ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP
President + Acting Treasurer
Jay Meeks has called Detroit home since birth and has had a few sojourns in the Northeast. As a former — or always — social studies teacher, Jay is both civically minded and engaged and was one of the leads in bringing a new dog park to the municipally owned and operated Palmer Park. In addition to his community engagements, Jay is a former college professor in teacher education and presently works as a university administrator. He brings extensive nonprofit management experience, having served ten years as a Trustee/Director of the Telluride Association. Jay’s tenure with the Marygrove Community Association has been very productive as he obtained the 501 (c) 3 status for the Marygrove Community Association and most recently served as treasurer, helping to secure over $150,000 in funding over two years for projects and programming for the community. Jay created an endowment at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to support the Marygrove Community Association's long-term work and assets. Jay also serves on the board of Keep Michigan Beautiful and founded and leads the nonprofit Marygrove Community Development.
Term ends January 16, 2029
Vice President
Rachel Cappadona grew up in the 19th Ward in Rochester, NY, where her family always had a garden, and her house was the go-to house for the neighborhood kids to play. After spending time in Tennessee and Louisiana, Rachel moved to Michigan in 2018 and has lived in the Marygrove community for over three years. Passionate about community, being outdoors, and getting the neighborhood stray cats spayed and neutered, Rachel looks forward to planting lots of flowers at the Indiana Street Garden in 2025, spending time with her family, and getting to know more neighbors.
Term ends January 16, 2029
Secretary
Jasmine Paulk grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and Washington, D.C. During her time at the University of Michigan, Jasmine participated in the Graham Scholars Program, working with the MCA on its future Green-Arts Alley project and interning with Jay and Rachel for a summer. Beyond her time in the Fitzgerald neighborhood, Jasmine has been involved with community organizing groups on the East Side - Freedom Dreams, Freedom Freedom Growers, & the Boggs Center - and will return to Chicago to join one of their partner organizations, Sweet Water Foundation, in June. She looks forward to bringing a community engagement and sustainability lens to the MCA board and planning more events at the Indiana Street Garden!
Term ends January 15, 2030
Director
Darnetta Banks was born in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, but her family moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1966, where they settled in the Fitzgerald Community. As a retired educator from the Detroit Public School System, Darnetta is now a devoted community activist motivated by her love of family and her desire to improve the lives of children both locally and beyond. She serves on multiple boards and committees to ensure that community voices are heard. Darnetta played a key role in bringing both the Brilliant Detroit Literacy Center and Ella Fitzgerald Park to her neighborhood. Her passion lies in advocating for individuals on behalf of the community.
Term ends January 15, 2030
Director (Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellow)
Bella Di Fiori grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, and spent much of her childhood in southern Missouri before moving to Jackson, Michigan, in 2022. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan in 2026 and is on track to complete her M.A. in Social Impact Leadership at the University of Michigan in spring 2027. As a member of the inaugural M-SIL cohort, Bella is leading a year-long project to create leadership development opportunities for youth in underserved Michigan communities.
Throughout her time at the University of Michigan, she has pursued a variety of leadership experiences, including teaching undergraduate leadership courses, working with the Barger Leadership Institute, studying Global Peace Leadership in Japan, and earning her MLEAD Leadership Certificate. She has also been actively involved in large-scale philanthropy efforts through the university’s Panhellenic community and has dedicated the past five summers to working at a YMCA summer camp. These experiences have helped her develop a passion for helping others develop their leadership potential, collaborating with communities, and cultivating long-lasting relationships to create change.
As a member of the Golub Nonprofit Board Fellows cohort, Bella looks forward to strengthening community engagement and expanding volunteer opportunities across the MCA. She is excited to deepen her understanding of the nonprofit sector, collaborate with her co-fellow and mentors to create sustainable impact, and immerse herself in Marygrove's rich culture and community.
Term ends April 2027
Director (Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellow)
Sean Moore comes to Detroit via Miami, Florida, and is an MBA candidate at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Before business school, Sean built his career in wealth management, helping individuals and families plan for their financial futures. He is a CFA charterholder and is pursuing a career in investment banking after Ross. As a Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellow, Sean focuses on MCA’s finances and fundraising: building a financial plan, a system to track donations and outcomes, and a fundraising strategy that draws on community contributions, grants, and institutional partners. He is excited to help strengthen the financial foundation behind MCA’s green spaces and programs, and looks forward to getting to know his Marygrove neighbors.
Term ends April 2027
Write to the Board of Directors at all@marygroveca.org