Opening Doors...With Confidence

Denise Ilitch show

“The Importance of Exposure: A Conversation with Dennis Archer Jr.” “When you are around a diversity of people all the time, it’s very easy [to learn to treat everybody the same].” Dennis Archer Jr.

In this episode Denise talks to Dennis Archer Jr. who is quick to credit his success, at least in part, to growing up in a loving family of privilege. He’s grateful to have learned by watching his parents, especially his father, who stressed the importance of education and respect towards everyone regardless of their station in life. Still, Dennis acknowledges that everyone experiences adversity in life, Black folks in particular, and the same was true for him. He knows the importance of mentoring underprivileged youth and helping them get themselves into the room.

Find out from Dennis:

• What he learned—in his 20’s—from mistakes
• Your most valuable asset
• Who’s on TEAM DENNIS and why

• His advice to young Black students
• What we all can do to help our communities “rise up together as one”

Dennis Archer Jr. is the CEO or Ignition Media Group and founding partner of Archer Corporate Services.

Archer’s hospitality holding company, Congress Hospitality, is managing partner of Central Kitchen + Bar, named by The Detroit Free Press as one of Detroit’s top restaurants. Archer’s real estate development efforts aim to create jobs, provide affordable housing, and stimulate Detroit’s economic growth. His civic and philanthropic endeavors include serving on the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors, Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Dennis W. Archer Foundation, Citizen Detroit, and Wayne County Youth and Senior Education Board. Archer received both his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Michigan and resides in Detroit with his sons. To learn more about Dennis https://www.dennisarcherjr.com/.

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents.

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