Mary Sheffield is a native of Detroit and currently serves as the President of the Detroit City Council, having been first elected in 2013 to represent District 5. She is the youngest person to hold both positions in the city’s history.
She comes from a family involved in labor leadership and religious ministry, including her grandfather Horace Sheffield Jr., founder of the Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO), and her father, Rev. Horace Sheffield III. Her mother, Yvonne Lovett, is a nurse.
During her time on the City Council, Sheffield has supported policies such as Inclusionary Housing, Property Tax Reform, Right to Counsel, and the Neighborhood Beautification Program. She also participates in community outreach efforts including “Conversations with the Councilwoman,” the State of the Youth symposium, and Occupy the Corner – Detroit.
In addition to her council responsibilities, Sheffield serves on the boards of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).
Her recognitions include listings in Crain’s 20 in Their 20s and 40 Under 40, the NAACP Great Expectations Award, and the Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence and Power 50 Leaders.