Parents in Detroit and beyond are demanding more educational options for their children whose needs aren’t being met by their current school. Unfortunately, they face many roadblocks when trying to access a better education. These include financial barriers, transportation issues, lack of information about schooling options, and limited opportunities for parents to engage with school officials and policymakers.
The Mackinac Center is partnering with Engaged Detroit, Parent Advocates for Choice in Education (PACE) and other key organizations and community members to host an “unconference” in Detroit to provide parents with the tools needed to advocate for change and policies that alleviate these roadblocks. Unlike a traditional conference, participants lead and engage freely in conversations around topics selected by parents with lived experience. Participants will have the opportunity to converse with lawmakers, thought leaders and parents dedicated to expanding educational options and improving student outcomes. They will leave the conference with stronger ties to the education coalition; greater knowledge of how to advocate for children and access community resources; and effective tools for transitioning to homeschooling, microschools and other educational options.
Friday, May 9, 2025
Breakout sessions:
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lunch is included for all participants
Onsite childcare available
St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center
19321 W. Chicago
Detroit, MI 48228
Call our Events office at
This event is free, but RSVP is required by May 2.
Register online
Director of Education Policy, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
Molly Macek is the director of education policy for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Holding a Doctor of Education from John Hopkins University and a Master's in teaching, Macek has nearly two decades of experience in secondary education. She has performed extensive research on education problems of practice and has published studies on education innovations and interventions.
Founder, Engaged Detroit
Bernita Bradley is a social entrepreneur who advocates for and with families in Detroit, Michigan. She is the founder of The Village, an outreach and recruitment company which ensures that future outcomes for children are prioritized within community, philanthropic and education environments. In 2020 Bernita founded Engaged Detroit, a Homeschool Co-op to support parents on their journey of becoming their child's teacher.
Bernita understands that successful community partnerships are authentic and must be built on fidelity. She serves as Director of Parent Voice with The National Parents Union, and assures that youth and parent voices are present at every change-making table.
Executive Director, PACE
Lynn Aronoff is the Executive Director at PACE (Parent Advocates for Choice in Education), where she develops resources and partnerships to advance the organization’s efforts to promote educational freedom for Michigan’s children. Families who can effectively share the stories of how they have benefited from school choice can make a powerful, positive impact.
