Khali Sweeney
Khali Sweeney is the definition of a changemaker. He is the founder and CEO of Downtown Boxing Gym (DBG), a youth organization that helps kids recognize their full potential through comprehensive programming, including life coaching, academic support, health and nutrition, transportation, and athletics.
The work that Khali and DBG does is unmatched in the state of Michigan. DBG has become a nationwide case study of how to provide youth with wraparound services to help develop them inside and outside the classroom. Since 2007, Khali has impacted the lives of hundreds of Detroit youth and their families. He is truly a pilar in the Detroit community.
The work that Khali and DBG have done over the years has been nationally recognized by Dick's Sporting Goods, CBS, ESPN, NBC, People, CNN, and many more outlets. Their most recent recognition was by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for their STEM-based programming. NSF has awarded DBG and Purdue University a $2 million grant for a five-year research study to further evaluate, measure, and heighten the impact of DBG's innovative STEM-based programming.
Khali is very deserving of the Detroit Lions Inspire Change Changemaker Award because of his dedication and commitment to the youth in our city. Khali has made such an impact in the community of Detroit, that the Lions have decided to make DBG an Inspire Change partner two years in a row.
Khali is the type of person that is about action. He thrives when he can do the work behind the scenes. His mission is about changing the lives of the students that he works with. He has instilled trust and values in the lives of youth in Detroit that are unparallel to other youth organizations, and even education institutions.