The women of Oakland County are making a big impact on the lives and wellbeing of residents throughout the region. For the fifth year in a row, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners celebrated March as Women’s History Month during the March 11 meeting. Each year, commissioners are invited to nominate an outstanding woman who lives or works in their district for the Women’s History Month Award. This year’s six honorees have made significant contributions to the tapestry of life in the county through their distinguished careers, passionate volunteer work, dedicated public service and much more.

The 2026 Women’s History Month Award recipients are:

• Canequia “CoCo” Moulder, nominated by Commissioner Angela Powell (District 9)–Born and raised in Pontiac, Ms. Moulder has dedicated herself to advancing youth education. A fearless advocate and supporter, she makes sure the members of her community have access to a high-quality education. Throughout her career, she has filled many roles in the educational field, consistently working to create opportunities for students and families. She currently serves as the director of the Pontiac Promise Zone, where she helps students and adults in the city of Pontiac secure funding to pursue post-secondary degrees and trade school certificates. 

• Dani Gillman, nominated by Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson (District 11)– As the parent of a person with a disability, Ms. Gillman is a fierce advocate for anyone unable to fight for themselves. As board chair of Gesher Human Services, she helps equip metro Detroiters with the skills, support and opportunities to achieve their highest potential. Further, she is an elected trustee of the Bloomfield Township Library Board, where she supports intellectual freedom for all. Ms. Gillman is also on the executive council for the National Council of Jewish Women where she is a champion for the women, children and families in the area. She believes in showing up for each other and our community and she does exactly that.

• Ellen Hodorek (not pictured), nominated by Commissioner Penny Luebs (District 2)–Ms. Hodorek is a communications specialist whose skills served her well on the Troy City Council for 12 years. First elected to the council in 2013, she was a dedicated public servant until her term ended in 2025. During that time, she was a mentor to other council members, restored civic cohesion, and was heavily involved in work with the library, public safety and civic committees. Ms. Hodorek’s signature greeting has always been a wide smile and a sincere interest in the wellbeing of others. She is a role model for effective leadership and her principle of positive interactions with others has set a high standard for future council members.

• Mary Craite, nominated by Commissioners Karen Joliat (District 8) and Kristen Nelson (District 10)–Ms. Craite has been a member of the Waterford community for more than 50 years and has spent 40 years shaping young lives in the Waterford School District. She began her teaching career in 1986 and has brought passion, joy, and unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues ever since. In addition to her work in the classroom, Mary has served as president of the Waterford Education Association for the past eight years, representing more than 530 teachers and advocating for the educators within the community. Her leadership reflects a dedication to the power of public education and the importance of supporting those who guide the next generation.

• Marisa Youngblood, nominated by Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles (District 17)–Unstoppable is the best word to describe Ms. Youngblood. A licensed social worker and certified alcohol and drug counselor with more than 30 years of experience, she retired from Easterseals MORC following her diagnosis of breast and liver cancer. Tireless in her efforts to uplift breast cancer thrivers, she volunteers and raises funds for the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk of Detroit, and is active in several survivor networks, including Gilda’s Club and Sisters Network of Greater Metropolitan Detroit. Ms. Youngblood also supports cancer research studies of Black survivors with Karmanos Cancer Center and Wayne State University, and programs that help cancer survivors regain strength and energy. A Southfield resident for 37 years, she is active in local events such as MLK Day, the Domestic Violence Walk and Back to School Fairs. As the founder of Life Changing Counseling Services, Marisa offers compassionate mental health and addiction recovery care to clients of all ages and backgrounds, and serves on the Southfield Substance Prevention and Education Coalition board. 

• Andrea Washington, nominated by Commissioner Ann Erickson Gault (District 3) – In 2023, Ms. Washington became a trailblazer as the first black woman and first person of color to be elected to the Hazel Park City Council. Before serving on the council, she was appointed to the Hazel Park Planning Commission in 2021. She was also appointed as a member of the Environmental Sustainability Commission in 2022 and continues in this role. Always looking to further her education, she earned a degree in anthropology from Michigan State University and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and a master’s in business administration. A passionate champion for the importance of native plants and pollinators in the ecosystem, she is a volunteer beekeeper with Bees in the D, which has reintroduced more than 12 million honeybees into urban ecosystems in southeast Michigan. 

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