We have a team of talented and committed people who serve on the Foundation's board.
Michelle D. Banks, Founder & President
Michelle D. Banks, MBA, is the wife of the Foundation’s namesake. She is a graduate of Renaissance High School, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and the University of Detroit-Mercy. She has (15) years of work experience in marketing and procurement in the automotive and healthcare industries. Michelle is also the owner of a beauty and fashion consulting company. She established The Darin C. Banks Foundation in an effort to commemorate Darin’s memory and to preserve his legacy of service to others. Michelle is an active mentor and emerging philanthropist who believes that people everywhere deserve the opportunity to fulfill their destiny.
Ajaye S. Pope, Secretary
Ajaye S. Pope received her BS in Management Science with a concentration in Accounting in May 2004 from Coppin State University and her Master of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore in 2010. Ajaye currently serves as a Clinic Manager at Johns Hopkins University. She also served as both the Assistant and Head Coach of Coppin State University's Women’s Softball Team. The Darin C. Banks Foundation holds a special place in Ajaye’s heart because she too was a recipient of a college scholarship and benefited from having mentors in her life; one of which was Darin Banks. She strongly believes in the power of mentoring and in helping her students become successful on and off the field.
Ashley T. Pope, Treasurer
A graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit Michigan, Ashley T. Pope received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Since graduation Ashley has worked at Michigan First Credit Union where she has held a number of positions with increasing responsibility and authority. She is currently a Training Specialist in the Human Resources Department. Out of respect and admiration for the Foundation’s namesake, Ashley happily serves on the Board of The Darin C. Banks Foundation. Like Darin, Ashley believes that supporting and encouraging youth to pursue higher education is paramount.
Committee Chair, External Partnerships - Open
Jeff Gajda, Committee Chair, Mentorship Program
With over (10) years of automotive and technology procurement experience, Jeff is a graduate of Michigan State University, earning both a BA in Business & International Relations, and an MBA from the Eli Broad College of Business. He is married and the father of two beautiful girls. The Darin C. Banks Foundation presents a special opportunity for Jeff to pay forward some of the great advice he learned from Darin during Jeff’s early days at Ford Motor Company. Jeff is proud to help carry on Darin’s vision of helping others by chairing the mentorship committee.
Committee Chair, Scholarships & Fundraising - Open
