Today we’d like to introduce you to Cirea Strode.
Cirea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey has always been rooted in service, curiosity, and a deep commitment to children, families, and community.
I started my professional path in human development, child development, and social work, driven by a desire to understand children and support families in meaningful, systems-level ways. Over time, that passion led me into public service, where I now serve as a Program Manager for the State of Michigan, working at the intersection of policy, accountability, and youth-serving systems. This work sharpened my understanding of how systems impact families — and how important it is to lead with both data and humanity.
Alongside my career in public service, I built Strode Creations, a community-centered business grounded in creativity, storytelling, and access. Entrepreneurship became another way for me to show up — creating spaces, experiences, and initiatives that uplift families, support small businesses, and center joy. That entrepreneurial journey led me to the Goldman Sachs program, which helped me strengthen my business foundation, expand my vision, and think more intentionally about scale and sustainability.
Storytelling has always been a powerful through-line in my life, which led me to become a children’s author. Writing Willow B: Big Feelings, Big Wins was deeply personal — it was inspired by my own experiences, my work with children, and my belief that emotional literacy is just as important as academic learning. Through my books and literacy initiatives, I’ve been able to connect with families, schools, libraries, and community organizations across Michigan.
Community advocacy naturally followed. I believe leadership is about showing up, listening, and doing the work — which ultimately led me to run for and be elected to the Lansing School District Board of Education. Serving as an elected official allows me to advocate directly for students and families while bringing both lived experience and professional insight into decision-making spaces.
At the heart of everything I do, I am a wife and a mother. My family grounds me and reminds me why this work matters. Every role I hold — entrepreneur, author, advocate, public servant — is shaped by my desire to help build systems and communities where children and families can truly thrive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning when to pivot. There were moments in my entrepreneurial journey where I had to pause, reassess, and even take a sabbatical from my business. That wasn’t easy, especially in a culture that often equates constant movement with success. Stepping back required humility and trust — trusting that rest, reflection, and recalibration were not setbacks, but necessary parts of building something sustainable.
Balancing family, business, public service, and a demanding career has also been an ongoing challenge. Each role carries real responsibility, and there were seasons when something had to be set down temporarily so another area could receive the attention it deserved. As a wife and mother, I’ve had to make intentional choices about presence, boundaries, and alignment — understanding that balance isn’t static, but seasonal.
Those challenges taught me to lead with flexibility, to redefine productivity, and to honor the different seasons of life. They ultimately strengthened my clarity, resilience, and commitment to building work that aligns with both my values and my capacity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my professional role, I serve as a Program Manager within the Juvenile Justice Bureau for the State of Michigan, where I oversee complex systems that impact youth, families, providers, and statewide partners. My work focuses on accountability, quality improvement, and ensuring that programs operate with both integrity and excellence while keeping young people at the center of decision-making.
What I specialize in — and what I’m most known for — is leading with heart while still holding systems to a high standard. I bring authenticity into spaces that can sometimes feel rigid or transactional, and I believe deeply in the power of relationships. I listen carefully, build trust intentionally, and stay open to growth — both personally and professionally. Leadership, to me, is not about control, but about clarity, consistency, and connection.
Management is not easy, especially in high-stakes systems work, but I take pride in working alongside my team rather than above them. I’m very intentional about setting clear expectations, aligning values with action, and creating environments where people feel supported, challenged, and seen. I’m particularly gifted in seeing potential in people, building strong teams, and helping individuals grow into their strengths.
What sets me apart is my willingness to lead with courage and compassion at the same time. I’m not afraid to speak truth to power when it’s necessary, to advocate for better systems, or to ask hard questions in pursuit of better outcomes. I operate with purpose, transparency, and excellence — and I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built, the teams I’ve helped shape, and the impact that comes from leading with intention and authenticity.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is living out my full purpose and potential — not in a performative way, but in a deeply intentional one.
Losing my father this year fundamentally shifted how I see life, time, and legacy. Grief has a way of clarifying what truly matters and stripping away what doesn’t. It reminded me that impact isn’t about titles or accolades, but about how you show up, who you pour into, and the meaning you leave behind.
That loss made my sense of purpose feel more urgent and more sacred. It pushed me to be more present, more honest, and more aligned in how I live and lead. I’m intentional about ensuring that my work, my service, and my relationships reflect what I value most — integrity, care, and contribution.
For me, legacy is built in the everyday moments: in the people I help grow, the systems I work to improve, the children and families I advocate for, and the love I pour into my own family. Living from purpose isn’t just a goal — it’s a responsibility, and it’s the lens through which I now make every decision.
Pricing:
- Author visits, read-alongs, and literacy-based events
- Community workshops and speaking engagements
- Creative and community-centered collaborations through Strode Creations
- Books and related merchandise, available through retailers and community partnerships
Contact Info:
