Cherisa Allen, a proud native of Ypsilanti, Michigan, is a dedicated advocate for her community and an accomplished professional with over 33 years of experience in Social Work. A double graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Cherisa earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, laying the foundation for a career committed to positively impacting lives. Cherisa is currently employed with Ypsilanti Community Schools. She serves in the role of the McKinney-Vento Liaison and the Community Liaison, and she operates the YCS Resiliency Center, a one-stop shop for students, staff, and families of YCS.

Her unwavering passion for service has led her to numerous leadership roles within the community. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Women and Men Working for Change, a Board Member for The SafeHouse Center, and the Dispute Resolution Center.

Additionally, she contributes as Secretary of S.A.V.E. and actively participates in grassroots initiatives close to her heart, including the SummerFest/Joe Dulin Day Committee and the Community Violence Intervention Team. Cherisa takes great pride in organizing the team’s annual CVI summit, a dynamic and engaging platform addressing gun violence and other critical community issues, bringing together community members from all walks of life.

Cherisa is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving through the Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter, where she continues to exemplify her commitment to sisterhood, service, scholarship, and social action. With a mission to leave footprints of love and empowerment wherever she goes, Cherisa remains a pillar of inspiration and change in her com