Jean Conyers

Jean Conyers, Atlanta University alum, became the director of the first African-American Chamber of Commerce in Michigan in 1985. Under her leadership, the chamber developed a program, licensed by the state of Michigan in 1986, to help community members start businesses. After completing the 144-hour, 12-week program, the participants could apply for a Seed Capital Fund.

Conyers was born in Memphis, Tenn., the youngest of 11 children. By 1956, Conyers had earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from LeMoyne College. In 1958, she began attending the University of Tennessee School of Social Work. Nine years later, she graduated with a master’s in business administration from Atlanta University.
Before working with the African-American Chamber of Commerce, Conyers worked for United Way of Genesee and Lapeer counties, where she was the senior associate executive for planning and allocation. When she left United Way, she became the coordinator at Greater Flint Industrialization Centers Inc.