Board Of Directors

is the CEO, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Motor City Mitten Mission (MCMM), bringing more than 30 years of nonprofit experience and over 23 years of direct experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness to the organization.

​

Gail’s diverse professional background spans nonprofit leadership, business development and sustainability, fundraising, event production, marketing, public relations, project management, hospitality, and the entertainment industry. She began her career as a professional actress and singer before transitioning to the business side of the entertainment industry, where she worked as a respected talent agent, casting director, producer, music promoter, and marketing professional.

​

Throughout her career, Gail has lived and worked in several major cities across the United States, providing her with a broad perspective and diverse professional and community experiences. Her career has included leadership and development positions with nonprofit organizations, consulting for businesses and community initiatives, and being a part owner and managing partner of a successful restaurant and nightclub in Cincinnati, Ohio.

​

Gail is also the longtime Owner and President of GAM Productions, through which she has provided consulting expertise in nonprofit and business development, fundraising, marketing, special events, sponsorships, partnerships, and project management. Her work throughout the years has allowed her to develop relationships and collaborate with numerous nationally recognized corporations, nonprofit organizations, entertainment companies, community partners, and major brands.

​

Today, Gail brings this unique combination of nonprofit leadership, business experience, creativity, relationship building, and hands-on homeless services experience to her leadership of Motor City Mitten Mission. Under her leadership, MCMM has grown from a grassroots volunteer effort into a comprehensive homeless services organization providing critical programs and support to thousands of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and food insecurity throughout Metro Detroit.

​

Gail holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the heart of her work is a commitment to service, advocacy, community, and treating every person with dignity and compassion—reflecting the philosophy that has become synonymous with MCMM:

“It’s Easy to be Kind.”

Laura Bohan Duffy is a volunteer and board member at MCMM and has spent 38 years in the legal field specializing in electronic billing. After retirement, Duffy was introduced to Motor City Mitten Mission and their work assisting clients navigate hunger, homelessness, and additional needs.

Duffy finds working with such a wonderful cause to be challenging and rewarding, and enjoys participating in outreach, assisting at special events, supporting local volunteers, and aiding where and when needed. Her goal as a board member is to make the organization stronger, resourceful as possible, and resilient in these challenging times. 

is a passionate advocate for social justice, housing equity, and community empowerment. A graduate of Cass Technical High School and University of Detroit Mercy, she has worked in homeless services and utility assistance at Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency and now serves with the City of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD). Dedicated to uplifting underserved communities, Yolanda brings compassion, organization, and data-driven insight to her work—using her expertise and lived experience to create lasting change across Detroit.

Sophan Buffa is the co-founder of Motor City Mitten Mission, which began with designing and creating handmade mats and pillows formed from recycled plastic bags. Buffa also has over 16 years of experience in education working with students with disabilities and extensive experience in home care management as the former owner of a non-medical home care company in Grosse Pointe. She is also fluent in two languages and currently serves as the new owner of Assisted Living Locators of Rochester Hills. 

Buffa is family and faith focused, and brings compassion, expertise, and understanding to her position. She is dedicated to making a positive impact in her community both as a board member and by providing meals and participating in outreach at Motor City Mitten Mission.

is a seasoned social work professional and educator with over 40 years of experience in social work, education, and community development. He holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration and a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. Bob currently serves as Part-Time Faculty at Wayne State’s School of Social Work and as Intern Supervisor for the Motor City Mitten Mission, mentoring future social workers and supporting community outreach efforts. His distinguished career—including roles as Assistant Principal, School Social Worker, and Clinical Therapist—reflects his lifelong commitment to mental health, educational equity, and social justice.

Dawn Hurd holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with honors and is currently Director of I-9 Success for Equifax. She has been with Equifax for 8 years, who acquired I-9 Advantage, who she was with 8 years prior, working with the company for 18 years total. Her primary duties include I-9 consulting, compliance reporting, and analysis for several top clients using Equifax I-9 services.

As the Director of I-9 Success, she is an expert in Form I-9 and E-Verify compliance and processes. With over 25 years of experience in the HR technology field, Hurd was an integral part of the design, development, and implementation teams for the first automated retro Form I-9 electronic conversion and audit tool on the market – winner of the 2011 Human Resource Executive’s Top Product of the Year award.

is a devoted wife, proud mother of two sons, and passionate advocate for vulnerable populations. A longtime supporter of the Motor City Mitten Mission, she has been involved since its founding—donating her time, resources, and heart to serve those experiencing homelessness and hardship. Her advocacy is deeply personal, inspired by her brother’s struggle with addiction and homelessness and her role as legal guardian to her adult son with special needs. Julie’s compassion, resilience, and quiet dedication embody the spirit of community service and make her an invaluable part of the MCMM family.

BBA degree, associate’s degree (Paralegal), Business owner for more than 65 years, President and lead negotiations for the Detroit Crossing Guards Union. Formerly on the Board of Director for St. Jude’s Detroit chapter, former Board of Directors for the St. Elias Society.

Sue Mckinney is a retired pharmacy technician of 15 years and residential daycare manager of 23 years. She has volunteered for the Red Cross for five years, assisting with hurricane and tornado relief to help victims. She has also volunteered with various youth groups in partnership with the National Relief Network in addition to working with firefighters after 9/11, assisting at her church, volunteering in soup kitchens, and MCMM outreach.

She and her husband Denny have three children, four grandchildren, and a great grandson on the way. In her spare time, Mckinney likes to spend time with her family, kayak, and bike. Her mission to help the less fortunate is powered by her gratitude for her own blessings, adhering to the principle that her parents taught her: you can always help someone because no matter what you have, someone has less.

Cynthia Stevens has over 35 years of experience as a high school English, speech, and theater teacher along with coaching Competitive Forensics (Public Speaking). She was previously elected as a board member for both the MIFA (Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association) and MSCA (Michigan Speech Coaches Association) where she earned a Hall of Fame recipient award, given to honorees for their commitment to community, coaching success, and length of service.

​

Her commitment to serving the homeless includes participating in outreach with Motor City Mitten Mission, the making and delivering of “Blessing Bags”, and prayer in hopes of ending homelessness. Stevens is also a proud wife and mother of three beautiful children and four grandchildren, and in her spare time loves to go on cruises and participate in wine tastings with her husband Rick.