Catreese Qualls
As a servant leader, women’s rights activist, civil rights advocate and dedicated mother, Catreese champion’s the causes that lead to equality outcomes for women and individuals from underserved communities, because as a first generation College student herself; she know first hand the challenges faced by those from minority backgrounds, especially women of color.
Catreese chose to pursue a double Bachelor’s Majoring in Sociology with an emphasis on Urban Studies and Psychology with an emphasis Industrial-organizational psychology in order to better understand the populations she serve’s and the systems that dictate the outcomes which affect individuals ability to overcome obstacles caused by education inequality, food and housing insecurity, financial illiteracy and other societal factors.
Catreese is extremely passionate about helping to empower others because of the challenges she had to face both as a youth and an adult. Realizing that she had the power to overcome any challenge set before her, inspired her to not only rise above the barriers designed for her to fail, but more importantly it showed her that educating herself would equip her with the necessary knowledge, tools and skills to help other Women with similar challenges to overcome the obstacles holding them back.
But moreover it would reveal paths that had once been impossible for her to reach.
Catreese currently serve’s in the role of Program Coordinator for the Schoolcraft College | Office of Equity & Engagement. In this role she has created original educational programs such as the Heritage Based event series, to help deepen our campus communities understanding and promote diversity, Equity and Inclusion,
Likewise Catreese founded Pride Team, an initiative created with the sole purpose of helping create awareness and support for members and Allie’s to our LGBTQ+A members of our community. She has worked tirelessly to build relationships with community stakeholders, and State and Local Government leaders in order to ensure that our emerging scholars understand the power and importance of Civic Engagement.
Catreese has mentored some of our most talented scholars on campus, which led her to become the Mentor and Chief Officer of Communications for Arab Women United. She has had the pleasure and privilege of seeing AWU’s countless efforts bring to fruition the first ever historic event series dedicated to Arab American Heritage Month, which has led to others across campus following suit and hosting events that mirror the create genius of AWU’s dynamic leadership team which started as a small but passionate group of students determined to create change, to go on and become what is now a newly created non profit!
AWU’s efforts helped to bring about the first ever Reflection Room where Muslim Students and others seeking a quiet place to meditate can now find their peace and sense of belonging.
As a member of the BIPOC community, and Woman dedicated to shattering stereotypes, Catreese has served as the historic first Woman of color to hold an International Officer role of the largest International Honor Society in the world at Schoolcraft College for Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, representing Michigan Region Omicron Iota Chapter. Catreese spearheaded the CCSmart campaign initiative alongside the 2021/2022 International Officer Team. Her work extends out throughout the community through servitude to organizations whose mission is to embolden their communities. She currently serve as chairman of Dress For Success Suit Gallery, Communications Chair for Change Up Midnight Coalition an organization dedicated to serving members of the justice impacted community.
Historic first student ever to become an International Officer of the largest International Honor Society in the world.
Compelled by her desire to help eradicate the inequities that cause disparities among at risk, marginalized and underrepresented populations across the metro Detroit area and society as a whole. Catreese serve’s as the current DEI Advocate and Servant Leader to multiple organizations across Metro Detroit. She keep’s her hand on the pulse of the community by volunteering, engaging in community service activities, networking and organizing educational programs and more.
Catreese is open to the possibility of expanding her reach and connecting with individuals and organizations who support the upward mobility of those who have historically been impacted by decades by systemic oppression. With this in mind she has officially been named a founding member of the New organization the MLK League!
