• Mathis and Moslimani bring a combined 25+ years of legal, public sector and civil rights leadership to the Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department (CRIO) 
• Both mayoral appointees have deep experience advancing equity, community engagement, regulatory compliance, and inclusive economic development 
• CRIO leadership to implement Administration priorities focused on strengthening civil rights protections and improving access to City services, with key expansions into mental health supports and protections  

Mayor Mary Sheffield announced the appointment of Jade E. Mathis, Esq. as Director and Megan Moslimani, Esq. as Deputy Director of the City’s Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department (CRIO). Both were appointed and officially confirmed by the City’s Human Rights Commission. In their new roles, Mathis and Moslimani will lead CRIO’s work in support of Mayor Sheffield’s mandate to advance equity, protect civil rights, and expand opportunities for Detroit residents.  

“The CRIO Department is critical to making sure all Detroiters and Detroit businesses have equal access to city services and opportunities, that they feel supported and included, and that their basic human rights are protected in their city,” said Mayor Sheffield.  “Both Jade and Megan have demonstrated their leadership and personal commitment in these areas for years and are going to make a dynamic team that ensures that our city continues to Rise Higher.”  

As a seasoned Civil Rights Attorney, Mathis brings more than a decade of experience in law, advocacy, and community engagement, including work on Capitol Hill for the late Congressman Elijah Cummings.  Leveraging seven years as a reform focused prosecutor specializing in alternatives to incarceration and second chance initiatives, she created the Back on Track–Prince George’s County diversion program in 2016, modeled after a pioneering national initiative by then Attorney General Kamala Harris. Mathis also shined as a Project Clean Slate Attorney, directly contributing to changing thousands of Detroiters’ lives by removing barriers to opportunity that had existed for many decades.  

“I appreciate Madam Mayor’s confidence in me and the abilities of my staff. We are committed to centering the communities we serve and have begun with intentional listening to ensure our programs and resources reflect the needs of Detroiters,” said Mathis. 

Jade E. Mathis   

Moslimani is a Detroit based attorney and public sector leader with more than 15 years of experience in civil rights, regulatory compliance, and equitable economic development. Her city service includes roles as Deputy Chief of Criminal Enforcement, Chief Legal Counsel for Special Projects, and Director of Marijuana Ventures & Entrepreneurship, where she created Homegrown Detroit, the City’s first cannabis social equity program. Her current role includes serving as Interim Director of the Office of Cannabis Affairs, where she has begun coordinating directly with stakeholders and licensees to strengthen operations and ensure clear direction moving forward.

“I’m looking forward to supporting strong, transparent operations within CRIO, while advancing initiatives that protect civil rights, improve access to city services, and foster inclusive economic growth,” said Moslimani. 

Megan Moslimani

Strengthening CRIO’s Operations and Impact

The mission of the CRIO Department is to eradicate discrimination, ensure equal protection of civil rights, and promote economic inclusion for residents. CRIO investigates complaints regarding discrimination in housing, employment, education, and public services within Detroit, particularly regarding violations based on race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or religion.  

CRIO also enforces local hiring ordinances on construction projects and provides accessibility services for disabled residents and language access for non-English speakers. Through its business opportunity program, CRIO promotes growth for local businesses by aiding in certification and increasing access to opportunities.  

May marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging support for mental wellness. Mental health awareness and overall wellness remain key priorities for Director Jade Mathis, who will lead this year’s citywide efforts. In partnership with the Office of Disability Affairs, CRIO will host a virtual panel discussion titled “Mental Health Transparency – Breaking the Stigma” facilitated by Director Mathis. The event also serves as an opportunity to welcome and recognize the newly appointed Director and Deputy Director as they kick off this important month of reflection, education, and empowerment.  

CRIO will also host its 7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom & Flag Raising, Wednesday, June 17 in Spirit Plaza. Mathis dubbed this year’s theme, “Excellence in Public Service” and will present awards to several notable public servants, including Judge Greg Mathis, Detroit Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms, and Judge Aliyah Sabree on behalf of her great grandmother, Civil Rights activist, Daisy Elliott. CRIO is partnering with the city’s Employee Engagement team to bring employees and our communities together, celebrating the Juneteenth national holiday.

Under Mathis and Moslimani’s leadership, CRIO enters a new chapter with renewed energy, deeper community partnership, and a clear commitment to advancing civil and human rights and expanding access to opportunities for all Detroiters.