Experience you can count on

Mrs. Kristen Reed was born and raised on the west side of Detroit, the oldest of 10 children. She says that although her father didn’t finish high school and never worked a traditional job, he always provided for the family and made sure their needs were met. Her mother worked in the healthcare field for a number of years and also cared for their family.  Reed attended Cass Technical High School earning high grades while participating in the National Honors Society, dance, and outside cheer program. She also worked several jobs throughout high school.    

After high school, Reed attended Eastern Michigan University and earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. During her time at EMU, she was very active in student organizations, including student government, NAACP, Finesse Dance Team, and Phi Sigma Pi co-ed honors fraternity. She was most proud of becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Delta Beta Chapter.  Reed always enjoyed working with children and families and plans to continue doing so.   

Currently, she has been serving as a Social Worker at a Middle School in Ann Arbor, MI.  Reed currently lives in Detroit with her husband, Eric, and daughter Kallie Jae. During her spare time, she loves traveling and spending time with family, especially her nieces. She also is an entrepreneur and owns several businesses.  

Dr. Eric Reed is an educator and entrepreneur devoted to building greater economic mobility and wealth in African-American communities. He has over 15 years of experience across industries including education, community development, real estate, and business.     

Dr. Reed is currently the Dean of Access, Equity and Inclusion at Washtenaw Community College. In this role, Dr. Reed is responsible for developing opportunities of access for the local community and enhancing the success and sense of belonging of students. Notably, Reed led the development of Michigan’s first comprehensive community college transfer pathway to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.    

Reed spent most of his career assisting students from minority and low-income backgrounds get to college, through college, and into gratifying yet equitable careers post college. Dr. Reed has worked at four colleges and universities across Michigan helping them strategically increase enrollment and graduation rates of students. His experience includes securing grants and contracts in excess of $4 million, including governmental and non-profit agencies. Reed is also a college instructor and has taught classes in educational leadership, student success, and business.    

Since his early years, Dr. Reed always had an affinity for entrepreneurship and spends much of his personal time operating several businesses. This passion led him to provide business coaching to individuals helping them structure, strategize, and scale their own companies. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Central Michigan University and obtained his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Reed and his wife, Kriss, live in Detroit with their daughter, Kallie.