Women's Innovative Social Enterprise

Women's Innovative Social Enterprise Partnership was founded in 2021 as Central Woodward Community Partnership by Barbara Kellom. It's purpose was to connect the communities of 48206, 48202, 48238, and 48203 and beyond by providing resources and services in a beautiful green infrastructure that welcomes all ages, genders, ethnicities, and cultures. Also, it's purpose was to specifically serve marginalized residents of Detroit. The name change reflected the volunteer staff and board members that make up the 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Black women professionals who are nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and educators are the leaders of W.I.S.E. Partnership. Our partners are realtors, nonprofits, and returned citizens with businesses and a common interest to provide equitable services and resources to the Black, Brown, and marginalized residents of Detroit. Originally, the focus was to support a local church by developing 16,000 square feet of blighted land and providing services, resources, and programming to the surrounding community. However, the vision was to make a greater impact by reaching more residents. The decision was made to acquire and develop land. 

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The summer of 2024, W.I.S.E. Partnership became stewards of two City of Detroit parks and accepted the invitation to be community partners with the Detroit Park Coalition. We held several community engagement events, including bike giveaways and flower and book giveaways. In partnership with the Pistons Neighbors Program, we were able to offer summer services to residents of 48206. This programming included free biweekly produce from Eastern Market, entertainment, and a basketball clinic.

In early 2025, our strategic plan includes the purchase of land to begin Phase I of the W.I.S.E. Community Hub. The hub will represent our mission, providing spaces of healing and learning for residents on the land and within our programs: workforce development, cultural art center, multigenerational literacy, mental health resources, and a marketplace and café.