Determination and perseverance define Chenita W. Gary as she empowers others to achieve intentional success. Along with being a community activist, she is an astute business owner. Whether it is showing people how to optimize their operations or improve their communities, she excels in various settings. She is the founder and Lead Efficiency Director of Optimal Virtual Staffing Solution, LLC and founder & Executive Director of Our Own Wall Street nonprofit organization. Both of these entities provide the best solution for entrepreneurs, small businesses and corporations.
Chenita has over 20 years of executive administration experience spanning diverse industries including nonprofit, corporate and government sectors. She previously served as Executive Assistant to the City of Detroit’s Mayor, Michael E. Duggan.
With a keen communication style, she executes projects by setting goals meant to facilitate progress — while overcoming obstacles. Her past employment includes Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southfield, MI, H & R Block Premium and Quicken Loans Incorporated.
A long-time community advocate, she participates in several areas of social justice, activism and civic engagement. Her dynamic work for Mothering Justice, a statewide organization working to improve the lives of Michigan families, led to her election as the Precinct Delegate 166 under the 13th Congressional Democratic District represented by Congressman John Conyers. Additional roles she fulfills include the Black Women’s Roundtable Detroit co-chair; Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan board member; Michigan Voice Table partner; City of Detroit census supervisor; and National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) treasurer and trustee.
Always seeking personal and professional development, her study of Business Administration at Davenport University has complemented and honed her multi-faceted skill set. She is also a Build Institute graduate, completed the Economic Justice Alliance of Michigan (EJAM) fellowship, and the Building A High-Performing Business program at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business.
Understanding the need to influence future generations, Chenita mentors young girls. She is affiliated and volunteers with organizations such as NAWBO, SisterFriends through the Detroit Health Department, and the NAACP Detroit branch. In the past, she served as a club leader and the Community Relations Director for the Detroit region of Pretty Brown Girls. Armed with infectious resilience, Chenita inspires everyone with whom she connects. As a devoted mother of three, she edifies people by being a part of the foundation that helps her community to thrive.