Lisa Johanon has been named the recipient of the 2025 Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award for more than 30 years of quiet leadership improving Detroit neighborhoods through Central Detroit Christian.

The nonprofit offers educational programs, job training, housing support and more to residents in Detroit’s 48202 and 48206 ZIP codes.

Johanon lives in the city she serves, earning community trust as a relentless, hands-on leader. To many residents, she is known as "Mom."

When a national youth organization fired Lisa Johanon in the 1990s because it no longer wanted to work in Detroit, she doubled down on her commitment to the city.

“That’s where we need to be, where the need is the greatest,” she said.

Soon after that Johanon co-founded Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corpo

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