Meet Shadora Ford, your District Five Community Ambassador

August 14, 20230 Comments

Meet Shadora Ford, your District Five Community Ambassador

High-energy Shadora is the founder and leader of Destined for Greatness, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and motivating at-risk girls and young women in Detroit to do things that once seemed impossible. DFG provides training in hygiene, self-esteem, education, and job readiness along with groceries, household supplies, summer youth jobs and back-to-school essentials. In her role, Shadora understands the need for all Detroiters to have equal access to high-speed internet and the skills needed to navigate our digital world.

Read on to learn more about your District Five community ambassador.

C313: Tell us about your district and what makes it special?

Shadora: District 5 is a thriving community of folks who have been underserved and overlooked yet remain resilient enough to create lifelong histories shared from generation to generation. I grew up in 48214, and as a resident I appreciate the many programs and organizations, such as MACC Development, delivering essential services to those in need.

C313: How do you describe your work with Connect 313 to your family and friends?

Shadora: Connect 313 is providing FREE digital literacy classes, affordable internet and low-cost devices to Detroiters. With partners such as Rocket Mortgage, Infinity and Human IT we have community ambassadors in each of Detroit’s seven districts. I’m proud to have helped in the creation of 17 Connect 313 Tech Hubs across Detroit, for residents to enjoy! #POWEREDBYDETROIT

C313: Why do you love being a community ambassador?

Shadora: My God given purpose, passion and pride comes from helping people! In my role as a community ambassador, I have the privilege of helping people sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which means more people can experience low cost internet from the comfort of their own home.

C313: Tell us one surprising fact about yourself?

Shadora: I was born at 5555 Conner Street in Detroit, at what was then Mercy Hospital. Since 2010, I have mentored over 15,000 girls and helped nearly 50,000 families at the same 5555 Conner Street address, where I created the Destined for Greatness Mentoring & Community Resource Center!

C313: Favorite thing about Detroit?

Shadora: Detroit is home sweet home and a beautiful, diverse blend of innovative people who have coined catchy phrases for the world to repeat such as “What Up Doe?” and “Detroit vs. Everybody.”

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Shadora Ford Asks, “What is the Barrier?”

June 7, 20220 Comments

Shadora Ford Asks, “What is the Barrier?”

Shadora Ford wants to help families not just survive but thrive. As Connect 313’s Special Projects and Shared Resources chair she provides education, training, and resources to connect the public with essential technology to help bridge the digital divide.

In 2010, at just 19 years old, Shadora founded Destined for Greatness, a Detroit-based organization that educates, encourages, and empowers young women to become strong leaders. To date, Destined for Greatness has helped more than 5,000 young women and served more than 10,000 families through mentoring, job training, food drives, and more.

“In order for a house to stand you have to fix the foundation,” said Shadora. “We’re helping fulfill the destiny of households, not just women, but all families and people.”

A few years ago, Shadora began conducting research studies to learn more about Detroit’s digital divide. “Is the barrier the devices, the connectivity, or is it the literacy of the individual?” she said. “Research shows it’s a mix.”

Which meant the approach had to be multifaceted. She’s teaching students Microsoft Office, showing seniors how to utilize technology to take part in telehealth appointments and send emails, and connecting veterans to digital resources.

“Some people say they don’t want to use digital technology because it’s too much, but that’s fear. I want people to get over the fear by teaching them and finding creative ways to do that,” said Shadora.

Looking ahead, Shadora wants to see all seven districts thrive with digital literacy programs. She plans to expand her research and outreach to ensure Detroiters know tech assistance is available.

“Being here for the past 30 years and loving the community made me want to be an ambassador,” said Shadora. “I want Detroiters to love Detroit and take care of Detroit, love the place they live and be connected.”

To reach Shadora, email dfgmentoring@yahoo.com or call 313-414-3680.

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