Smith has been involved in the initiative’s efforts from the very beginning, since 18,000 people came together to create a framework with 15 recommended strategies to achieve the six imperatives that must be accomplished to transform the city by 2027. Smith has served as a member of the initiative’s Stewardship Board, a group of voluntary leaders guiding the initiative, since it began.

She said she will accelerate the execution of the six imperatives of the community-driven framework.

“Today marks a new chapter in how we’ll work together,” Smith said. “Through this distributed leadership model, we will act on a community-wide vision, purpose and outcomes that respond to the needs of community. We will align existing resources prior to adding new and utilize an effective organizational structure. We’ll develop an implementation success plan. We will track and report our progress, reflect and course correct when necessary – all while using effective and efficient feedback loops, including social media, through which community can remain plugged in.”

Smith’s passion for the children of Detroit inspired those in attendance to recommit themselves to be champions of hope.

“Investing in the education of children leads to life changes,” Smith said. “I met a parent last week who said to me, ‘Don’t meet me where I am. Meet me where I dream.’ That statement holds so many possibilities and so many opportunities for our children. They begin with every day moments that we provide. I would like each of us to think about the role we plan in the lives of these children and remember that every child deserves a champion.”