Collin Mays
Economic Development Director at City of Center Line
Mr. Mays is a 2012 Who’s Who in Black Detroit inductee (the youngest to be inducted), a 2014 Young Democrat of the Year, a 2015 Spirit of Detroit award recipient and a 2015 Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40. Collin has appeared on numerous television and radio programs as well as being featured in multiple publications. Currently, he serves as Business Development Coordinator for the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance after being promoted in October 2018. Under his leadership business services have been expanded throughout Wayne and Monroe counties. Collin has also increased the number of registered apprenticeships in the region. In 2017, through his efforts Mays was recognized by the Talent Investment Agency for increasing registered apprenticeships in the region. Recently Collin was named to Motor City Honors 2019 “Twenty to Watch”, as well as Crain’s Detroit Business 20 in their 20’s list for 2019. In December 2019 Collin was appointed the Economic Development Director for the City of Center Line located in the State of Michigan. Collin is the youngest person to lead a department for the city. Mays holds a B.A. in Political Science from Western Michigan University and MPA from Oakland University.
In 2017 Collin started the Mays Family Scholarship in partnership with UNCF (United Negro College Fund) to encourage undergraduate students to finish their degree. The scholarship awarded three recipients $1,500 each and received over 600 interested applicants. The application eligibility was for students from Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
I have always been passionate about philanthropy and giving back. I do my best to engage both new and existing donors of color. In 2017 I started a scholarship in partnership with UNCF to help undergraduate students pay for a portion of their degree. While I currently work in the public sector for a local municipality I consider fundraising and philanthropy a lifelong personal mission, my civic duty.
What is something you wish you knew early on in your fundraising career?
Start early. Whether that means volunteering for a worthy cause, raising money for an initiative, or serving as a mentor/tutor for a student. It’s never to early to get start giving back. Often, we think of philanthropy as just dollars spent on a worthy cause, but trust me, we are all philanthropists in our own way. Even if you never write a check you can still make a huge difference when it comes to philanthropy. I’d also say don’t be afraid to take chances and ask questions. The answer will always be no if you never ask.
What is the one quality every fundraiser should have?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one can do everything by themselves. We are all philanthropists championing the same cause. We all want to make a difference. Don’t be afraid to reach out and share your ideas with your colleagues and peers. Sometimes we don’t realize we share similar views and ideas.
What inspires you about the fundraising profession?
I am inspired by the work of my peers and predecessors. We all have a unique role as it relates to fundraising and philanthropy. However, we all have the same objective in mind. The betterment of our community relies on our ability to work together and bring change to worthy causes. I truly believe philanthropy is a higher calling than just writing a check. It’s a lifelong commitment to serving others.
How do you want to be remembered as a professional?
I would like to be remembered as someone who gave back in every way possible both. I want to help groom the next generation of donors and philanthropists. My legacy will be measured based on the success of others. I do have a saying which I try to live by both personally and professionally; “This is your life, give it all you’ve got.”