Executive Committee

Mr. Vemulakonda is a program attribute team leader at the Ford Motor Company. He has nearly fourteen years of international experience in the automotive industry implementing advanced technologies in the areas of collision avoidance and crash safety. He has also held numerous leadership positions at Toastmasters International and is currently serving as a Division Governor.

Mr. Vemulakonda has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Wayne Mediation Center and a trained mediator since 2007. He holds an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

Ms.Green-Smith is Executive Director of Urban Health Resource/ Urban Health Outreach and has provided training, development and mediation services for Detroit area businesses and organizations since 1994 as President and Principal Consultant of the Green-Smith Group. She served on the executive team of Detroit’s Greektown Casino as Director of Training and Development for over seven (7) years and was Associate Dean at Oakland Community College for over 4 years.

Ms. Green-Smith has served on the Board of Directors since 2009. She began mediating in 1998 and has conducted a number of mediation training programs. She has a B.S. from Bowling Green State University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.

Ms. Jaafar is the producer and host of two WDHT-TV cable network shows and is the  President and Principal Partner at 3D Consulting and Communications, a multi-dimensional approach to marketing, media, community outreach, training and ethnic markets. She has produced and hosted many televised events and workshops and has organized and helped to create a number of advocacy organizations. Currently, she is the Chairwoman of the AA Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the President of Arab American Women Advocating for Resources and Education. She also sits on a wide variety of Boards and committees and was appointed to the Dearborn Heights Planning Commission in 2009.

Ms. Jaafar has been a member of the Board of Directors since June 2010, and has been a trained mediator since 2009. She has a B.A. in Public Relations and Communications from Wayne State University.

Mr. Kutty is a Senior Analyst within the Program Management Group at Cengage Learning Inc.  He also serves as Vice President on the Board of International Institute of Business Analysis South East Michigan. He has over 15 years experience in technology management, business analysis, client relationship, management of strategic business units and financial management. Mr. Kutty is actively involved and sits on several committees in multiple charities, social and outreach organizations in the Metro-Detroit area. Mr. Kutty is a firm believer in the Detroit 2.0 initiative and therefore an active investor in the areas of real-estate, engineering design and technology.

Mr. Kutty has been a member of the Board of Directors since in July 2010. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Bharathiar University in India and Masters in Business Administration from Cardiff Business School, University of Wales.

Trustees

Darran Hendricks is the Office Manager & Designated School Official for SEVIS/Homeland Security and Immigration in the English Language Institute at Wayne State University. She has been involved with various aspects of labor relations as a member of UAW Local 2071 Staff Association, serving as Steward, 2nd Vice President and as Interim 1st Vice President. She also is a precinct delegate for the City of Detroit District 22 Precinct 37.

Ms. Hendricks has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2009 and has been a mediator and volunteer with WMC since 2007. She graduated with a B.A. in Anthropology from the Wayne State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in Business Anthropology, and received an M.A.in Dispute Resolution from Wayne State University.

Lisa E. Powell is a corporate attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan. She enjoys grant writing and corporate outreach programs on behalf of community non-profit groups and has continued this work through the Center. She also sits on the Board for Midwest Rabbit Rescue & Re-Home.

Ms. Powell has been a member of the Board of Directors and a mediator since 2009. She obtained her B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from Wayne State University Law School.

Ms.Sharpe is Chief of Staff at the Michigan House of Representatives for Representative David E. Nathan, 11th District. She previously was a Senior Staff attorney for the Wayne County Friend of The Court. She has a diverse legal background and previously maintained a private practice in which she handled immigration, family, probate, real estate and criminal matters. She is the Executive Director and founder of Dad’s Who Care Foundation and also sits on the Board of the Pierre Toussaint Academy.

Ms. Sharpe has been a member of the Wayne Mediation Center Board of Directors since April 2010 and has been a trained mediator since 2007. She received her undergraduate degree from Spelman College, a Masters of International Politics and Economics from the University of Detroit Mercy, and her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Mr. Edgar has been a Plant Maintenance Planner with the City of Detroit Water and Sewage Department for almost ten years. He previously worked as a machine and facility mechanic, and also served as a union steward. He is a Police Reservist for the City of Detroit.

Mr. Edgar joined the Board of Directors in June 2010 and has been a trained mediator since 2006. He holds a B.A. in Labor Relations from Wayne State University.

Mr. Sier is the lead attorney in Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti and Sherbrook’s construction and commercial litigation group. He specializes in dispute avoidance and resolution of commercial, health care and construction contract issues. He has received numerous awards, is the author of dozens of publications and serves in leadership positions and on committees for a variety of organizations. He has been recognized as a "Michigan Super Lawyer" for the past three years and was recently named one of the "Best Lawyers in America."

Mr. Sier joined the Board of Directors in June, 2010 and has been a trained mediator since 2005. He holds an A.B. from Loyola University of Chicago, an M.A. from the Drake University Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication and a J.D. from Drake University Law School.

Mr. Samaroo is a psychologist who practices individual and group therapy and psychological crisis intervention. He is a member of a Traumatic Incident Stress Management Team. He previously was the executive director of an organization serving individuals with developmental and mental disabilities. He also holds a number of certifications, including as a Michigan Department of Health "Trainer of Trainers" and in "Critical Incident Stress Management."

Mr. Samaroo joined the Board of Directors in June 2010 and has been a trained mediator since 2005. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from Wayne State University and a M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University.