Dr. Saudia Major, Ph.D., is a leading figure in health psychology, currently serving as the Chief of Health Psychology at the LTC Charles S. Kettles VAMC. With 15 years dedicated to the VA’s Home Based Primary Care program, she has extensive experience in providing behavioral healthcare to chronically ill veterans in their homes. Dr. Major also holds a position as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan's School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, and is actively involved in the VA psychology training program.

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Dr. Major earned her bachelor's degree (Magna Cum Laude) and doctorate in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina, completing her internship and residency at Florida State Hospital, a forensic psychiatric facility. Her clinical interests are diverse, including designing interventions for older adults, suicide prevention, dementia care, and managing caregiver stress. Notably, she innovated the Ann Arbor VA’s caregiver support program, establishing the role of Caregiver Support Coordinator.

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Her research endeavors extend to examining the reliability of the Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam, the benefits of exercise on mental illness and Multiple Sclerosis, and earlier studies on attachment theory, relationship satisfaction, and cardiovascular reactivity.

Michelle has a Master’s degree in Dietetics from Eastern Michigan University and is a Nutrition Consultant at Henry Ford. Her background includes owning a fitness center and competing nationally as a Professional Figure Competitor, experiences that fueled her interest in nutrition and wellness. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and has a solid marketing, advertising, and networking foundation from her previous work with Cumulus and Clear Channel Radio Stations.

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As a Black LGBTQ+ woman who has transitioned to a second career, Michelle is passionate about using her strength, wisdom, and experience to assist others on their journeys. She is deeply committed to supporting the Black female community and advocating for healthy living. Michelle’s life philosophy, "You only have one life…How are you living it?" reflects her proactive and empowering approach to both personal and community well-being.

Candye, the owner of Hinton Home Loans and Hinton Real Estate Group, Inc., is a pivotal figure in the Ypsilanti community. Her extensive experience, coupled with a solid commitment to honesty and integrity, has enabled her business to thrive, largely driven by repeat clients and referrals. Not only did her firm benefit as an original recipient of a Women Lift grant, but Candye also actively contributed to this initiative by serving on its Advisory Board, amplifying her impact within the community.

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Her work reflects a deep commitment to inclusivity. She assists both housed and unhoused individuals in finding homes from her well-known, warmly decorated storefront in downtown Ypsilanti. Candye’s engagement with the community goes beyond professional interactions. She is a cornerstone of local engagement, known for her active participation in community events and her warm, welcoming presence to all who pass by her store.​

Kim, also known as Kimmie, is the dedicated owner of Salon Kimistry in Belleville, MI. For over 22 years, she has provided beauty services and mentored others, living out her belief in Robert Ingersoll's saying, "WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS." Her salon is a hub where her artistic talents and passion for teaching converge.

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Beyond her salon, Kim co-founded Embracing the Culture (ETC), an organization committed to promoting black culture and supporting black-owned businesses. ETC aims to make support for these businesses a sustainable lifestyle, thus creating job opportunities, fostering generational wealth, and helping to close the racial wealth gap. Kim's firsthand experience as an entrepreneur fuels her dedication to this cause.

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Kim also deeply values the resilience and perseverance of Black culture, embodying these traits in all aspects of her life. When she's not busy at her salon or with advocacy work, she enjoys dancing, savoring Key Lime Pie, and taking well-deserved naps.