Catherine Kelly
Catherine Kelly is a longtime Detroiter and Detroit Public Schools graduate who knows that narratives matter. Catherine believes narratives create inclusion, grow opportunity, and change history, which is why she has built a long career in media, communications, strategy and branding. For more than a decade, Catherine served as publisher of the Michigan Citizen — a widely read and respected community newspaper. A family business, the Michigan Citizen started on her parents’ dining room table in 1978. Part of the second wave of Black newspapers, the outlet’s mission was to reflect the realities and aspirations of Black Detroit. It provided coverage for entrepreneurs, activists, community efforts, and, overall, celebrated the accomplishments of Detroiters and their families.Catherine attended the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Eugene Lang College at the New School.