Nicole Sherard-Freeman’s appointment as the incoming President of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a significant moment for both Black leadership and philanthropy in the region. Sherard-Freeman, with over 30 years of tri-sector experience, will take the reins in January 2025, becoming one of the most powerful Black women in Detroit’s philanthropic space. Her leadership signals a pivotal shift-Black women are increasingly stepping into roles that shape the financial and social futures of entire communities. In a place like Detroit, where most of the residents are Black, this kind of leadership in philanthropy is not only impactful but essential for creating equitable change.