Featured photo: Athena McKay, executive director of Flint Innovative Solutions. Photo by Alita Prince
Written by Tanya Terry
Athena McKay, age 47, was born in Flint, raised on a farm outside of the city and is now executive director of Flint Innovative Solutions.
She was the youngest of four children. Her parents both worked at General Motors. In addition, her mother was a seamstress who did interior design work.
“She was a strong, independent and very wise craftswoman,” McKay explained.
McKay also said her older sister, who is five years older than her, is extremely brilliant.
“She’s a doctor of clinical psychology,” McKay continued.
As a result, McKay grew up in the midst of innovation, energy and high standards.
She was raised in Montrose, Michigan on a five-acre farm and attended Clio Schools. In the 11th grade, she transitioned to Flint Northwestern High School, where she graduated from. In her teen and young adult years, she continued to look up to her family members. Even as a young person, she preferred simplicity over fashion, trend and materialism.
All the schools McKay attended in elementary, middle and high school were public schools. She received a bachelor’s degree from Detroit College of Business when it was in Flint. She received her Bachelor in Business Administration with a concentration in computer information systems and business management. She also received a Master in Scientific Administration from Central Michigan, completed several certificates and continued to study. She strongly advocates for everyone to get their high school diplomas and to then further their education, whether through college or craftsmanship. She also believes every man, woman, boy and girl should remain lifelong learners by reading and exploring topics such as religion and economics.
Prior to getting into her role at Flint Innovative Solutions, she had many jobs.
“I started working when I was 10. We had a family landscaping business, and I absolutely love being outdoors and being in nature…I have had a lot of different job experiences. Most of them have been administrative. I do like being hands on to be able to make a personal impact.”
McKay served at the Resource Center under Sybyl Atwood and Dale Weighill’s leadership, as an AmeriCorp VISTA volunteer.
“We developed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition bringing in over two million dollars to families in Flint and Genesee County. The program is still in operation over 12 years later providing free tax preparation to the community.”
Flint Innovation Solution has partnered with the Concerned Pastors for Social Action, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Michigan Communities Conquering COVID-19 and Michigan United for March COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Upcoming clinics will take place on Monday, March 21 at Cathedral of Faith Church and Monday, March 28 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. According to McKay, partnership is critical to the success of our community.
In her current role, McKay is also able to allow people, including seniors, to learn to use technology as a tool.
McKay still values her family, and is the mother of three young adults, as well as a new grandmother to a 13-month old granddaughter. She still spends time with her mom, dad and siblings.
She has been called a role model, and although she doesn’t label herself as such, she does try to carry herself as such to encourage and inspire others.
“As we as a community heal from the water crisis, social racism as a public health crisis and, of course, coming through the pandemic, we are stronger together.”
