DETROIT – Alycia Meriweather has been named the Detroit Lions’ 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker, an annual recognition honoring local leaders who drive positive change within their communities through the NFL’s Inspire Change initiatives. These initiatives focus on four key areas: education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform.
Meriweather, the Deputy Superintendent of External Partnerships and Innovation for the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), has been a transformative force in the community for over 20 years. A Detroit native, she has dedicated her career to improving education, serving in various roles including lead teacher, Executive Director for the Office of Science Education, Director of the Detroit Mathematics and Science Center, and Interim Superintendent.
Throughout her career, Meriweather has blended traditional education with innovative approaches to meet the needs of students and teachers. In 2023, she partnered with the Detroit Lions to organize CPR/AED training for 400 DPSCD faculty at Ford Field and provided 30 training kits for ongoing staff and student education. She also played a key role in coordinating DPSCD’s involvement in the 2024 NFL Draft, offering over 2,000 local students unique learning opportunities.
Meriweather’s commitment extends beyond the classroom—she’s known for personally mentoring students and even taking them into her home during times of hardship. Her dedication to fostering resilience and success in her students has made a lasting impact on countless lives.
Meriweather will be honored during the Detroit Lions’ Inspire Change game on Dec. 15 for her exceptional contributions to social justice. In addition, she will receive a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation, directed to a nonprofit of her choice.
“We are proud to announce Alycia Meriweather as the 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker,” said Roxanne Caine, Vice President of the Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations. “Her unwavering commitment to equitable education and her innovative efforts to improve learning experiences for students and teachers in Detroit truly embody the spirit of this award.”
“It’s an incredible honor to be named the Detroit Lions’ Inspire Change Changemaker of the year,” said Meriweather. “I share this recognition with all the Changemakers at DPSCD—our students, teachers, parents, and staff who work tirelessly every day to create better opportunities for Detroit’s young people.”
“The NFL and Inspire Change are proud to highlight the outstanding efforts of these 32 Changemakers who are making a tangible difference in their communities,” said Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. “Their dedication and compassion are a reminder of how one person can create lasting change.”