INTRODUCTION

Sierra Donaven
Reverend | Councilmember | Community Volunteer

Rev. Sierra Donaven, ordained reverend of Metaphysical Science and an elected councilmember in the City of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. A retired ATF Special Agent and Criminal Investigator with the U.S. Department of Justice, she earned 19 awards and commendations for investigative excellence, leadership, and community outreach.

Today, she blends her professional legacy with her spiritual calling in service to others.

FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER

At age 17, Reverend Donaven answered a divine call that blended her passion for law, order, and service. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University, she began her career at St. Francis Home for Boys in Detroit before joining the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) as a Special Agent.

Her distinguished federal career included high-level investigations, trial preparation and testimony, mentoring new agents, management support, and community outreach. Over the course of her service, she was honored with 19 federal awards and commendations recognizing her dedication, leadership, and investigative excellence.

PUBLIC SERVANT & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Following her receipt of a Residential Beautification Award in 2015, Rev. Sierra was invited to join the Beautification Advisory Commission, where she later became Chairperson. In 2018, she was appointed to the Grosse Pointe Farms City Council to complete an open term, and in 2021, she was elected to a full term.

She currently chairs both the Beautification Advisory Commission and the Department of Public Safety Committee, where her leadership reflects a commitment to civic integrity, accountability, and community well-being. Her civic engagement extends across the Grosse Pointes–Harper Woods communities and Detroit, where she fosters strong collaboration among city administration, fellow council members, and community partners.

In 2025, she also moderated town halls for U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar across Harper Woods, Detroit, and Downriver. Previously, she served on the Nonpartisan Women’s Advisory Commission for U.S. Representative Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), providing community feedback and policy insight.

SPIRITUAL CALLING

Rev. Sierra's spiritual journey began in childhood through Bible study and deepened at 17 when she first explored metaphysical science teachings at Detroit Unity Temple. She later became a certified & licensed Spiritual Practitioner through the Centers for Spiritual Living and earned a Bachelor of Metaphysical Science (B. Msc.) from the University of Metaphysics and the University of Sedona. She was ordained as a reverend by the International Metaphysical Ministry and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Metaphysical Science.

Message & Ministry

As an ordained minister with the International Metaphysical Ministry, Rev. Sierra assists others in discovering their life’s purpose, blending spiritual insight with practical guidance.

Her ministry emphasizes living a God-centered life and expanding conscious awareness of divine truth as the pathway to wellness, fulfillment, and purpose.

“There is no religion higher than truth.” — Madame Blavatsky

recognition & AWARDS

Rev. Sierra's civic and public service has been honored at local and regional levels:

Honoree, LaShonda Owens Community Impact Award — The Little Bit Project (2024)
Featured as a “Pointer of Interest” — Grosse Pointe News (2022)
Resolutions recognizing her as the first African American city council member in Grosse Pointe history, awarded by:
- City of Grosse Pointe Farms
- Wayne County Commission
- Native Detroiter Magazine (2019)

Community Involvement & Partnerships

Rev. Sierra has spent her life in service—showing up, lending her voice, and helping others do the same. She believes a community thrives when its people take ownership of it, working together with faith, purpose, and love for where they live.

Affiliations

International Metaphysical Ministry
Professional Worldwide Metaphysical Association
University Alumni Association
University of Sedona/University of Metaphysics
Michigan Municipal League-Michigan Black Caucus
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Greater Detroit Area
Pointers for Academic Excellence
The Family Center of Grosse Pointe–Harper Woods
The War Memorial
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
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
Grosse Pointe Garden Center

Personal Life & Passions

Rev. Sierra shares her home with her spirited Jack Russell Terriers, BG and Misty. A lifelong student of the Holy Bible and Metaphysical Science, she maintains a deep commitment to spiritual study, personal growth, and service. Outside her civic and ministerial work, she enjoys landscape gardening, home entertaining, baking desserts for neighbors, and volunteering in the community.
Reverend Donaven is a passionate advocate for Detroit’s house and techno cultural legacy. Her leadership and cultural stewardship earned her recognition as Queen of Detroit’s House Music Community by Roger Yopp and the late Dr. Tanya Yopp at Lola Restaurant in 2007. Known for championing emerging talent and supporting others in advancing their careers, she has also contributed to creative projects, including short film productions by Caleb Joye and a national commercial for Hungry Howie's.