Dynamic Speaker for 2nd Annual Get in the Game Luncheon

  1. Updates

Faithful, focused, and fearless are just three words that describe David McGhee. As a former program director for Big Brothers Big Sisters, a current professor, and founder of 16th Letter Consulting, a nonprofit and leadership development consulting firm, McGhee has built a national reputation as a servant leader who labors diligently to improve the quality of life for marginalized people.

Proficient at building key relationships with nonprofit agencies, David has extensive experience in program development, along with securing local, state, and federal grants. David has more than 10 years of hands-on, practical experience working with youth and families. He is a well-respected, highly sought-after speaker who brings about change.

A product of Flint, Michigan’s unforgiving streets, David relates to urban youth culture in ways many can’t. He is indeed a much-needed change agent for children, youth and families – especially African American boys.

His work with youth has been widely recognized throughout the country – recently being featured in the September 2012 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine.

David received his bachelor’s degree in public administration & public policy from Oakland University and a master’s degree in leadership from Central Michigan University.

We are very excited that David will be joining us for the

2nd Annual Get in the Game Luncheon at Ford Field on March 27th!

More Updates


January 10, 2023

Understanding the Complex Simplicities of Play ›

Play is a behavior that is natural and has existed for thousands of years and across species. It combines a set of made-up rules or norms and a willingness to explore. Researchers, scientists, and doctors have studied the effects of play on kids–and adults–and understand that this natural behavior has tremendous benefits. As the American…

three people with Playworks shirts
three people with Playworks shirts

July 28, 2022

A year of social and emotional learning ›

“You can’t do SEL, trauma, or equity work without each other,” Jennette Claassen, Head of Evaluation, Playworks. As Playworks continued to progress on our equity journey, we explored a critical question: what are the intersections between play, social and emotional learning, physical activity, and trauma? A working group focused on this question decided, among other…

August 24, 2021

Playworks Founder Jill Vialet Publishes ‘Why Play Works’ ›

Play brings out the best in every kid. Over the course of 25 years since Jill Vialet founded Playworks, she and her colleagues, as well as researchers and play experts, have demonstrated precisely how and why play works to help kids learn and grow in the most positive and healthy ways. Jill gathered stories from people…