Sharlonda Buckman

Sharlonda Buckman is assistant superintendent of Family and Community Engagement at Detroit Public Schools Community District and former chief executive officer of Detroit Parent Network, where she grew the organization to a national leader in parent advocacy.

Buckman has helped parents become actively engaged in their children’s education with more than 25 years of experience in leadership roles in local and national agencies. She serves on the board of Michigan Future Schools, New Detroit, Excellent Schools Detroit and Michigan College Access Network. She has been the recipient of awards including the Judge Wade McCree Jr. Friend of Children Award, Spirit of Detroit, Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40, among others recognizing her impact on children and communities. 

Buckman was appointed by Michigan’s governor to the Education Achievement Authority Board, which supports the redesign of public education in Michigan’s lowest performing schools. She earned her master’s degree in community economic development and is a mother, wife and a committed member of the Detroit community.