Alumna honored for her commitment to community and change

Central Michigan University alumna Lottie Ferguson, ’19, is the 2025 recipient of the Claire M. White Award, a business award presented by the Flint & Genesee Group, recognizing a woman who works for the betterment of the area in community, career, or someone else’s life.

For Ferguson, who works as Vice President of Development and Donor Services at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the award carries great significance.

“Earning the Claire M. White Award is deeply meaningful because it represents a legacy of service, integrity, and community uplift—values I hold close,” Ferguson said. “Claire White was a trailblazer, and to be recognized in her name is both humbling and affirming. It’s a reminder that showing up with purpose and compassion can truly make a difference.”

In her role at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Ferguson leads development efforts connecting generosity to the needs of Genesee County. She oversees donor stewardship, fund creation, and grant strategy in support of the foundation’s vision for “a vibrant and equitable Genesee County where everyone thrives.” Her work reflects her passion for advancing social, economic, and environmental resilience, and for helping residents shape a stronger future together.

Before joining the foundation, Ferguson made history as the City of Flint’s first Chief Resilience Officer, where she led the Office of Public Health and secured millions in grant funding to strengthen community well-being. Through each role, she’s centered on collaboration, trust, and the voices of Flint residents.

“My career has always focused on building trust and connection—especially in communities where systems haven’t always earned it,” she said.

How CMU helped shape her voice and vision

Ferguson credits her time as a graduate student at Central Michigan University with helping her grow both personally and professionally.

“CMU gave me more than an MSA,” she said. “It gave me confidence in my voice and credentials that helped the community believe in my leadership potential. I was a working professional and parent while attending CMU, and managing those competing priorities taught me resilience and focus in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

She added that her time at CMU—filled with supportive professors, challenging coursework, and meaningful connections—continues to shape her leadership philosophy.

“The relationships I built there and the lessons I learned about authenticity and perseverance have carried me through every step of my journey,” she said. “Fire Up Chips, always!”

Empowering the next generation of changemakers 

In addition to her role at the Community Foundation, Ferguson was recently named a 2024–25 Obama Foundation USA Leader, part of a nationwide cohort of changemakers advancing civic innovation and community empowerment.

While she’s grateful for the personal recognition, Ferguson sees the Claire M. White Award as a shared achievement.

“No one does this work alone,” she said. “While my name was the one called, this honor reflects the collective spirit of so many people who believe in Flint. I stand on the shoulders of those who chose service over the spotlight, and I hope to keep paying that forward.”

Her message to the next generation—especially Black women stepping into leadership—is one of affirmation and encouragement.

“You belong in every room where decisions are made and change happens,” she said. “True progress isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about listening deeply, building trust, and creating space for others to shine.”