HFLI's Executive Director  Deborah Parizek  was selected for Crain's Detroit Business' Notable Women in Nonprofits feature. She was recognized as  a "design-oriented and inclusive leader who leads by example ."

Help us develop more strong black male educators for Detroit's youth.

 

Don't miss the My Brother's Keeper Detroit Innovation Challenge Expo on February 12! 

Support HFLI and Black Male Educators Alliance of Michigan as we pitch our idea for a chance to win $50k in funding. 

Register for the expo

In a new article, HFLI Associate Director Jordan Butler poses a tongue-in-cheek question: 

Does Design Thinking have substance, or is it as disappointing as a re-gifted fruitcake?

Over the last 13 years practicing and teaching Design Thinking, we have seen it evolve - for good and bad. Our team continues to reach more nuanced understandings of it as a discipline. Through it all, we regularly observe the power this framework can have to help people create transformational change. 

By defining what it's not, and sharing graphics that help tell the story, Jordan brings clarity and accessibility to Design Thinking as a dynamic framework. 

Read the article

HFLI's 2019 Summer Design Thinking Workshops are multi-day, hands-on professional development experiences in Detroit and San Antonio - workshops for educators, by educators and designers:

Design Thinking for Deeper Student Learning

Detroit: July 22-24

San Antonio: August 5-7

A 3-day experience that provides K-20 educators with an in-depth introduction to design thinking and how it can be used to engage students in meaningful thinking, learning and doing. Using an immersive learning approach, participants will develop key skills and gain access to a comprehensive set of instructional tools and materials.

Design Thinking for Stronger Schools

Detroit: July  25-26

San Antonio: August  8-9

A 2-day experience for school leaders and transformational educators who want to use design thinking to address a specific challenge and enact change in their schools, build complementary skills (systems thinking, rapid prototyping, change management), and work collaboratively.

Sign up now and take advantage of our Early Bird pricing! Group discounts are also available for groups of 5 or more. And if you are a teacher from a Title I school, you can receive a substantial discount to make our professional learning experiences more accessible. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.

" What started as an idea to fully engage all our team members turned into a hilarious and delicious experience!"

Identifying inclusive, cost-conscious, and social team-building activities can be a real struggle for diverse work teams. Perspectives on "fun" can differ from person to person.

Take a creative cue from a recent HFLI event for your next team gathering or evening with friends. 

Read the story