Contrary to my first name, Brie, which is a French cheese, and middle name, Milan, which is a town in Italy, I am a Detroit native. I was born and raised for a large portion of my life, on the east side of Detroit, MI. But, I have also had my share of moving around the state of Michigan for quite some time. But, after becoming apart of a life changing program, Midnight Golf Program, in 2012, I learned that there was more to uncover beyond the walls of my city. That curiosity led me to a semester in Washington D.C. working at Human Rights Watch, an international human rights organization. It has even led me to Rome, Italy, Tanzania, Africa, most recently to Israel, and of course a plethora of U.S. States for academic endeavors and casual tourist visits. Through my story and through time, you will better understand the significance of my travel and the importance of my temporary detachment from my city.  

I received my high school diploma from none other than the top Detroit Public High School, Renaissance High School in 2012. That same year I had applied to over 40 college scholarships, awarded 10 and was afforded the opportunity to use 5 for the University of Michigan covering my educational expenses completely. In 2016, I received my B.A. in History, B.A. in Political Science, and B.A. in Afro American and African Studies from the University of Michigan. As you may have guessed by my triple major, I stop at nothing to reach my capacity in education. As of August 2018, I obtained my Master of Social Work degree at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice.

My journey of becoming interested in history, social work, and law extends far beyond my educational lens. Through my experiences navigating housing disparity and economic inequality directly as a child extended into my high school years, I became more aware of the systemic structures that work against minority populations, particularly women and children experiencing homelessness. More specifically, I began to better understand the population of people with disabilities, through my everyday interaction with my aunt who has a severe mental disability. Take a look at my first blog post here as I unfold this story! My experience as an intern at the National Urban League headquarters in New York City, has empowered me to continue my work toward starting my own non-profit in the next ten years. I became more connected with the importance of non-profit fundraising, advocacy, and creating a space for people to actually thrive within an organization. At the University of Michigan I was able to give my time to many efforts and organizations that have molded me as an ally to my community and others. After taking my talents to the University of Pennsylvania, I received a Master of Social work from the School of Social Policy and Practice. Instead of a clinical Based MSW, I chose to pursue a macro focus MSW in community organizing and obtained a certificate in Global Human Rights at Penn. I am a recent grad of The North Carolina Central University School of Law and now hold a Juris Doctor degree.

My mother ,Toi A. Hill, pushed me to understand my Worth. My aunt, Renee ’NEE NEE’ Hill motivated me to lead with empathy. My grandmother ,Frances Hill, helped me grasp my Calling.

My name is Brie Milan Starks and I am your future Civil and Human Rights non-profit leader, DEI Professional, poet, creative writer, artist, motivational speaker, event planner, and future author.