THY WILL BE DONE - MATTHEW 6:10, HOLY BIBLE

Councilwoman | Minister | Community Volunteer

Rev. Sierra Donaven is a proud native of Detroit and a graduate of the Detroit Public Schools. She currently serves as an elected councilwoman for Grosse Pointe Farms, MI (2021), is a reverend and a community leader who is deeply engaged and passionately devoted to her community.

“I hit the ground running—renovating my house and learning about the community.”

Her commitment was quickly recognized when she received the Residential Beautification Award in 2015, marking the beginning of years of volunteerism and civic service throughout the Grosse Pointes.

Career in Federal Law Enforcement

At just 17 years old, Rev. Donaven answered a divine calling that blended her passion for law, order, and service. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Wayne State University, then briefly worked at St. Francis Home for Boys in Detroit before embarking on a distinguished career as a Special Agent and Criminal Investigator with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) under the U.S. Department of Justice. Over her federal career, she earned 19 awards and commendations recognizing her outstanding investigative work, leadership, and community outreach.

Public Servant & Civic Engagement

Rev. Donaven is a principled public servant dedicated to upholding the values of integrity, fiduciary accountability, responsibility, and community well-being. Following her receipt of a residential beautification award, she was invited to join the Beautification Advisory Commission. In 2018, she was appointed to the City Council to complete the remaining term of an open seat, and she was subsequently elected in 2021. Rev. Donaven also serves as Chairperson of the Beautification Advisory Commission and the Department of Public Safety Committee, showcasing her ongoing commitment to enhancing the city’s beauty and safety. As a cornerstone of her life philosophy, she encourages and fosters strong working relationships with the city administration, fellow council members, and the community.

Spiritual Calling & Metaphysical Studies

Rev. Donaven’s spiritual journey began in childhood through Bible study; at age 17, she felt an innate desire to explore spirituality and metaphysics. Her initial training commenced at the Detroit Unity Temple, a nondenominational religion rooted in the teachings of Jesus and metaphysical principles. She became a certified and licensed Spiritual Practitioner through the Centers for Spiritual Living. Subsequently, she earned a Bachelor of Metaphysical Science (B. Msc.) from the University of Metaphysics and the University of Sedona, where she is currently pursuing her master’s degree.

Message & Ministry

As an ordained minister with the International Metaphysical Ministry, Rev. Donaven assists individuals in navigating personal and professional challenges by providing legal insights and spiritual guidance. She helps people discover or deepen their life’s purpose through the power of the mind and the divine presence within. Her public speaking and spiritual teachings emphasize living a God-centered life as a reliable path to wellness and fulfilling one’s life purpose. 

Recognition & Awards

Rev. Donaven’s work has been widely recognized:

• Honoree, LaShonda Owens Community Impact Award, The Little Bit Project (2024)
• Featured as a “Pointer of Interest” in Grosse Pointe News (2022)
• Honored with Resolutions as the first African American city council member in the history of Grosse Pointes by the City of Grosse Pointe Farms, Wayne County Commission, Native Detroiter Magazine (2018 & 2019)

Boards & Affiliations

Board of Directors:

• National Coalition of Alcohol and Drug Dependency – Greater Detroit Area
• Pointers for Academic Excellence
• The Family Center of Grosse Pointe-Harper Woods 
• War Memorial

Member:

• Charles H. Wright Museum
• Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)
• Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
• Grosse Pointe Historical Society
• Healthy Coalition of Grosse Pointe–Harper Woods
• Lakeshore Optimist Club of Grosse Pointe
• NAACP Grosse Pointe–Harper Woods Branch
• National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence – Greater Detroit Area

Former Member:

• Coalition on Healthy Youth and Families (NCADD – Greater Detroit Area)
• Nonpartisan Women’s Advisory Commission, U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI-14)

Former Leadership Roles:

• Chairperson, Legal Redress Committee – NAACP Grosse Pointe–Harper Woods
• Chairperson, Program Committee – Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe

Personal Life & Passions

Rev. Donaven lives with her spirited Jack Russell Terriers, BG and Misty, and is a lifelong student of the Holy Bible and metaphysical science. She enjoys gardening, home entertaining, volunteering, and dancing, and is a passionate supporter of house and techno music, a nod to her Detroit roots. 

Rev. Donaven is a principled public servant dedicated to upholding the values of integrity, fiduciary accountability, responsibility, and community well-being. Following her receipt receiving a residential beautification award, she was invited to join the Beautification Advisory Commission. In 2018, she was appointed to the City Council to complete the remaining term of an open seat, and she was subsequently elected in 2021. Rev. Donaven also serves as Chairperson of the Beautification Advisory Commission and the Department of Public Safety Committee, showcasing her ongoing commitment to enhancing the city’s beauty and safety. As a cornerstone of her life philosophy, she encourages and fosters strong working relationships with the city administration, fellow council members, and the community.