DBG Transportation Coordinator Honored as “One Dedicated Woman”

Eight years ago, Asiya El walked into DBG as the parent of one of our students, and she never left. Over the years, she has taken on many roles from a volunteer coach to our National Anthem singer, a mother figure, youth mentor, and so much more. Today, she serves as DBG’s Transportation and Enrollment Coordinator, managing our fleet of vans and drivers and ensuring 150+ students get safely to and from our building every day. It’s no easy task. Students come to DBG from 30 different zip codes and 57 schools across Detroit and nearby suburbs.

“Transportation is crucial to the students’ success in our building and Asiya makes it happen,” said Katie Solomon, DBG’s Programs Director, during a virtual award ceremony honoring The Power of One Dedicated Woman. “She manages an everchanging team of vans and drivers. There are many days when you’ll find her behind the wheel of a van getting kids to the program.”

Last year, she helped orchestrate the surprise delivery of a Mercedes Sprinter van that DBG won as part of a national “Small Business, Big Impact” contest. Click the video player below to watch.

Asyia was recognized by Michigan Community Resources as a 2022 honoree of The Power of One Dedicated Woman along with five other amazing women in our community.

“I love the children, I love what I do, I love this environment,” she said. “When you come to this space, I’m the mother of the gym, I’m the mama and every child that comes here feels my love. I have three sons that I gave birth to, but I have many sons and many daughters are coming from my heart.”

“I just want them to push higher, strive for the best,” she added. “You can be whatever you want to be by thinking higher.”

Asiya also manages DBG’s waiting list and the enrollment of every student who currently attends DBG. Through her hard work and tireless efforts, Asiya is changing lives. She shares her time and talents to improve the lives of young people in Detroit. She does this every day without fail and without any recognition or fanfare. She is dedicated, committed, and loves the children and our community. For all of these reasons and more, Asiya came to mind immediately when we heard about this award.

“I am so honored to be honored,” she said. “Our future is bright just from seeing the women who have been honored here today.”

Congratulations, Asiya, and all of this year’s The Power of One Dedicated Woman honorees.