Shareholder Cinnamon Plonka Appointed to Co-Chair Law & Civil Rights Committee for Rise Higher Detroit
Two days after her historic election as Detroit’s first woman mayor, Mary Sheffield appointed more than 50 civic and business leaders to 18 policy committees called Rise Higher Detroit. These committees bring together a diverse group of subject-matter experts, community leaders, and civic stakeholders who contribute their expertise, perspectives, and insights to help shape the administration’s early policy agenda through a rigorous and inclusive process. Their focus: inclusive leadership and community-centered policy.
Zausmer Shareholder Cinnamon Plonka, along with Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President of the Detroit Branch NAACP, and Nabih Ayad, Founder of the Arab-American Civil Rights League, were appointed to co-chair the Law & Civil Rights Committee. This committee is tasked with advising the mayor on legal matters impacting the city, evaluating the city’s civil rights and inclusion infrastructure, and developing best practices to ensure all city policies align with federal, state, and local law.
For Cinnamon, this role is a meaningful extension of both her legal career and her personal roots in Detroit. A lifelong Detroiter, she attended school in the city and bought her first home there. Cinnamon says that partnering with Mayor Sheffield in this way is an opportunity to take Detroit to an even greater level. “Mayor Sheffield has a special gift for connecting with the community and a clear focus on making sure Detroiters have real access to justice.”
The Law & Civil Rights Committee will address emerging legal issues that directly affect residents, including immigration enforcement, the legal implications of a National Guard presence, housing rights, and public safety. “Part of our work is bringing to life legal protections that already exist but may not be widely understood,” says Cinnamon. “We want every Detroiter to know how the law can serve them.”
The Rise Higher initiative is built on the idea that meaningful progress comes from shared responsibility. Cinnamon notes that her committee will advise, educate, and participate in shaping policy and informing public understanding. They will be present in meetings, at events, and in the city government. “We’re here to support this vision for as long as the mayor needs us.”
That hands-on presence is central to Mayor Sheffield’s goals. “These co-chairs reflect the best of Detroit—people who lead with heart, vision, and a deep belief in what’s possible for our city,” Sheffield said. “Their work will shape our transition priorities, inform our policies, and ensure that every decision we make is rooted in partnership and the collective voice of our people.”
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