In accordance with the UDCA Bylaws, every year UDCA Members are asked to elect candidates for
the UDCA Board of Directors. The Board has 15 members, with five terms expiring each year. This is
an opportunity to elect individuals who best represent your desires for our community.
Eight residents are volunteering to serve in leadership positions as UDCA Board members. The
candidate roster and their short bios are below. Please cast your household’s vote for 5 candidates using the ballot delivered to you by mail and return in the envelope provided.
The results of this election will be announced during the All Residents Meeting on Tuesday,
December 10th at 6 PM, held at the University of Detroit Mercy Student Union. Results will also be
published in the January UDCA online newsletter and posted on the UDCA website.
If you have any questions, contact UDCA Board Members Dinah Dittman, Election Committee Chair
(313.348.0516) or Roger Short, Election Committee Member (313.549.3775).
Jason Allen
I always wanted to live in the University District, due to the beautiful homes and community living. I was super excited when I finally closed on my home! My parents lived 11 houses south, and later my sister would move 8 houses away, so it has become a family affair! I am running for the UDCA Board to work with my neighbors on the various challenges in our community and provide service to our neighborhood. I am willing to leverage my network and talents to assure that our neighborhood has appropriate support.
Professionally, I am Regional Claims Manager for The Auto Club Group (AGC). I lead the operational oversight of catastrophe claims in 11 states spanning from the Midwest to the southern coast. I am a life-long learner; I enjoy studying various insurance ideas, increasing sustainability in the insurance industry, and representing ACG to ensure fair resolution of all claims. I mentor students at Wayne State University School of Business and have taught several students on the Insurance Education – Invest Program. I attended local Detroit Public Schools (Hampton, Cass Tech), hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University and Master of Business Administration from Lawrence Technology University.
In community, I am a member of: National African American Insurance Association – Detroit Chapter; Former President and current Board member of Black Leaders Detroit; Board member of Better Men Outreach; Treasurer for Center for Urban Youth; ACG Employee Resource Group Leader – Diverse Abilities ERG; graduate of Leadership Detroit 41; and Secretary for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. In my spare time I enjoy investing, coaching basketball with NBA Jr., learning to play the trumpet, participating with social and civic organizations (Big Brother Big Sister and Boys & Girls Club of SE Michigan) and, most importantly, spending time with my family.
Sidney H. Bailey III
I have been a University District resident for 35 years and a UDCA Board member for 21 years. I have been a Block Captain for nearly thirty years (now co-captain). My wife, stepdaughter & two step-granddaughters and I are committed to the community. We love our home; it is the one where you will get treats and tricks at Halloween, free cannas in the Spring and is one of those adorned with lights, lights & more lights during the Christmas holidays. It was on the 2018 Home Tour!
I have brought some of my professional project management experience (33 years as an engineer for the City of Detroit) to my work on the Board – to its betterment, I believe. As a Head Engineer at the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, I managed a staff of professionals, tradesmen/women, and technicians. My group implemented a rolling five- year, $3 billion capital improvements program. I first ran for election to the UDCA Board to do my part to maintain and improve our homes, neighborhood, and the quality of life. It takes all of us, the residents (long time and new), Block Captains, the Board and other community-based organizations working together. I hope to have the opportunity to continue my work on the Board in advancing the interests of the University District during an eighth term.
During my current term on the UDCA Board, I have chaired the Special Assessment District Committee, the By Laws Committee and the Board Elections Committee (not this year, since I am a candidate). I also served as Recording Secretary on the Residential Standards Committee (RSC) and as UDCA Board Parliamentarian. Some of my goals for my next term are: 1) Through the RSC’s efforts, assure that all UD residents are aware of the requirements of, and remedies provided under the Dangerous Animals Ordinance and use the services of the City’s Animal Care and Control Division to reduce or eliminate our problem of loose dogs and associated dog attacks. 2) Also with my fellow RSC members, continue our work with District 2 Councilmember Angela Calloway’s office to assure that the new short-term residence ordinance includes requirements for adherence to neighborhood standards, a complaint mechanism for apparent violations and verification that the rental operation is in compliance with the ordinance, and that prior complaints have been resolved. Hopefully, you will re-elect me so I can accomplish these goals.
Erin Ferguson
It has been a pleasure being a UDCA Board member for the last three years. I jumped right into the role after being elected, and in January 2022, I accepted the nomination to be the Board’s Secretary. This role includes sending the Board’s monthly meeting notice and agenda to Board members and community constituents, recording meeting discussions and votes, and publishing the meeting minutes.
In January 2024, I accepted the nomination to serve as Board President. During my term as President, I led the Board’s annual retreat, held All Resident Meetings, worked to create partnerships with community leaders and neighboring community associations, and supported the University District’s signature events, including the Home Tour and Harvest Fest. With your vote, I will continue to serve as a UDCA Board member where my passion for our unique neighborhood will fuel me to sow deeper community ties that benefit the University District.
I attended Michigan State University, and hold a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. I am a licensed attorney with the ability to analyze issues as both an advocate and mediator, and resolve matters through the lens of equity and inclusion. I am well positioned through my professional and Board experience to continue serving the University District as a UDCA Board member. Thank you for your continued support.
Taylor Ficht
I have lived in the University District since 2021 and have been a resident of Metro-Detroit for most of my life. My family moved to the University District after a several-year search for a home in a community like this. We were committed to the idea of living in a diverse community with a rich history. I’m an active UDCA volunteer and have been involved with the planning and execution of the 2022 and 2024 UDCA Home Tours, I am a co-block captain, and I am frequently involved with the flyers distributed throughout our community.
I attended the University of Michigan and currently work in Human Resources and run my own business as a birth doula. As a Director of Human Resources, I manage 100+ employees across the Midwest and field a variety of challenges on a day-to-day basis. As a birth doula, I regularly support families in our larger community as they transition into parenthood. I am a mother to three boys, one of which attends our neighborhood school (Palmer Park Prep) and we are active members of the Palmer Park Community Garden.
As a prospective board member, I plan to help guide the board in making choices I feel are best for the community as a whole. I am very detail oriented and open minded, so I would consider all opinions and do my research on issues to ensure my choices are informed and representative of the neighborhood at large. I love this community and I feel strongly invested in its maintenance and future. I believe that I have a fresh perspective that will bring positive changes to the board and ideas that will be impactful for the future.
Brenda Goss-Andrews
I retired from the Detroit Police Department after a distinguished career spanning three decades. My career journey from a street and beat officer to Deputy Chief is a testament to my leadership skills. I was a trailblazer, as the first female to manage and control the department’s $400 million-dollar budget and $30 million in state and federal grants. I broke barriers and paved the way for other women in the department. I have worked with the Department of Justice on matters of policy and oversight such as the department’s pattern and practice and conditions of confinement consent decree.
My dedication and civic involvement have been proven through over 20 years of service on the City of Detroit City Planning Commission and the Citizen Review Committee. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently appointed me to a four-year term on the Michigan Community Corrections Board. Additionally, I am a board member of the Wayne State University School of Social Work Board of Visitors and was recently elected as a Precinct Delegate. I am the Past President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives an organization of over 4,000 members that addresses the concerns of law enforcement professionals and critical issues affecting communities across the country. Under my leadership, we introduced innovative programs including “It Starts at Home,” promoting safe gun storage, and “The Talk,” aimed at empowering youth.
In this community, I served on the UDCA Board of Directors for two terms (2015 – 2020), chaired the newsletter committee, and was a member of the garage sale and home tour committees. We are proud to say that our home was featured on the 2016 Home Tour!
I am currently a doctoral candidate at Walden University. I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University and Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. I am a licensed Michigan Realtor.
Lisa Jones
I am deeply honored to be considered for a third term on the UDCA Board. My husband, Clarke Mason, and I, both proud New Yorkers and Cornell University graduates, reunited after many years and have since built a life filled with happiness, purpose, and dedication to the University District.
In 2012, after exploring several of Detroit’s historic neighborhoods, we found our forever home in the University District. Since then, I’ve passionately immersed myself in UDCA activities, including co-chairing the Home Tour in 2022 and 2024, serving as a committee member since 2014, and proudly showcasing our home on the tour in 2018. Additionally, I have had the privilege of leading the Social Committee where I’ve worked alongside neighbors to create events that do more than just entertain—they strengthen bonds, forge connections, and celebrate the pride that makes our neighborhood one of a kind.
What I cherish most about the University District is its deep sense of community. This is a place where neighbors don’t simply live beside one another—they thrive together. The willingness to lend a hand, offer support, and look out for one another defines the spirit of our neighborhood. My husband and I have experienced this countless times, knowing that whenever we needed help, our neighbors were there for us without hesitation. The University District is extraordinary—not only for its beautiful homes but for the people who make it feel like home. If re-elected to the UDCA Board, I will continue building on the strong legacy that has shaped this neighborhood, ensuring it remains a vibrant, welcoming community that we all love and are proud to call our own.
Kathleen Samul
I have lived in Detroit my entire life. I have lived in the University District since 1977 and our home was in the 2024 Home Tour! In addition to UDCA, I support the Riverfront Conservancy, the various Detroit museums and cultural groups, and businesses in the city. I’ve always lived in a diverse environment and feel enriched by the people and places I’ve worked. I enjoyed learning how to share Detroit with others when I worked as a tour guide with Detroit Upbeat.
Living in the city, I attended Detroit Public Schools as a child and then went to Wayne State University for my undergraduate and Master’s degrees. I began my teaching career at Gesu School in the UDCA neighborhood. I am now a retired teacher, most recently retiring from Cranbrook Schools. Being an educator for 50 years, I worked with children and their families. I know that it’s important to listen to everyone. Sometimes, you have to repeat what you hear to make sure it’s accurate for everyone.
I have had leadership positions in nonprofit organizations as a volunteer. One of my proudest achievements was serving as the President of CISV USA and the President of the CISV Detroit Chapter. CISV was founded in the belief that peace is possible through building friendship and mutual understanding, starting with children. Its programs help young participants develop to their full potential as future leaders and active citizens, to make a difference in their communities and the world, and to build global friendships and networks that will last a lifetime.
I am running for the UDCA Board because I think it’s important to support the work of our community association and to be a good citizen. It’s important to make sure that our neighbors feel supported in all areas. The University District has provided my family with a wonderful place to live and grow. It would be my pleasure to give back as a member of the UDCA Board.
Nanveet Strickland
I moved to the University District in 2023, with my husband and sons. I want to be a member of the UDCA Board to contribute actively to our community’s safety and growth. My goal is to collaborate with residents and stakeholders to address concerns, implement effective solutions, and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhood. My goal is to help create a safer, more connected community for everyone.
I hold a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing from Madonna University, and a B.S. in Nutrition Food Science from Wayne State University. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of serving residents of Detroit as a Registered Nurse. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of our community. Whether it’s been through direct patient care or working alongside healthcare professionals, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of compassionate service and effective problem-solving.
Working as a nurse requires a high level of dedication, attention to detail, and the ability to handle complex situations. These skills are directly transferable to serving as a leader for UDCA. I’ve developed a proven track record of working effectively under pressure, coordinating with diverse teams, and ensuring that the needs of individuals are met with care and professionalism.
Outside of my job, I actively seek ways to contribute to my community, embodying the spirit of service in various forms. Whether through volunteering at local clinics, participating in health education programs, or engaging in community outreach, I leverage my nursing skills and knowledge to benefit those around me.