About Us

Director of Community Engagement

Being raised in a traditional Eastern culture & immigrating from Pakistan to the U.S. with her family over 30 years ago, Cynthia has a deep understanding of the the unique challenges refugee and immigrant women face adjusting to life in a new Western & American culture. She has compassion for women's issues and uses her educational background as a teacher to guide HCB's programming vision and build meaningful connections with community leaders, businesses, and organizations for the benefit of program participants and the whole of the community. 

 Program Coordinator / Liaison  

American born & Detroit bred, Brandi drives HCB's operations, organizational structure and program administration. She authored the organization's client success intake, workflow, and exit to help clients' gain confident independence, self sufficiency and improve their quality-of-life including developing workshops and training materials based on personal experiences with client needs. She works with the team to research and write grants and other proposals and collects and maintains the the organizations data. She also lends her skill to the organization's digital outreach and promotion through content creation of articles, blogs, newsletters, maintaining the social platforms, website and creating promotional material for programs. A strong support, she works directly with clients and team members to ensure cohesive and consistent delivery of program deliverables.

 Assistant Program Director

Sharoon Attray holds an MBA from Walsh College of Business Administration in Troy, Michigan. Prior to this, he pursued an MPhil of Political Science degree from GC University Lahore, renowned as the largest university in Pakistan, known for producing Nobel Laureates. He also attained a Master's degree from Forman Christian College, a chartered university with roots traced back to American missionary endeavors.

 Sharoon has garnered ample experience in the non-profit sector. He has contributed significantly to organizations such as Rutgers International, headquartered in the Netherlands and operating across 29 countries, focusing on reproductive health rights. Additionally, he has been actively involved with ITA, a Pakistan-based non-profit dedicated to promoting fundamental education rights.

Case Manager - BRES Project 

 Sha'Tyra Berry is a well-connected native Detroiter, has done teaching, social work, and community engagement with families and community members and organizations for over 12 years. As employment barrier removal case manager, Berry handles client registration, profiles, and records maintenance. She evaluates clients' barriers, needs, and is the first line in assisting clients in assessing their work readiness and capabilities in order to facilitate access to appropriate services with the ultimate goal of helping clients achieve wellness and career placement. Coordinating employment resource providers and facilities, as well as keeping abreast of, and attending, resources, services, events, and 'happenings' in and around the city, Berry, also promotes program awareness through community outreach. 

 Community Engagement Liaison 

 Layla is a certified Global Career Developer, Certified Financial Coach and Certified Grant Writer.  With a strong background & network as a Workforce Development Leader & Professional, she has dedicated her career to piloting & restructuring programs to enhance productivity and profitability. Layla’s passion lies in empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their goals through effective career development and financial strategies. 

Communications Manager 

Cosmopolitan Immer has dual citizenship in the U.S. & Canada, speaks three different languages and is at home in Dubai, Toronto, Miami, or Birmingham. Her adaptability allows her to easily juggle the demands of her role as Communications Manager & creative design lead. She edits, curates, designs, and oversees newsletters, articles, special campaigns & projects, photo & video stories, our social media platforms, promotions, & updates & communications to partners. She has a special eye for design & is skilled at conveying the right messaging at the most opportune time & powerfully  communicating moods and messages to our audience.

 Development Specialist 

Intelligent, laser focused, & driven, with a degree in bioinformatics, Akima is highly skilled at making sense of the numbers & data. Well organized & able to help connect the dots of the details needed to execute the larger vision, Akima is sharp, concise, & gifted in helping  leverage HCB's collaborations to effect the most beneficial outcomes for program participants, the organization, and community partners, those existing & potential. A versatile & integral member of the team,  Akima assists with managing special projects, processes, data, partner & donor communications, & other operations. Akima hails from the Virgin Islands.

Social Media Specialist

Rooted in a small-town upbringing, Azel's dedication to service began with early participation in community initiatives and Bible studies. As an adolescent, she served as a translator for Salamat-e-Hazara missionaries, bridging vital communication gaps. Her commitment extended to working with Bakarwal NGO, translating books to empower girls' education in underserved Northern areas. This rich background, combined with her B.Sc Honors in Psychology, provides a profound understanding of human dynamics. Azel applies this unique perspective to her professional work in community management, email marketing, and social media marketing, effectively building connections and engaging diverse audiences.

Pashto/Dari Translator
At Hope Care and Beyond, I manage a variety of educational and support programs, including English classes, sewing classes, cooking classes, and other community events focused on empowerment and growth.

My responsibilities include connecting with families and clients, identifying their needs, offering guidance and encouragement, helping solve personal and practical challenges, and referring them to job opportunities. I also assist with transportation to free food, clothing, and other essential resources.

I actively network with community partners and organizations to expand support and create opportunities for the families we serve. My goal is to build a space filled with hope, education, and support—helping individuals and families move toward independence and a brighter future.

 ESL Teacher

 Julia is a professional ballet dancer who teaches ESL at the Dearborn-IFC. She will also be engaging students in some dance moves for quick exercise, to help alleviate stress, & just for some good plain fun!  

Event Photographer