From the Deputy Director’s Desk | Gratitude, Growth, and Goodbyes at DCAN

Published by: Ashley Terry, Ed.D. 

October 2024 

Well, friends, it’s that time! As I prepare to bid farewell to my role as Deputy Director at Detroit  College Access Network (DCAN), I find myself reflecting on what a truly remarkable journey  this has been. Over the past two years, we have had a singular mission: increasing college access  and success for the students and families of Detroit. And let me tell you, it has been one of the  most rewarding experiences of my professional career. 

When I first joined DCAN, I knew I was stepping into a role with big goals and big dreams. The  task ahead of us was clear – remove inequitable barriers, advocate for our community through a  powerful policy lens, and fight against the inequalities that our students and professionals face  regularly. It has not always been easy, but the journey was worth every minute. Together, we have been part of something much larger than ourselves, paving pathways and breaking down  obstacles for Detroit’s young minds and future leaders. 

Let me take a moment to give a shout-out to the DCAN team. Honestly, I do not think I could  have asked to be part of a better squad. I know I am probably a little biased here, but I truly  believe we are the best Local College Access Network (LCAN) in the country. You all have  made this journey an unforgettable one. I have enormous respect for each one of you and am  endlessly grateful for your dedication and passion. To my team Ashley Lane-Barrett, Daniel  Valentine, Latayia Byars, and colleagues Jasmine Brooks and Kendra Agee, I hope that under  my leadership and guidance, you have felt supported and encouraged to grow, both personally  and professionally. You are an extraordinary group, and it has been my greatest privilege to  watch each of you bring your unique talents, perspectives, and passion to our work. I hope that I have been able to provide you with the tools, trust, and freedom you needed to explore new  ideas, take risks, and push beyond the limits of what you thought possible. You have each  contributed to our success in ways that can never be overstated, and I am deeply grateful for your  dedication and resilience.  

Special thank you to our Executive Director, Cyekeia Lee. Your vision, energy, passion, and  leadership have been instrumental in helping me grow in ways I never could have imagined. In  this line of work, one must be bold and fierce, and you have exemplified both with remarkable  grace and resilience. I am deeply grateful for your unwavering belief in my ability to shoulder  the responsibilities of this role, and for allowing me to bring my vision and strategies to  all DCAN’s programmatic areas. Thank you for your trust, and guidance, and for inspiring me to  be the best version of myself every day. 

Hear me out… one last time… 

Detroit’s Counselors and professionals, I know in the day-to-day hustle, it can sometimes be hard  to see the impact of your work, and there may be moments when it feels as though your efforts  go unnoticed. Let me assure you, nothing could be further from the truth. You are the foundational piece of our youth’s success, and your commitment to moving the needle in college  access and success is both invaluable and transformative. 

Every conversation you have, every bit of guidance you offer, every resource you make  available, every exposure opportunity, and every moment you spend advocating for our students  makes a profound difference. It is another barrier removed so our students can move forward. Opening doors to higher education, you are helping to build a brighter future not only for  individual students but for entire families and communities. The work you do goes far beyond  the walls of your schools—it is about building pathways, breaking down barriers, and providing  hope and possibility where it may have once seemed out of reach. 

So please, remember this: you are valued. Your role is essential, and your dedication does not go  unnoticed. You are the heart and backbone of our community's success, and we are incredibly  grateful for all that you do to make college access and success a reality for Detroit’s youth. Thank you for being the champions of our students' dreams and for your unwavering  commitment to their futures. Your work truly changes lives! 

In closing, as I step away, I do so knowing that DCAN will continue to thrive and lead the  charge in creating opportunities for Detroit’s students. The work we do is never-ending, and I am  confident the team will continue to drive change, combat injustices, and open doors for  generations to come. 

With heartfelt gratitude and sincerest thanks,

Dr. Ashley Terry 

Deputy Director, DCAN