Black History Month: OCC Proudly Recognizes Black Alumni Achievements

MiVida Burrus

Senior Director of Development
Avalon Healing Center
Associate degree, Business Administration, OCC 2011
Bachelor’s degree, Business Administration, Walsh College
Master of Business Administration, Walsh College

Burrus also works as lead advisor for Mondo Unlimited and previously worked as the director of development at HAVEN Oakland County and Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. While attending OCC, she was a Phi Theta Kappa student leader. Burrus’ LinkedIn Bio.

“Black History Month is a time of reflection. It is when my family and I rehearse the beauty of being black; the achievements and accomplishments of our people; the resilience and hope that emerged from trials and created a people of triumph. Black History Month means that we are still striving to uncover and recognize our ancestors while celebrating our current leaders.”

Xondra Clark

Board of Education Treasurer 
Oak Park Schools
Associate degree, Arts and General Studies, OCC 2024

Clark previously served as a tutor in Detroit Public Schools with Bell Tutoring, mentored for the African American Youth Leadership Program in California, and worked as an infant teaching assistant at Gateway Montessori. Clark’s LinkedIn Bio.

“Black History Month is a reminder to honor the foundation laid by my ancestors, whose resilience and sacrifices paved the way for me to pursue and reach my highest potential. It's a time to reflect on their legacy and be inspired to continue building a brighter future.”

Cyril Davis

Program Director
Lakes Psychiatric Center
Associate degree, Nursing, Biological Science, General, OCC 2017
Bachelor’s degree, Registered Nursing, Chamberlain University

Davis has a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Detroit Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, retiring in 2015 due to a traumatic brain injury. While attending OCC, he served as Student Ambassador, Campus Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa and President of the Student Nursing Association. Davis’ LinkedIn Bio.

“Black History Month celebrates the rich contributions of Black individuals to society and recognizes the importance of representation in all fields. It reminds us that seeing people who look like us in positions of success and influence is vital for inspiring future generations.”

Michael Geeter

President/Comedian
SamRose Entertainment
Associate degree, Liberal Arts, OCC 1994

Geeter has performed with top comedians like Kevin Hart and Hannibal Burress. Featured on Fox, Hulu and Comedy Central, he has a TEDTalk and a comedy CD titled “The Charm Offensive.” He also has played Santa in an OnStar commercial. Geeter’s LinkedIn Bio.

“Black History Month is a time for reflection—a moment to consider both oneself and how I contribute to the future of Black Americans. It is also an opportunity for this country to evaluate the numerous contributions of Black Americans in education, invention and public service. This reflection upholds the nation's promise to recognize the equality of all its people and supports their pursuit of happiness.”

Danielle Merritt

Mental Health Therapist, LLMSW
Radiant You Counseling and Consulting and Bloomfield Child & Family Counseling
Associate degree, Applied Science Mental Health/Social Work, OCC 2021
Bachelor’s degree, Social Work, Wayne State University
Master’s degree, Social Work, Wayne State University

Merritt previously worked as a foster care service specialist for the State of Michigan and a special education paraprofessional for Farmington Public Schools. Merritt’s LinkedIn Bio.

“I find satisfaction in continuing the excellent road my predecessors paved. I am inspired to stand tall and embrace my purpose by their fortitude and tenacity in the face of unfathomable adversity.”

Ivy Neal

Founder
Let’s Have Girl Talk
She Evolves LLC
Associate degree, Mental Health/Social Work, OCC 2016

Neal has been featured on Detroit’s 910 AM Superstation as Miss Nikki, where she gave a female perspective in the segment titled “Girl, I’m Good.” She also was a radio host for Motor City Woman Studio.

“Black History Month is a time to pay homage to our black leaders who have paved the way. It is also a time to make our ancestors proud by creating a legacy for future generations.”

Gregory Thomas

Assistant Director & Success Coach
Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) at University of Michigan
Associate degree, Applied Science, Mental Health/Social Work, OCC 2011
Associate degree, Applied Science, Automotive Technology, Henry Ford College
Bachelor’s degree, Social Work, Madonna University
Master of Arts, Higher Education/Student Affairs with Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising, Eastern Michigan University

Thomas has developed a strong passion for mentoring college students, particularly first-generation students and students of color, and has received awards and recognitions for his efforts. He has worked as a mentor for Real Life 101 Scholarship Fund and at Eastern Michigan University as an interim program coordinator at the Center for Multicultural Affairs, academic advisor and teaching assistant. He was a Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society member at OCC. Thomas’ LinkedIn Bio

“To me, Black History Month is about honoring our ancestors and current living elders of the PAST, acknowledging the unwavering dedication to uplift our community through social justice and steadfast activism in the PRESENT, and to never forget our history as we actively shape our FUTURE by shattering proverbial glass ceilings so that generations may live in a more just and equitable world. Every day is Black History!”

Ronald Walker

Sr. Vice President of Employee Relations and Workforce Investigations
Stanford Medical Center
Associate degree, General Studies, OCC 2013
Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Central Michigan University
Master of Science, Human Resources Management, Central Michigan University
Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, University of Michigan
Juris Doctorate of Law, University of California, Irvine School of Law

Walker also worked as associate administrator of Employee Labor Relations at Keck Medicine of USC, director of Human Resources at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center and director of Employee and Labor Relations at Kaiser Permanente.

"Black History Month is a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It is a time to celebrate the rich tapestry of culture, achievements and struggles that have shaped our society. As we honor the legacy of trailblazers and everyday heroes, let us commit to fostering understanding, promoting equality and inspiring future generations to continue the journey toward justice and unity. Together, we can create a world where every story is valued, and every voice is heard."

Ashley Woolen

College Success Coach
Midnight Golf Program
Associate degree, Liberal Arts and Sciences, OCC 2016
Bachelor’s degree, Communications and Media Studies, Grand Canyon University
Master of Arts, Higher Education Student Affairs, Grand Canyon University

Prior to working for Midnight Golf Program, Woolen was a college prep coordinator at University Prep Schools. Woolen’s LinkedIn Bio.

“As a Black woman, Black History Month offers an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, debunk myths and promote understanding. It empowers me by highlighting the accomplishments of Black women who have shattered barriers and made lasting contributions across various fields.”