Clarinda Barnett-Harrison

Clarinda Barnett-Harrison is currently leading community impact efforts for Michigan Central as the director of the Skills initiatives, where she is developing a fully equitable strategy to develop, retain and attract talent for future of mobility jobs. She is also an urban planning faculty member at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses within the urban planning curriculums. Clarinda was formerly the Head of Equity and Inclusion for Ford’s Autonomous Vehicles and Mobility Businesses focused on guiding the executive leadership team to include equity principles into product and service design and go-to-market strategies.

Clarinda previously served as the senior director of Economic Prosperity and executive director of the Detroit Regional Workforce Fund at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, where she developed the strategic path forward for economic mobility initiatives throughout the region.   Prior to that role, she was the executive director of Business and Foundation Engagement and the director of the Business Engagement Center at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, allowing her to leverage the university’s talent and intellectual capacity to support companies with economic development efforts across the State of Michigan.

With 20+ years urban planning, design and economic development experience, Clarinda brings a wealth of knowledge; having held leadership positions at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other local and regional economic development organizations.

Clarinda earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts concentrating in Economics, Management and Psychology from the University of Michigan. She also received a master’s degree from Wayne State University (WSU) in Urban Planning with an Economic Development concentration, as well as a professional Economic Development Certification also granted by WSU. Additionally, she secured a certification in Economic Development Finance (EDFP) from the National Development Council and Inclusive Placemaking and Planning for Equitable Cities from University of Detroit-Mercy.

Clarinda’s contributions to Ford were recognized by the Global DEI team in 2021. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the business community as Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence Honoree 2018, Crain’s 40 under 40 2017, and the Michigan Business Professional Association Women in Leadership Shooting Star Award. Also, the Michigan Economic Developers Association honored her she received the Mike Conboy Award for Professional Development, and lastly, the Detroit Young Professionals recognized Clarinda’s professional contributions with a Van Guard award.

Clarinda also donates her time and expertise as a board of director for TechTown, Eastside Community Network and she also is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Clarinda lives in Detroit with her husband of 20 years, Ritchie Harrison, and together they have a daughter who is earning her master’s degree in music composition in New York.