Alumni Society Board Members

Matthew Carter, Chair
'18 BA
Senior Underwriter, Excess Casualty, CHUBB
Livonia, MI
All roads lead back to Southeast Michigan for Inkster native Matthew Carter, chair of the UM-Dearborn Alumni Society Board. 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 alumni, Matthew, '18 BA, 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.

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."

What are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Alumni Society Board this year? "I want to ensure that the board takes a more pro-active approach to engaging with students and alumni. We want to move meetings back to campus. We also want to engage with each of the colleges within UM-Dearborn to maximize engagement between alumni, the students, and faculty."

Sheri Hunter, Vice Chair
'89 BA
Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
Birmingham, MI
Sheri Hunter served as a media producer for Detroit’s national news affiliates, including CBS and NBC, for several years before transitioning to print. In her role as a journalist, Sheri has written for several daily newspapers including the Oakland Press. After earning her MBA, Sheri has worked as a Marketing Strategist. In 2015, MORE Magazine published an article Sheri wrote, entitled “Parachuting Back to Life,” about her husband’s sudden death and how her adventures with her friends – they lovingly call themselves the Dare Divas – helped her to heal and process her grief. A follow-up article was featured in National Geographic. Sheri’s book, Daring to Live, published by Baker Books, was optioned by Amazon Films in 2024. In the book, Sheri wants readers to know that the act of living outside of one’s comfort zone can help them discover amazing things about themselves, even if those acts aren’t as extreme as jumping out of an airplane at 13,000 feet or hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. Sheri speaks to organizations about workplace wellness.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Alumni Society Board this year? "As Vice Chair, I’m looking forward to working closely with the Alumni Society Board, the Director of Alumni Engagement, and university staff to strengthen our engagement, support, and connection with our alumni community. Together, I hope we can bring greater focus and consistency to our communications, create inclusive and meaningful events, and expand mentorship and career connections that benefit both alumni and students. By partnering across the university and listening closely to alumni voices, I want to help ensure our programs reflect the diversity of our community, align with university priorities, and create meaningful opportunities for alumni to stay connected, give back, and support student success."

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 was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "The University of Michigan-Dearborn had a huge impact on my life and success in my field. I hope to give back in a variety of ways, assisting in communicating the value of a UM-Dearborn degree."

Tyler Dalton
'19 BBA
Senior Associate, Kaulig Capital
Vice President of Partnerships, Kaulig Sports and Entertainment
Hudson, OH
Tyler Dalton is a Senior Associate at Kaulig Capital and the Vice President of Partnerships at Kaulig Sports and Entertainment, where he evaluates current and potential private equity, real estate, and capital markets investment opportunities, while also focusing on driving value-added partnerships across all of our Sports and Entertainment endeavors. Prior to Kaulig Capital, he worked in management consulting and family office services at Cohen & Co., collaborating with a global client base on best practices and implementing value-added solutions. Tyler graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with high distinction in 2019. A double major in finance and accounting with an economics minor, he was awarded the 2019 Chancellor’s Medallion during commencement as the class’s most outstanding business school graduate. While at the UM-Dearborn, Tyler played varsity hockey, twice serving as the team’s assistant captain. Tyler is now heavily involved in the Northeast Ohio area through his philanthropic endeavors. Currently, Tyler serves on multiple boards and organizations including: ACG’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Young Professional Committee, he is a board member at Friends of Breakthrough (benefitting Breakthrough Schools) and is the leader of the Emerging Leaders Council, Folds of Honor young professional board, and is the Cleveland chapter president of Hockey Players in Business.

Rebecca Dioso
'93 BA
Vice President of Human Resources, Monetate, Inc.
Grosse Ile, MI
Rebecca Dioso is an experienced Human Resources leader and Change Management professional. Currently, she is the VP of Human Resources for Monetate, Inc. a technology organization. Rebecca graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 1993 with he BA in psychology and sociology. In 1996, she earned her MA from the University of Detroit Mercy in Industrial Organizational Psychology. While at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Rebecca was president of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. Rebecca has a passion for Veterans and has built employment-related outreach activities to ensure that those who served our country transition to civilian employment with ease. Rebecca is an active volunteer with Boy Scout Troop 1261 and an Area Representative volunteer with Youth for Understanding, a non-profit organization for high school exchange students. She is a former Member of the Board of the Michigan Diversity Council and is currently the Vice President of the Board for the non-profit Our Community Bridge. In her free time, Rebecca travels globally, visiting her former foreign exchange students located throughout the world. Rebecca and her husband reside on Grosse Ile, MI and their son is a student at Loyola Chicago.

John Economy
'01 BA
Managing Partner, America's Green Line
Macomb, MI
John Economy, has been a hands-on operational entrepreneur for the past 20 years. One of John’s first endeavors was Argo Import-Export, with offices in both Detroit and Shanghai. In addition to Argo, John is currently a Managing Partner at America’s Green Line, a WBENC LED lighting company, headquartered in Detroit. With his success within the LED space, John has gone on to diversify himself further, focusing on the research and development of new green technologies and energy-efficient products and applications. John’s focus and expertise has been in sales, global manufacturing and importing. John graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where he received a B.A. in Political Science in 2001. John is a world traveler and an avid University of Michigan sports fanatic. Outside of work and family, John is an advocate for inner city youth advancement, emphasizing education and organized athletics. John led the UM-Dearborn Alumni Society Board as chair during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Bryan Jager
'99 BS, '02 MS
Identity Architect, Ascent Solutions
Canton, MI
Bryan Jager is a Solution Architect, currently focusing on security, with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering enterprise identity management solutions for on-premises and Azure cloud environments. He combines strategic vision with practical execution to create secure, scalable systems that deliver measurable business value. Bryan is passionate about collaboration, quality, and building solutions that truly work for people. He earned both a bachelor of science in computer science and maters of science in software engineering degree from the UM-Dearborn College of Engineering and Computer Science.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Alumni Society Board this year? "Excited to share my experiences and support students in achieving their goals."

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.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Alumni Society Board this year? "I am looking forward to finding opportunities to help students and the University based on my experience as a graduate and my work in education."

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 was your reason for joining the Alumni Society Board? "To continue to give back to my alma mater."

Linda Morin
'83 BSA
Pastoral Presence, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
South Lyon, MI
Linda Morin is currently serving as the Pastoral Presence at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan. She is also a member of the Ecumenical Theological Seminary faculty, where she graduated with a Doctor of Ministry. She earned a Bachelors of Science in Finance and Information Technology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a Masters of Business Administration from Wayne State University. She spent many years in banking IT before transitioning into database consulting. In 2016, she purchased an Internet based business, HighlandXPress.com, selling Scottish Highland Dance supplies and Scottish goods. She is a passionate advocate for Samaritas, a social services agency that serves those in need; serving on their Foundation Board for many years and now as an ambassador for the organization. She is also passionate about Michigan football having season tickets for over 40 years! Go Blue! Currently is living in South Lyon with her husband and 2 Whoodles (Wheaton Terrier/Poodle mix).

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.

Shanta'l Overton
'12 BA
Founder and CEO, Prove Them Wrong, LLC
Oak Park, MI
In 2012, Shanta’l Overton earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Communications and Cultural Studies with a minor in Public Relations from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She is the Founder and CEO of Prove Them Wrong, LLC, an organization dedicated to inspiring, encouraging, uplifting, and eliminating self-doubt by providing tools and motivation to help individuals transform their narratives. Prove Them Wrong hosts impactful community events throughout the year, including a Girls Basketball Camp, a Golf Fundraiser, and a book scholarship at our very own, University of Michigan-Dearborn. While at UM-Dearborn, she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delta Psi Chapter in Spring 2010, and remains an active, financial member of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter as the Assistant Treasurer. Born and raised in Detroit, Shanta’l takes pride in her community, cherishing time with family and friends, and cheering passionately for her favorite teams—the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Pistons.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Alumni Society Board this year? "This year, I’m looking forward to helping the Alumni Society Board strengthen connections between alumni and current students. I want to focus on building a stronger sense of community. Being more involved and reminding students, "We are here for them." Lastly, ensure that alumni feel engaged, supported, and empowered to give back in meaningful ways."

Toni Simovski
'97 BA, '02 MA
High School Teacher, South Lyon Community Schools
Dearborn Heights, MI
Toni Simovski has been an AP Social Studies Teacher at South Lyon High School for 27 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 he began teaching, Toni worked as an interpreter for the US military in the Balkans. He served as a past member of the College of Education, Heath, and Human Services Alumni Affiliate board, and worked as a Teacher Fellow with The Henry Ford. He has been honored as the 2010 UM-Dearborn School of Education Alum of Year, 2009 Michigan Social Studies Teacher of the Year, and 2007 Michigan Civic Teacher of the Year.

Mary Starr
'86 BA
Executive Director, Michigan Mathematics and Science Leadership Network
President, Starr and Associates, Education Consultants
Plymouth, MI
Mary Starr is the Executive Director of the Michigan Mathematics and Science Leadership Network and President of Starr and Associates, Education Consultants. She has spent her career fighting for the right of K-12 students to have access to high-quality learning in science and mathematics. Currently she is part of two national collaborations, OpenSciEd and Learning in Places. OpenSciEd brings K-12 science learning to all students through high-quality instructional materials, aligned to the science learning standards and consistent with science pedagogical practices. Mary is a co-Principal Investigator Learning in Places, funded by the National Science Foundation, a field-based set of learning materials that are transdisciplinary and aimed at better connecting PK-5 students to their community. Both these initiatives are Open Education Resources which means they are free to all. Mary has also written multiple books for middle school students leveraging her knowledge of project-based learning and has several peer reviewed journal articles. When not meeting with national science education leaders, she can be found presenting at National Science Teaching Association national or sitting in a middle school classroom supporting students and teachers as they learn. She earned her BA with teacher certification in elementary in 1986 and taught for several years after which she went to graduate school in Ann Arbor and earned a PhD in science education. Mary and her husband Joe (’86 BSEMech, ’95 MSE, engineering) have four children and two (along with their partners) recently graduated from UM-Dearborn. She currently also serves on the Wayne County Women’s Commission, representing the western parts of Wayne County.

Desirae Tolbert
'12 BA
Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Detroit, MI
Desirae Tolbert serves as Vice President, Marketing & Communications at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Previously she was the Chief Public Affairs Officer at Detroit Public Schools Community District where she oversaw the Office of Public Affairs and Marketing which is responsible for managing the Districts brand identity and presence. She holds an MBA from Madonna University with a concentration on Non-Profit Leadership and Strategic Management. Her undergraduate degree hails from the University of Michigan Dearborn where her majors were African American Studies, Criminal Justice, and Urban Planning. Desirae takes pride in her commitment to inclusion and advocates for families with children and disabilities. Desirae is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated where she serves and the regional graphic design chairman and maintains board seats on several local non-profit organizations including the Detroit Promise Board of Directors. In her spare time, Desirae dedicates herself to service in the Southeastern Michigan communities concentrating on early childhood literacy, strengthening and supporting families, and increasing positive self-identities for young people.

Leticia Horry
'12 BGS
Wraparound Facilitator and Clinical School Social Worker, Washtenaw Intermediate School District
Romulus, MI
Leticia Horry currently works for Washtenaw Intermediate School District. Academically, she is a past graduate of the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. There her dual Social Work degree is in Macro: Management and Leadership and Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance abuse. Leticia also carries dual endorsements in Clinical and School-Based practice. She is an energetic, creative, and motivated professional who works to make an impact in the area of the Social Work profession. Her focus lies in the macro perspective of organizations and the policies that support them with a focus on providing solutions to those who may experience disparities within positive mental health care. As a social worker, her is focused on improving the patient/client-provider "team approach" in care and experience, recruitment and retention, and overall community health and safety. A team-player who focuses on an innovative humanistic approaches and psychological safety initiatives that create positive outcomes and relationships for the communities served. Her strengths are strong in meeting people on their respective level(s) and aiding supportive progression in their development to the next level in an ethical and culturally competent way. Creating results and demonstrating leadership; expanding, educating, and working with the advancement of those around me. All while promoting structural policies that are inclusive of all people, cultures, and overall well-being for a 360 approach to success for all.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Alumni Society Board this year?  "I would like to accomplish an active presence and community strengths-based center for our UM-Dearborn alumni, staff, and students, past, present, and future."

Rachel Leonard
'18 BA
Program Manager, Office of TRIO Programs, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Romulus, MI
Rachel Leonard is a dedicated advisor and program manager at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she oversees the 4S Program and supports the Student Support Services (SSS) Program. In her current role, she collaborates closely with students, particularly those from first-generation and low-income backgrounds, helping them navigate their academic journeys and plan for life after graduation. With nearly 50% of the campus population identifying as first-generation students, Rachel plays a vital role in ensuring their success through personalized advising and targeted support. Rachel’s responsibilities include regular one-on-one meetings with students to address their academic and career goals, managing data to track student progress, and organizing workshops and events that foster personal and academic growth. She also leads a team of eight student staff members, providing mentorship and training to help them excel in their roles. A proud UM-Dearborn graduate from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (2018), Rachel continued her academic journey by earning a Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Eastern Michigan University in 2020. Her own experiences as a first-generation college student empower her to connect with and support students who face similar challenges. Rachel's unique perspective allows her to guide students in becoming well-rounded, successful individuals throughout their college careers and beyond. Rachel’s passion for student success and her commitment to helping others achieve their goals make her an invaluable asset to the UM-Dearborn community. Rachel serves as the Graduates of the Last Decade Alumni Affiliate co-chair.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Alumni Society Board this year? "Creating opportunities for all graduates to make an impact on campus with their time, talent, and/or treasure. Just as we were all students once, there are many ways to get involved in our campus community in an alumni role."

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.

Valeria Garcia-Lopez, Student Representative
'25 BBA
Outreach Specialist for Upward Bound Math and Science Program, Office of TRIO Programs, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Lincoln Park, MI
Valeria Garcia-Lopez serves as the Outreach Specialist for the Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Program within the Office of TRIO Programs at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she leads initiatives that foster student success, professional growth, and community engagement. In this role, Valeria collaborates with staff, faculty, alumni, and community members to create opportunities that empower students to reach their full potential. She always enjoys connecting with alumni —whether to share stories, exchange ideas, or explore potential partnerships that support our mission. Valeria graduated in Summer 2025 with her bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, an achievement that holds special meaning as a proud first-generation college student. Continuing her commitment to education and professional growth, she began her MBA at the UM-Dearborn College of Business in Winter 2026. Valeria is honored to serve on the Alumni Society Board, where she has the opportunity to bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches for alumni to reconnect with campus and engage with our students. She looks forward to working alongside fellow alumni to strengthen our community, bridge connections between graduates and current students, and create lasting opportunities that inspire the next generation of leaders.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Alumni Society Board this year? "As both a first-generation college graduate and the Outreach Specialist for the Upward Bound Math and Science Program, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful alumni connections can be in inspiring and guiding students. This year, I’m looking forward to building more intentional opportunities for alumni to reconnect with campus and actively engage with our students. I want to help create spaces where alumni can share their experiences, provide mentorship, and explore meaningful ways to support student success—whether through networking events, classroom visits, or collaborative projects. My goal is to strengthen those connections, introduce fresh and creative engagement strategies, and ensure that every alumnus feels welcome and valued as part of our campus community."

Cadence Pero, Student Representative
Recreation Assistant, Athletics and Recreation Center, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI
Cadence Pero is a senior at the University of Michigan–Dearborn on a 4+1 track to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology. She is interested in assisting those who are frequently stigmatized and marginalized from society, concentrating on the areas of healing, advancement of skills, and community reintegration. Cadence is deeply involved in student life, serving as captain of the Women’s Ice Hockey team and a member of the Women’s Golf team. In her role as captain, she creates a welcoming environment for incoming students and helps them transition to postsecondary study. She also serves as Vice President of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), where she strives to improve the student-athlete experience and promote relationships between athletes and the community by means of service and leadership initiatives. Cadence is eager to remain a part of the Alumni Society Board and hopes to further develop the connection between alumni and current students!

What are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Alumni Society Board this year? "I hope to work with the board to strengthen the relationships between alumni and the current students, specifically with the athletes as a major part of my experience here at UM-Dearborn has been about the community of athletes."