Leona Medley

she/her
Executive Director,
Joe Louis Greenway Partnership
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Leona Medley is a distinguished leader and a passionate advocate for community empowerment, currently serving as the Executive Director of the burgeoning Joe Louis Greenway Partnership in Detroit, Michigan. With a rich history in executive leadership, Leona's journey is marked by her roles within the Rock Family of Companies, where she significantly contributed as the Director of Strategic Community Partnerships and Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement. Her academic foundation in Psychology was laid at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, further solidified by a Masters of Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy, reflecting her deep commitment to fostering sustainable community growth.

Before her tenure with Rock, Leona dedicated over 17 years to corporate leadership at Home Depot. There, she led a thriving enterprise that championed economic mobility and spearheaded extensive community development initiatives across Southeastern Michigan, courtesy of the Home Depot Foundation. Her leadership extended beyond corporate realms into impactful community service. Leona's governance experience spans several noteworthy boards, including the Habitat for Humanity Detroit Executive Committee, where she served as Chairperson, and the Streetwise Partners of Michigan, among others. Her advisory roles have significantly influenced organizations like the Neighborhood Legal Services of Michigan and Detroit Means Business, showcasing her multifaceted expertise in nurturing community welfare.

Leona's commendable volunteer work and social impact efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored as the Volunteer of the Year by Habitat for Humanity Detroit, received the prestigious Globe Street Women of Influence Award, and was celebrated as a 2022 Michigan Chronicle Woman of Excellence. These accolades testify to her relentless dedication and extraordinary contributions to community development and empowerment.

A lifelong Detroiter, Leona's roots in the city run deep. As a devoted wife and mother, her personal life is as rich and fulfilling as her professional endeavors. Leona embodies the spirit of Detroit - resilient, vibrant, and endlessly hopeful. Her work is not just a testament to her skill and dedication but a beacon of inspiration, advocating for a brighter, more inclusive future for Detroit and beyond. Leona Medley is truly a champion for her community, weaving her personal and professional life into a tapestry of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to progress.

Plenary panelist: Centering Place, Placemaking Together
Tour leader: Preview the Joe Louis Greenway