New Leadership, Renewed Vision: SDBA Charts New Path for Growth

Southwest Detroit, known for its vibrant culture, tight-knit entrepreneurial spirit, and the pulse of community progress, is entering a new chapter. As the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) searches for its next president and CEO, what might seem like a moment of uncertainty is instead generating fresh energy, renewed partnerships, and an inclusive vision for the future as outlined at the Annual Membership Meeting on June 26^th at Candela Hall in Southwest Detroit.

Brandi Watts, Vice President of Programs & Compliance, is committed to the principle that Southwest Detroit businesses deserve a seat at the table as an SDBA member, and business owners’ voices will be heard in discussions that shape policies and investments.

“SDBA services more than 1,200 businesses and entrepreneurs through our programming,” Watts said.

“La Joya Gardens reflects nearly a decade of planning and partnership with 53 residential units, including 40 affordable and 13 market-rate apartments, 6,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.”

As the meeting progressed, the energy throughout the evening remained upbeat and high as CFO Andrew Melton provided a detailed financial overview, including a recent audit, to reassure community members of the transparency of the finances for the remainder of 2025.

As community members and residents enjoyed their dinner and networked with one another, there was anticipation for the election results for new board members.  The elections brought fresh energy and perspectives to the table, reflecting the community’s desire for both continuity and innovation.

Newly elected board members included Luis Ali, co-founder of AGI Construction, Sonya Rivas, owner of Casita Title & Escrow Agency, and Lydia Gutierrez of Hacienda Mexican Foods. Returning board members Irwin Danto and Jenn Smith also recommitted to a vision centered on equity, cultural preservation, and smart growth.

The SDBA’s leadership team launched a series of sessions in early spring, inviting local business owners, block clubs, and nonprofits to offer input on what they hope to see in the association’s next leader. Themes emerged quickly, including inclusive growth, deeper advocacy for legacy businesses, and new ways to bridge generational and cultural gaps.

In the interim, the organization has doubled down on supporting local businesses through grassroots engagement and partnerships. Programs like the Legacy Business Initiative and corridor clean-up efforts along W. Vernor Highway and Bagley Ave. have expanded with help from volunteers and partners like ProsperUS Detroit, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, and the City’s Office of Mobility Innovation.

Community members and residents echoed one another, emphasizing their appreciation for the transparency in the process and thanking the board for the “good job” they are doing during the transition.

While the search for a new president is ongoing, with the goal of appointing a leader by fall 2025, the SDBA is using this time to build stronger systems and expand its reach. The board will continue to engage an executive search firm with deep roots in Detroit’s civic sector, with an emphasis on finding a bilingual, community-first leader who brings both strategic know-how and local credibility.

This leadership transition is about more than filling a vacancy; it’s about advancing equity, strengthening collaboration, and preserving the cultural identity that makes Southwest Detroit a vital part of the city’s future.