Brandi Haggins

If laughter is the best medicine, then a healthy smile is a sign it’s working.

A smile has the power to change everything… The power to inspire, inwardly and outwardly, the best in all of us. And for that reason, for over a decade, Brandi Haggins dedicated herself to managing dental offices located in low income and underserved communities.

Because, as a native Detroiter and someone who had to work three jobs to support herself while studying Business Administration at Davenport University, she knew all too well that finding reasons to smile wasn’t always easy in these communities.

With this perspective and experience, she then pivoted to a career in the nonprofit world beginning in 2013, first managing a transitional housing and recovery facility for homeless veterans before joining Life Remodeled as the Durfee Innovation Society (DIS) Director in 2018.

Today, Brandi oversees the day-to-day operations of the 143,000 square feet that used to house Durfee Middle School and now is home to the nearly 40 unique nonprofits and a few for profit businesses who define the opportunity hub that is DIS and its mission to serve Detroit children and families.

As she has at home with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband of 20 years for her two preteen sons, Brandi has created a safe, collaborative environment and a culture of love and compassion at DIS. Whether it be the nonprofits headquartered there, or the partners she’s connected with beyond its walls, everything she does is designed to strengthen the surrounding community and empower its residents with access to critical resources and life-changing opportunities.

Quick with a joke and known to suddenly break into song & a silly dance, it’s Brandi’s unwavering optimism that brings a smile to every face she encounters.

A smile that, she hopes, is contagious.