Our Team

Thomas Obioha serves as Board President of Brightmoor Artisans Collective and is a legacy resident of District 1 in Northwest Detroit. As Executive Director of Detroit Block Works, he is dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods through community-led initiatives, one block at a time. A native Detroiter with deep roots in the area, Thomas brings a diverse background in community advocacy, small business engagement, strategic planning, and grant writing to support local entrepreneurs and foster economic growth. He is committed to empowering residents to lead change, build resilient networks, and create lasting opportunities throughout Brightmoor and the wider Northwest Detroit community.

Shanin Flowers Green is a legacy Brightmoor resident and longtime advocate for the community, with roots that stretch from childhood weekends at her grandmother’s home to her continued commitment to Brightmoor as an adult. Deeply invested in the neighborhood’s potential, Shanin brings a strong background in community engagement, coalition building, and nonprofit leadership to the Brightmoor Artisans Collective (BAC) Board of Directors. As a certified Financial Coach and Pre-Purchase Housing Counselor, she offers valuable expertise in financial empowerment and housing stability, complemented by training in leadership, team building, networking, and project management. Shanin is passionate about strengthening existing community frameworks, building collaborative relationships, and helping create opportunities that support Brightmoor residents and the long-term vitality of the neighborhood.

Lesley Hairston is a legacy District 1 resident and finance professional with more than 13 years of nonprofit accounting experience, including eight years leading financial operations for public charities, private foundations, and other mission-driven organizations. Lesley has worked alongside Tommie Obioha and Detroit Block Works on neighborhood projects, giving her firsthand experience with community-based initiatives and a strong connection to the work happening in the area. She brings extensive expertise in financial management, budgeting, audit oversight, grant and regulatory reporting, tax compliance, cash flow management, and the development of GAAP-compliant financial systems and controls. Lesley holds a Master of Science in Accounting from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics of Finance & Risk Management from the University of Michigan. As a BAC trustee, she brings both deep neighborhood roots and the financial expertise needed to support strong governance, accountability, and the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Kimberly Williams is a retired Detroit nonprofit professional and dedicated community leader who brings deep roots, experience, and a strong commitment to collective ownership to the Brightmoor Artisans Collective (BAC) Board of Directors. A legacy District 1 resident, Kimberly has served in BAC committee leadership for the past two years and represents BAC in both the Detroit Community Land Trust (CLT) Coalition and the Michigan CLT Coalition. Her experience in nonprofit leadership and community organizing, combined with her passion for neighborhood stewardship, makes her a valuable voice for BAC’s mission and long-term vision. An avid gardener, Kimberly brings a spirit of cultivation and care to her work—nurturing not only plants, but also relationships, community, and opportunities for residents to thrive.