Her Seat at the Table: Mary Sheffield on Power, Purpose, and Public Service

In this episode, Jennifer Dewey talks to Mary Sheffield, Detroit City Council President, about her life, career, the importance of representation in government, and what it is like as a woman in leadership and politics. 

 

JENNIFER DEWEY BIO:

Jennifer Dewey is an in-house attorney for General Motors with a practice focused on dealer franchise law and mergers and acquisitions. She is also involved with policy and economic development projects at GM. Prior to joining GM, Jennifer was a partner at Dickinson Wright PLLC’s Detroit office in the firm’s corporate group. Outside of her work at GM, she is an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School and serves on several boards, including the Pope Francis Center, Mercy Education Project, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Detroit Downtown Partnership BIZ Board, and is an editor of the National Association of Women Lawyers - Women Lawyers Journal. She lives in Detroit with her husband, Fred, and two young boys.

 

MARY SHEFFIELD BIO:

Mary Sheffield is a proud Detroiter, lifelong public servant, and the current President of the Detroit City Council. Elected at just 26, she made history as the youngest City Council member and later, the youngest Council President in Detroit’s history.

Rooted in a family legacy of civil rights and community service, Mary has built her career on championing people-first policies, including affordable housing, property tax reform, home repair grants, and tenant protections. She is also the founder of grassroots programs like Occupy the Corner – Detroit, the Girls of Destiny Mentorship Program, and the Detroit Reparations Taskforce.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs from Wayne State University (2008) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Central Michigan University.

Known for her accessible, boots-on-the-ground style, Mary connects directly with Detroiters—whether in neighborhood corners, youth symposiums, or weekly “Conversations with the Councilwoman.” Recognized by Crain’s 20 in their 20s, 40 Under 40, the NAACP, and the Black United Fund, she leads with heart, faith, and a vision for an inclusive Detroit where every resident has a voice and the chance to thrive.