The Affirmations board of directors appointed two new board members following their Jan. 25 board meeting who will play a vital and continuing role with all other board members in shaping the direction of the community center in Ferndale.
Eric Martin
Through his work with his corporate employee business resource group at PNC Bank, Eric Martin has had the opportunity to work with Affirmations on many occasions.
"Each time, it is so clear how important the work they do is for the our community. I have witnessed the center go through a few changes in leadership and staffing, however they never waiver in the quality of services they provide," said Martin, vice president and banking center manager in West Bloomfield.
"I have been looking, for some time, for a way that I can be more involved in supporting Detroit's LGBT community and through conversations with Susan Erspamer the opportunity to join Affirmations board came about. To this point, I have been involved in community development projects through my EBRG that have allowed me to support the LGBT community. I bring a strong desire to see Affirmations expand their programs and build a strong reputation of support and acceptance in Metro Detroit."
Mike Flores
When asked why he wanted to join the board of directors at Affirmations, Mike Flores said he knew upon return to Michigan in 2015 that it was something he wanted to do.
"I looked at several organizations, all of which serve specific needs and do a great job meeting those needs in metro Detroit; however, I kept getting drawn to Affirmations. The community center has a long history of serving, adapting to meet the current needs, and having a forward vision to anticipate what may be required to support the community. I want to help honor Affirmations' rich history, and help ensure the organization's success now and in the future," said Flores, who has previously served on the board for the Midwest Aids Prevention Project in Michigan, and the finance board for Youth Pride in Rhode Island. In addition to Affirmations, he currently serves on the membership committee at the Detroit Yacht Club.
As a board member, Flores said he is interested in helping the organization "live up to its vision and mission, ensure its financial sustainability, and help it succeed through rapid changes in our community. Areas of particular interest for me are minority outreach, education, and access to health."
Having worked in the automotive and aerospace industry over the last 15 years in strategy development, Flores said, "I hope the skills I have developed in the private sector will be of value to Affirmations as it defines and redefines itself to meet the needs of the community."
For more information about Affirmations, visit their website.
