Hidden Gems: Meet Sommer Dawson of Accent Pontiac, Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sommer Dawson

Hi Sommer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Sommer K. Dawson (Brock) is a dedicated servant leader with a passion for improving outcomes for disadvantaged groups. She has worked to fulfill this desire by serving in various fundraising capacities at several nonprofit organizations in southeast Michigan, including the Frankel Jewish Academy, Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Detroit and Cranbrook Educational Community and by providing consulting services. Currently, Sommer serves as Executive Director at Accent Pontiac.

Mrs. Dawson has just completed a term as Immediate-Past-President of the Greater Detroit Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals where she has served in various roles including chair of the National Philanthropy Day committee and vice-chair of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) committee. In addition, Sommer is a member of the Community-centric Fundraising (CCF) Global Council, former Vice-President of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Governance Committee for Accent Pontiac and a past board member for Identify Your Dream Foundation, Pontiac Community Foundation, and The Art Experience. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Sommer holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Oakland University.

Sommer is the founder of No Nonsense Fundraising, LLC which helps to expand the reach and impact of small nonprofits, she is a graduate of Leadership Oakland XXVII (27) and a member of Oakland County Elite 40 under 40 class of 2018. She enjoys spending time with her children, Jacoya, age 23 and Trent Jr., age 11; and traveling with her husband, Trent, Sr.

Sommer has presented fundraising workshops for countless nonprofit organizations and for groups as large as 50. Satisfied workshop clients include Co.act Detroit, Pontiac Funders Collaborative, Micah 6 Community, and Leadership Oakland. Additionally, Sommer has presented for The Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Global Conference, AFP ICON in 2021 and 2022.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course not! I’d say that there weren’t many pathways focusing on developing a career in fundraising and nonprofits for black women. No one ever came to my school on career day and said “hey, you can be a fundraiser!”

Additionally, there are many systemic issues with nonprofits and fundraising that black fundraisers have to find ways to cope with in order to be successful in this industry.

I have a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan. Having never had a job utilizing the degree because I graduated college 3 months after the horrible tragedy of 9/11. I had to figure out a different way to contribute to society and I’m very lucky to have found nonprofits.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Accent Pontiac, Inc. ?
Accent Pontiac is a youth development and music education nonprofit serving students in Pontiac, Michigan. We offer intensive, quality music programming 4 days per week including access to musical instruments & instruction, transportation, and meals free of charge throughout the school year. Students experience performances, field trips, guest artist events, and summer music programs. Accent Pontiac youth build confidence while developing leadership, teamwork, and music skills.

Students who participate in Accent Pontiac programs have higher reading and math test scores and better average daily attendance than their peers (80% compared to 60%).

Our tagline is social change through music. We believe in the power of music to uplift our community and our students.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In 5 to 10 years, we hope to be the largest partner providing after-school programs in the Pontiac, MI school district. We also hope to continue to expand to meet the needs of the students we serve. We project with the new administration that there will be less support for arts organizations and nonprofits in general, so we are exploring routes to sustainiblilty that include earned income opportunities and quasi-endowment.

Pricing:

• FREE to residents of Pontiac, MI
• Bucket Band for other groups – call for pricing
• Accent Pontiac students performing at your event – call for pricing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Accentpontiac.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accentpontiac/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accentpontiac/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accent-pontiac/?viewAsMember=true
• Twitter: https://x.com/accentpontiac
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/ss0PEuTqc_o