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Court and Community News and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion updates
from the Third Judicial Circuit
August 2025
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- Chief Judge Letter
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Updates
- Welcoming Our New CEO Felix O'Aku
- Local Student Drives Support for Foster Care Children
- Juvenile Mental Health Court Featured at National Conference
- Chief Judge Completes Judicial Executive Course at Harvard
- CJC Kudos to Shakia Lee
- Highlighting Summer Extern in General Counsel's Office
- Criminal Division New Employees
- Family - Juvenile Judges Host Ice Cream Social
- DEI Calendar
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Our court's Commitment to Public Transparency
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As part of our court’s commitment to public outreach and transparency, I am pleased to announce that Third Circuit Court is launching its 10 minutes to Justice: A Brief Introduction to the Third Circuit Court of Michigan at township board and city council meetings throughout Wayne County over the next several months.
Our judges will make brief (10 minutes or less) presentations at these meetings that provide an overview of court services, and how Third Circuit Court can support all who live in Wayne County.
Our intent with this program is to humanize our court and provide answers to commonly asked questions we receive. Third Circuit Court summon more than 230,000 residents for jury duty and has more than 50,000 cases each year in our Civil, Criminal, Family – Domestic and Family – Juvenile divisions.
We understand that many residents may be nervous about their jury service, appearing before court or even filing paperwork that is necessary to address a legal matter. While being involved in the judicial system can seem stressful at first, Third Circuit Court is here to provide a public service to county residents. Our court is an important and necessary part of the Wayne County structure and is the branch of government where citizens play an important role.
Thank you to all of our judges, referees and court employees for being public servants and specifically to our judges and staff who are involved in supporting this community initiative.
Email me at chiefjudge@3rdcc.org with comments or questions.
Sincerely,
Judge Patricia Perez Fresard
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Celebrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in August
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The Third Circuit Court Diversity Equity, and Inclusion Team’s Mission is: "We appreciate our common connection and respect our diverse and unique human experiences. We move forward as an inclusive organization as we provide accessible and equal justice."
The Court’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team strives to ensure the values of its diverse bench, staff, and court users are acknowledged and reflected in our delivery of service as well as our work environment.
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National Civility Month is observed annually in August. Established by the International Institute for Civil Leadership in 2014, National Civility Month encourages individuals and communities to prioritize respectful and courteous interactions, fostering a more harmonious society. The month highlights the importance of empathy, kindness, open-mindedness, and active listening in our daily interactions.
Key elements to National Civility Month include:
Promoting kindness and respect
The month is a time to remember to treat others as we wish to be treated - with empathy, kindness, and respect.
Encouraging positive interactions
It aims to reduce disputes and conflicts by promoting civil behavior in all aspects of life, including workplaces, schools, and communities.
Inspiring a ripple effect
Being a role model of civility can inspire others to act with kindness and contribute to a more positive environment.
Focusing on active listening and open-mindedness
It encourages people to listen to others' perspectives and engage in dialogue to build understanding.
Highlighting the benefits of a civil society
Civility is seen as a critical component of a free and functional society.
Some organizations suggest engaging in random acts of kindness, like complimenting a stranger or donating to a local charity, as ways to observe the month. Let's all be nice to our family members, friend, co-workers and neighbors not just in August but throughout the year!
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Welcome to our new CFO, Felix O'Aku
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Felix O’Aku joined the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan as its new Chief Financial Officer in July. Felix brings an impressive global and local background in financial leadership to the Court, including a decade as Agency Chief Financial Officer for the City of Detroit.
During his career, Felix has also served as CFO for Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation and Finance Director and CFO of Hendrix-USA, a joint venture between the U.S. and The Netherlands. He earned a Certificate in Strategic Financial Analysis for Businesses from Harvard Business School. Most importantly, Felix as a United States Army veteran.
“Felix has an incredible background of knowledge and success, and a history of working in Wayne County that will blend well with our talented and busy Budget & Finance department,” says Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard. “He has both the financial accreditations and the personality to be a major asset for the court.”
Felix will utilize his deep understanding of financial strategy to advance the Court's fiscal health and operational efficiency. The Budget & Finance Department hosted a luncheon meet and greet with Felix in July to celebrate his start (see the Budget & Finance Team below). Welcome Felix!
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High school student partners with local nonprofit to provide resources for foster care children
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Foster care children in Wayne County are receiving support from the Boy Scouts with additional help from the Child Advocacy Nonprofit and one local high school student.
Peter Willner (right with Referee Dawn Hoffman) recently graduated from International Academy West High School and was part of Boy Scout Troop 272 in Farmington Hills. Peter developed the idea of creating “Go Bags” for kids entering foster care for his Eagle Scout Service Project. Peter learned that some children had to carry their belongings in trash bags to their new foster home placement, and he wanted to find a solution.
So, Peter approached the Board of the Child Advocacy Nonprofit, which is a resource for our court, to represent children and help implement his plan. Working with Mayssa Attia and the Child Advocacy Nonprofit, Peter was able to utilize their contacts and 501(c)3 status. Through the donations that he helped to get, the effort raised enough money to fill 72 duffle bags that include a toiletry kit and a blanket.
Peter dropped the bags off to the Lincoln Hall of Justice in June to Referee Dawn Hoffmann’s courtroom for distribution. Most of the bags have been distributed to children who are coming into foster care. Peter will be attending the University of Alabama this fall. Thank you, Peter for your help and ingenuity!
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Juvenile Mental Health Court Presents at NAMI Conference
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The Juvenile Mental Health Court (JMHC) participated in the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) annual conference in Ann Arbor earlier this summer. The three-day event featured a wide range of speakers focused on mental health, funding, and best practices in the field, with the theme “Averting Crisis.”
Photo to the right: Debbie Nelson, Sonya Ristic, and Kevin Fischer
JMHC’s presentation, “Addressing the Educational Needs of Court-Involved Youth,” was delivered by members of the Third Circuit Court Bench and employees. They included the Hon. Judy Hartsfield, Manager of Specialty Courts Sonya Ristic and Program Coordinator Deborah Nelson. This marks JMHC’s fourth consecutive year presenting at the NAMI conference, and the session was once again well received by attendees.
JMHC remains committed to growth and innovation as it serves some of the community’s most vulnerable children and families. The program continues to benefit from the steadfast support of Kevin Fischer, Executive Director of NAMI Michigan, who has been an invaluable partner by providing ongoing resources and guidance.
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Chief Judge Fresard Visits Harvard for Judicial Executive Leadership Course
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Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard recently completed the Judicial Executive Leadership course at Harvard Law School. A collaboration between The National Judicial College and Harvard Law School Executive Education, the course is designed for judicial leaders to enhance their leadership skills in the face of evolving societal and technological landscapes.
The program focuses on fostering foresight, ethical grounding, and innovative leadership within the judiciary through intensive, immersive experiences.
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Criminal Courthouse Kudos: Shakia Lee and Lavon Brooks
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We’re thrilled to announce that Shakia Lee, Clerk V, has been selected as the very first recipient of our Criminal Courthouse Kudos recognition in June.
Shakia received multiple nominations that praised her for consistently going above and beyond in her role. Shakia's colleagues describe her as a positive and reliable presence who delivers exceptional service to both staff and the public.
She is known for her collaborative spirit and dedication to ensuring everyone in the division is well-supported by the Facilities Department.
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The Criminal Division is also pleased to announce that Lavon Brooks, Acting Department Supervisor automatic Set Aide, is our July Courthouse Kudos recipient!
Lavon was nominated by a team member who shared this beautiful tribute:
"I haven’t been on staff here for very long, but Lavon’s strong work ethic and leadership skills were so profound, it’s impossible not to recognize. The week I started in the clerk services department, she was training three new hires for the Clean Slate Program, while also training two court clerks.
On top of teaching several different protocols she was attending court and doing her job with an extremely kind and uplifting disposition! Its amazing to witness her move throughout the day switching hats constantly, never missing a beat, and always managing to uplift and teach people while doing so. A true icon."
We invite you to join us in congratulating Shakia and Lavon for exemplifying exceptional teamwork and service, consistently delivered with a positive attitude and unwavering reliability. They both display leadership, unwavering positivity, and commitment to helping others. We're lucky to work alongside both Shakia and Lavon.
Small moments. Big impact!
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Summer Extern Highlight: Cameron Smith
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Cameron Smith spent this summer as an extern in the General Counsel's Office where she is gaining valuable experience in legal research and writing. Cameron, a Detroit Cass Tech High School graduate, is going into her senior year at Cornell University studying Industrial and Labor Relations.
She plans on taking a couple gap years before attending law school. In her free time, Cameron enjoys watching romance reality television, roller skating at her favorite rink, and listening to true crime podcasts.
Cameron wrote about her experience at the court this summer:
"I’ve had a truly insightful experience on all of the Court Division tours. During the tours, externs were able to see firsthand the services available to those involved in court proceedings and the behind-the-scenes work that staff perform to make these services accessible. We’ve also learned about the practices that are continuously adapted to better address the unique needs of Wayne County Residents.
My favorite part of the Family/Domestic Division Tour was learning about the Family Assessment Services Department and the tools they use to determine what is best for the child. In the Civil Division tour, a memorable moment was visiting Chief Judge Fresard’s Office and receiving inspiring advice on starting our legal careers. Lastly, during the Criminal Division tour, we were able to see the new facilities and learn about jury services processes that are essential for ensuring a fair trial.
Typically, as an extern, it is common to stay in your box, whether under your assigned judge or in your office, but these tours have given all of us a chance to see what the Court has to offer, not only as citizens but also as aspiring attorneys."
Cameron, thanks for joining us this summer. We wish you the best!
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Criminal Division Welcomes 2 New Employees
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The Criminal Division is excited to welcome two new additions to the Trial Court Services Department, Albert Breeden III and Jordan Lee (right). As young professionals in their careers, they bring fresh energy, curiosity and a strong commitment to public service.
Albert graduated with an associate’s degree from Wayne County Community College and is looking forward to continuing his education and personal growth. He hopes to earn a bachelor's degree in business and loves spending time with his family. "I’m all about growing in every area of my life, whether it’s professionally or personally, and I’m always looking to improve on the skills I already have," Albert says.
Jordan is excited to contribute to meaningful work that helps individuals move forward with a fresh start. "Outside of work, I enjoy swimming and traveling. I am eager to connect and looking forward to building strong relationships and growing both personally and professionally in this new role," Jordan says.
Welcome Jordan and Albert to the Criminal team!
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Family - Juvenile Judges Host Ice Cream Social
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The Court’s Family-Juvenile judges arranged for a sweet treat for any court employees who were able to stop over at the Lincoln Hall of Justice on July 17. That was when they hosted an ice cream truck to provide a dessert of choice to employees. It was a sign of the judges’ appreciation for the hard work and efforts of the entire court team.
Many thanks to the members of our Family-Juvenile Bench, Interim Presiding Judge Sheila Ann Gibson, and Judges Karen Braxton, Todd Briggs, Jerome Cavanagh, Judy Hartsfield, Aliyah Sabree and Adrienne Scruggs. We had a great turnout at the ice cream truck on a sunny, warm (but not too humid) day! According to an email from Judge Braxton:
“The judges are grateful to every person from every department that makes it possible to hear the cases that come before us. We know that it takes a lot of work behind the scenes to get a case to the docket or to service a case after adjudication. This was just a small way for us to say thank you and let you know that we appreciate each of you.”
Judge Braxton also thanked Judge Briggs, the Family-Juvenile Bench’s Chief Entertainment Officer, and his Administrative Assistant Patti Mitchell for their help with thisgreat event.
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August 2025
DEI Calendar
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