John Bryant, CEO of Higher Educational Funding

John Bryant

Founder/CEO

John L. Bryant is a native Detroiter, a graduate of East Catholic High School, and a proud survivor of the very streets that have claimed the futures of too many young men who look like him.

A convicted felon turned community champion, John’s life is a testimony to resilience, redemption, and the power of second chances. His early adulthood was marked by choices that led him down a destructive path, but it is his unwavering commitment to right those wrongs that defines the man he is today.

As Executive Director of the Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit Higher Educational Funding, John leads with purpose and agency. His mission is clear: to close the economic disparity gap that inner-city youth face when stepping into adulthood. 

Under his leadership, the organization provides access to critical resources—ranging from significant scholarship dollars to reliable transportation—to ensure that post-high school opportunities are not limited by zip codes or family income.

John champions the potential of young people from underserved communities, refusing to let lack of access dictate the trajectory of their lives. A devoted city stakeholder, he invests not just in futures, but in hope, justice, and the restoration of dreams deferred.

Through every speech, program, and dollar raised, John L. Bryant is building a bridge—one that leads from struggle to success, from confinement to freedom, and from doubt to possibility.

HEF’s Detroit Administration Team

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    Ajohna Bryant

    Community College/Alternative Education Coordinator

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    Baili Neely

    Social Media Coordinator

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    Brandon Neely

    Mentor/Youth Sports Coordinator

  • Close-up of an African American woman with long black hair, wearing hoop earrings, smiling softly, with a green background.

    Carlen Neely

    Community Engagement Director

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    Gerald Goodwin

    Mentor/Youth Therapist

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    James Jones

    Director of Community Clean Ups

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    Kelcie Jordan

    Executive Administrator

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    Kevin Summey

    Executive Board Member

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    Lashonn Rudds RN.BSN

    Executive Board Member

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    Malon Bryant

    HBCU Sponsorship Coordinator

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    Maurice Rudds M.A.P.M

    Executive Board Member

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    Monique Ellis

    Executive Board Member

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    Raymond Evans

    Mentor/Annual Walk/Run Coordinator

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    Tanisha Davis ESQ

    Executive Board Member

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    Tiombe Goodwin

    Executive Board Member

  • Close-up of a smiling African American woman with short blonde hair, wearing large orange earrings, a necklace, and a black top against a green background.

    Traci Ricks

    Executive Educational Director/ MFA/Chef/Writer