. It is a community I am proud to call home."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "I joined the Alumni Society Board because I wanted the opportunity to give back, support current students, and help strengthen the connection between alumni and our students. For me, being an alumna means more than graduating. It means continuing to show up, serve, and help create opportunities for the next graduates of UM-Dearborn. I believe our experiences as alumni can help inspire, encourage, and open doors for those who will soon join the alumni community."
 

Toni Simovski
'97 BA, '02 MA
Teacher, South Lyon Community Schools
Dearborn Heights, MI
Toni Simovski has been an AP Social Studies Teacher at South Lyon High School for 28 years, primarily teaching AP American Government, Government. and US History. He currently serves as the coach of both the Science and Social Studies Olympiad Teams at South Lyon High School. Before beginning his teaching career, Toni worked as an interpreter for the US military in the Balkans. He previously served as a member of the College of Education, Heath, and Human Services Alumni Affiliate Board, and worked as a Teacher Fellow with The Henry Ford. Toni has been recognized for his contributions to education, receiving the 2010 University of Michigan-Dearborn School of Education Alum of the Year Award, 2009 Michigan Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award, and 2007 Michigan Civic Teacher of the Year Award.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "UM-Dearborn is where I learned my profession, sharpened my skills, and built lifelong friendships\. As a graduate of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, it provided the foundation for my 28-year career as an AP Social Studies teacher at South Lyon High School. Beyond academics, UM-Dearborn connected me to meaningful opportunities such as serving on the Alumni Affiliate Board and participating as a Teacher Fellow with The Henry Ford, experiences that deepened my commitment to civic education and public service. To me, UM-Dearborn represents growth, mentorship, and community—the place that shaped not only my career, but also my identity as an educator and lifelong learner."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "Help my alma mater in any way I can to promote the university and help future graduates."

Stella Vewessee
'04 BBA
Consultant, Business and Economic Development Leader
Chantilly, VA
Stella Vewessee is a business and economic development leader dedicated to building strategic partnerships, strengthening business ecosystems, and advancing initiatives that create lasting economic and social impact. She is recognized for translating ideas into strategy and public policy into measurable programs that address complex problems in society, foster innovation, and drive sustainable growth. With experience spanning U.S. federal agencies, private industry, and international development organizations, Stella has implemented various cross-sector initiatives that bring together government, businesses, academia, and nonprofit partners around shared goals. Her expertise includes program & portfolio management, enterprise risk management, small business scaling, public-private partnerships, global trade & investment, organizational leadership, business development, and cross-cultural collaboration. Stella holds a Master of Arts in Global Commerce & Policy from George Mason University, a Master Certificate in Global Leadership from the University of Oxford, England, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She is multilingual, fluent in French and German, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Stella is guided by excellence and service to the public good, and is committed to building bridges that connect people, ideas and systems across sectors, borders, and cultures to expand opportunities, strengthen economic growth, and foster shared prosperity.
 

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "UM-Dearborn is more than where I earned my first degree; it was an early “proving ground” of the kind of leader I would become. I learned that resilience is not simply about overcoming challenges; it is about continuing to pursue excellence when the path is difficult. As a full-time student working three jobs to finance my education, I learned how to manage competing demands, persevere through difficult seasons, and remain committed to a goal even when the circumstances were not easy. It was also where I first discovered the power of advocacy and collective action. My research on Organizational Leadership was published in the university's undergraduate research journal, “Meeting of Minds,” and I was later among the top students selected to present our research at the Michigan State Capitol as part of an effort to advocate for increased research funding. Today, seeing UM-Dearborn's growth as an R2 research institution and its ambition to become an R1 institution makes me especially proud."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "I believe in the power of dedicated service and paying forward the opportunities that have shaped my professional and personal growth. Joining the Alumni Society Board is an opportunity to serve a community that helped shape me and contributed to the foundation of how I engage with the world around me. I hope to help strengthen alumni engagement beyond borders, connect students and graduates to meaningful opportunities, and help foster partnerships that will drive innovation and sustained growth of the University. My personal ethos is to leave the people and places where I serve stronger and better than I found them, and I intend to do exactly that."
 

Jordan Wohl
'20 BA
Senior Manager, UCC Management Co.
Detroit, MI
Jordan Wohl is the Senior Regional Manager at UCC Management Co., where he oversees operations for the Union at Dearborn Student Apartments and Union at Midtown Apartments in Detroit. Since joining the company in 2017, Jordan has advanced through marketing, leasing, and operations leadership roles, directing large-scale capital projects, annual turn operations, and teams responsible for delivering exceptional residential experiences to more than 750 students each year. A graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Honors College, Jordan earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 2020. During his undergraduate years, he held numerous student leadership positions, including Intramurals Director, TEDx speaker, cartoonist for The Michigan Journal, Director of Athletics for Student Government, and President of the Jewish Student Organization. In 2019, he was recognized as both a Difference Maker and a Distinguished Student Leader for his contributions to campus life. Beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, Jordan is passionate about advancing the student housing industry through leadership, education, and innovation. He serves as a 2026 Student Housing Insight Ambassador, contributing thought leadership and collaborating with industry professionals on operational best practices and emerging trends. He is currently continuing his professional development through graduate-level real estate studies at New York University while remaining active in organizations dedicated to shaping the future of student housing.

What does UM-Dearborn mean to you? "When I think of UM-Dearborn, I think of a place that is made for students who are serious about making an impact. Our community rewards those who lean in. In my role with the Union at Dearborn I've worked with almost a decade of students and the most rewarding part of my role is watching how students grow and achieve their dreams through hard work at commitment. This is a community filled with such talented individuals and it's an honor to be a small part of their experiences here."

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "At the heart of UM-Dearborn is bridge-building- it's a campus that is worthy of being proud of and it deserves to be shared with others. I benefitted so greatly from the opportunities provided to me by staff, faculty, alumni, and Student Leaders as a student that it is such an easy decision to commit to doing the same with the Alumni Society Board!"

Judah Doty, Liaison to AAUM
Associate Director of Affiliate Programs, Alumni Association of the University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Judah Vashti Doty is a non-voting member and is the board's liaison to the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan (AAUM). With over 15 years of diverse experience in higher education and organizational leadership, Judah is a transformative leader dedicated to fostering inclusive and engaging environments. As the Associate Director of Affiliate Programs at the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan, Judah excels in strategic planning, volunteer management, and event coordination, driving initiatives that connect and empower diverse alumni communities. Her proficiency in data-driven growth and collaborative engagement ensures the alignment of affiliate programs with the university's mission. Judah holds a Master's degree in Higher Education with a focus on Diversity and Social Justice from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor's degree in Higher Education Leadership and Africana Studies from Hampshire College. Her extensive background includes roles such as a Higher Education Consultant for the James Baldwin Scholars Program and a Senior Project Research Associate for multiple universities. Judah's expertise spans budget management, conflict resolution, and cultural awareness, making her a sought-after public speaker and consultant committed to positively impacting organizations and communities. Judah’s professional service includes research roles at the National Center for Institutional Diversity and active participation in the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program. Her bold and dynamic leadership style, rooted in a profound commitment to liberation—especially in mental, spiritual, and social realms that hinder self-love and communal unity—demonstrates her capacity to ignite impactful transformation and cultivate inclusive belonging across the academic community.

What was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "I joined to serve as a bridge between AAUM and the Board, and to help ensure that alumni perspectives and affiliate group initiatives are represented. My goal is to provide guidance, resources, and insight so that the Board’s decisions and programs are informed, inclusive, and aligned with the broader alumni community."

Two current UM-Dearborn students represent the student voice as ex-officio members of the Board.