Demetrias Wolverton, B.B.A.’13

The Equity Advocate

Senior Director of Social Justice and Advocacy, YWCA Kalamazoo

A bold, compassionate, driven advocate—that is how colleagues describe Demetrias Wolverton.  A pillar of the Kalamazoo community, their position at the YWCA Kalamazoo as senior director of social justice and advocacy has allowed them to strategically facilitate and manage public policy and education on racial and gender equity for the city. 

With many organizations close to their heart, Demetrias has been fortunate enough to serve a variety of populations in Kalamazoo in varying roles. They co-chaired committees at Cradle Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and chaired the anti-racism committee at the Kalamazoo Youth Development Network. They also participate in the city of Kalamazoo’s Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo plan, a project that aims to grow assets and eliminate generational poverty. Wolverton continues to be a critical member of these groups today.

It is no wonder their mission in life is to advance the agenda of social justice, emphasizing racial and gender equity along the way. Wolverton’s experiences as a creator, an educator and an organizer makes them a guiding light for all.

Best Learning Experience at WMU: “Becoming the president of the Black Student Union, growing the organization’s campus presence and member retention.”