About me
Janikka is a proud Detroiter whose love for her city is woven into everything she does. A lifelong learner, she has dedicated more than 20 years to education—showing up each day with the same passion and purpose that first called her to the classroom. She believes deeply in scholarship, integrity, and the transformative power of literacy. As an avid reader and writer herself, Janikka works tirelessly to ensure that every student in DPSCD experiences a rich and meaningful literary heritage—one that reflects both the world around them and the possibilities ahead. Currently a doctoral candidate at Eastern Michigan University, Janikka is also the co-founder and co-director of the Detroit Writing Project and DPSCD’s first National Writing Project site, Write 313. Through this work, she supports educators and uplifts student voices across the city she loves. At her core, Janikka believes that words—spoken and written—are pathways to freedom. And through her life’s work, she helps young people find their voices and step boldly into their own stories.
