Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: Inside the DifferenceMakers AZO Program
DifferenceMakers® is a transformational leadership program designed to equip CIS high school juniors with social capital, confidence, and skills needed to successfully navigate life after graduation. Originating with the DifferenceMakers CLT (CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg), the program established a powerful model centered on youth voice, community connection, and leadership in action. Building on that strong foundation and with the support of the Gambrell Foundation, DifferenceMakers AZO brought this vision to Kalamazoo, adapting it to meet local needs while honoring the program’s core purpose: empowering young people to be changemakers in their schools and communities.
This past year (2025), 18 Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) students from Kalamazoo Central High School, Kalamazoo Innovative Learning Program, Loy Norrix High School, and Phoenix High School came together as the DifferenceMakers AZO cohort. In this program, a DifferenceMaker is defined as a young leader who uses their voice, creativity, and character to make a positive impact, and these students embodied that definition throughout the program. Despite coming from different schools and lived experiences, they formed a unified group grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Over the course of six interactive workshops, students engaged in personal and professional development focused on leadership, identity, communication, and future planning. Two community social networking events connected students with local leaders and professionals across various industries, expanding their networks and helping them envision possibilities beyond high school. The experience culminated in a powerful trip to Washington, DC, where students gained firsthand exposure to civic engagement, national institutions, and pathways for advocacy and leadership on a larger stage.
A cornerstone of the program was the capstone project, which challenged students to examine the UN Sustainable Development Goals and their relevance to Kalamazoo. Through research, dialogue, and collaboration, students facilitated meaningful conversations within their cohort and presented thoughtful, youth-informed solutions demonstrating both critical thinking and a deep commitment to their community.
The success of DifferenceMakers AZO was made possible through the generous support of the Gambrell Foundation, The Kalamazoo Promise, and a meaningful contribution from the CIS Lang Family Fund. Their investment, along with the dedication of CIS staff and community partners, created an environment where students felt supported, challenged, and inspired to lead.
DifferenceMakers AZO didn’t just prepare students for what comes next, it affirmed the power of youth leadership today. These students stepped up, uplifted one another, and proved that the future of leadership in Kalamazoo is already here.
Watch the video HERE or by clicking on the image below:
Student Leaders:
- Angela M-C.
- Jaidyn M.
- Jamarr K.
- Camryn (River) F.
- Kayden L.
- Mvunza Samuela K.
- Jacob B.
- Jaylan V.
- Jermaine R.
- Eddie R-L.
- Quintin H.
- Damari L.
- Damarious E.
- David W.
- David J.
- Dulce M.
- Dulce R.
- Izabella R.
CIS/Promise Staff:
- Morgan Jones
- James Devers
- Felicia Cole
- Whitni Roden
- Melissa Nesbitt
- CaJon Martin
- Donte Hudson
- Moises Hernandez
- Laurin Mathis
- Tinsaye Baert
- Emily Ayers
Community Mentors/Partners:
- James Devers, Executive Director, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo
- Von Washington, Jr,. CEO, The Kalamazoo Promise
- Dr. L. Marshall Washington, President, Kalamazoo Valley Community College
- Sondra Calderon-Huezo, Board Member, El Concilio
- Alonzo Wilson, Commissioner, Kalamazoo City Commission
- VeLois Bowers, VP – Chief Engagement and Community Partnerships Officer, Bronson Healthcare
- Shawdy Moaiery, Food & Beverage Sales Manager, Radisson / Greenleaf Hospitality
- The Fatherhood Network
- Dr. Kandace “DC” Lavender, Founder, The Teacher Cypher
Tags: Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, Difference Makers, DifferenceMakers, DifferenceMakers AZO, Kalamazoo Central High School, Kalamazoo Innovative Learning Program, Kalamazoo Promise, Kalamazoo Public Schools
