History was made at the Detroit Athletic Club when Kelly Major Green became the first Black woman elected to its board of directors. This milestone comes after 20 years of Green’s membership at the prestigious club, marking a new chapter for the 100+ year old institution.
“I’m honored to have been elected by the membership,” Green told reporters. “But I got right to work because it’s an important job.” The Detroit native brings both professional expertise and deep community roots to her new role at one of the city’s most exclusive organizations.
A Detroit Trailblazer With Deep Roots
Green’s connection to Detroit runs deep. Born and raised in the city, she left only temporarily for education before returning home. “I’m all about repping the 313,” she says proudly. Her commitment shows in where she chooses to live – remaining in Detroit proper with her husband John Green Jr. to support local tax rolls that fund public schools.
The University of Pennsylvania engineering graduate and Northwestern MBA currently works as an institutional consulting director at Morgan Stanley. But her achievements go beyond professional success. “My 92-year-old mother’s lasting impact drives me daily,” Green shares, highlighting the family values that shape her leadership.
Breaking Barriers at Historic Institution
The Detroit Athletic Club has long been a gathering place for the city’s elite, but until now, no Black woman had served on its board. Green follows in the footsteps of Linda Forte, the first Black woman to run for a board position years earlier.
“It isn’t lost on me the time we’re living in,” Green reflects, noting Vice President Harris’s historic election. She understands her role represents progress beyond personal achievement. Already, she’s heard from Black women sharing how meaningful this moment is to them and their families.
More Than Symbolism – Creating Lasting Change
For Green, this position isn’t about being the first – it’s about making sure she’s not the last. “My hope is to inspire other young women of color,” she explains. Her approach focuses on creating real structural change rather than symbolic representation.
The financial expert brings both professional skills and community commitment to the role. She and her husband consciously invest in Detroit through their residency and tax contributions. Green sees her board position as another way to create opportunities for others in her beloved city.
What This Means for Detroit’s Future
Green’s election signals shifting tides at historic institutions. As she notes, “Black women are being embraced in all aspects of life in 2025.” But true to her Detroit roots, she’s more focused on the work than the recognition.
The new board member represents both Detroit’s resilient history and its promising future. Her story shows how excellence and opportunity can transform longstanding institutions from within. For Green, this milestone is just the beginning of creating more inclusive spaces where all Detroiters can thrive.
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