Kailynn Cummings
Senior Policy Advisor to the Deputy Mayor, City of Detroit

What was the most valuable thing you learned from WeLead?
I learned how imperative it is for women to run for office, lead in executive office, and how to win.

What was your favorite part of the program?
Creating a campaign video was a demanding, but very satisfying, exercise.

What advice would you give to the current WeLead class?
My advice to incoming classes is to introduce yourself to everyone. This program is interconnected across party lines and emphasizes the importance of bipartisanship. The women connected to WeLead can help you accomplish your public service, campaign, and executive office goals.

How did you secure your current position, and did it include any WeLead networking or alumnae?
In February 2026, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) invited me to accompany her to former Vice President Kamala Harris' book signing in Detroit, MI. While at the event, I spotted Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, and the Congresswoman encouraged me to introduce myself and express my continued interest working in her office. I anxiously did this on a Friday, and by the following Monday the Mayor's Chief of Staff reached out to me personally. WeLead Program Director Julie Russell served as one of the three professional references that helped me secure this position! 

Any other thoughts on your WeLead experience?
WeLead is unlike any other public service/career preparedness program I have participated in. I really believe that I have the tools and determination to win future campaigns, and part of that is because of what I learned, and continue to learn from this program.

Cummings is a public policy expert with experience at federal, state and local branches of government, as well as with federal agencies and non-profits. She earned a Doctor of Education degree from Ferris State University, a Master of Education degree from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University.