Meet Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, M.Ed., City of Detroit Ombudsman Our New Madam Ombudsman for the City of Detroit.
A lifelong Detroiter, Sherry J. Gay Dagnogo has devoted more than 30 years to public service, beginning her career as a Detroit City Council appointee under former Councilmembers Alberta Tinsley Talabi and the late Clyde Cleveland. Her path later led her to the classroom as a Detroit Public Schools science teacher, ensuring students received the quality education they deserved. In 2014, she was elected to the Michigan Legislature, serving as State Representative for the 8th House District until 2020. Even during the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic, she continued her commitment to service by joining the Detroit School Board at the request of her colleagues and community partners.
 

For Sherry, public service is a lifelong calling rooted in transparency, fairness, and community. Serving Detroit means advocating for equity, dismantling systemic barriers, and ensuring that every resident, especially those in historically underserved neighborhoods, has a voice and access to city services and opportunities.
 

Among her proudest achievements is advancing economic justice legislation in the Michigan Legislature to protect Detroit workers and returning citizens. She helped secure more than five million dollars in appropriations for Detroit and served as a Plaintiff Agent in the Agee v. Benson Redistricting Litigation, ensuring Detroiters’ voting rights and representation were protected.
 

Outside of work, Sherry finds inspiration in Detroit’s resilience, activism, and culture. Deeply rooted in faith, she remains active in institutions of worship and community leadership, staying connected through civic engagement, educational initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations. Her mission has always been the same: serve with integrity, uplift others, and build a Detroit where every voice matters.
Want to lead with purpose and make a difference in your city?