Deputy Legal Counsel and Policy Advisor to
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
Coffiann Hawthorne, Esq. has known since third grade that she wanted to be an attorney or a journalist. While she’s had a love for writing since first grade, it was her reading of the biography of Thurgood Marshall, this nation’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice and his commitment to Civil Rights that shaped her destiny. This proud native of Saginaw, Michigan graduated in 1991 from Arthur Hill High School, where she was an honors student and involved in many activities including serving as Editor-in-Chief of the school’s awarding-winning newspaper.
She was an honors student at Delta College before transferring to Michigan State University where she went on earn both a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science/Prelaw with a cognate in sociology and her Law degree. While in law school, she was a member of the Journal of Law and Medicine, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, State Bar of Michigan student section, American Bar Association student section, received a scholarship from the Wolverine Bar Association, and was on the Dean’s list.
While as an undergraduate and law school student, Hawthorne also balanced working a job and being a single mother. “It was a tough juggling act,” Hawthorne said. “But I’m a natural optimist. I believe that with hard work and faith, one can accomplish just about anything.” Hawthorne often mentors other young single mothers, encouraging them to not let single parenthood limit them. “Even though I became a single parent fairly early in life, I never let that stop me from pursuing my goals. Quitting just never quite fit into my equation. You can take a break, but you can’t quit.”
Hawthorne currently works as Deputy Legal Counsel and Policy Advisor to Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. She advises the Governor on a number of policy issues including economic/community development, workforce development, and civil rights. She also serves as the Governor’s Census 2010 Liaison.
Of the many projects she works on for Governor Granholm, one of her favorites is the Idlewild Transformation Initiative. Idlewild is a historic African-American resort that was founded in Michigan in 1912. It was one of only a handful of places in the country where African-Americans could vacation and escape discrimination. “This was once a place where W.E.B. DuBois, Madame C.J. Walker, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, and countless entertainers, spent their time,” Hawthorne said.
When the federal Civil Rights law was enacted in the 1960s, African-Americans could vacation anywhere. “This led to Idlewild’s decline unfortunately,” said Hawthorne. “Contrary to popular belief, it’s not dead. It is a community that has been through hard times, but it’s still in existence today. Its historical significance and meaning are etched in time. It’s a national jewel, here in Michigan, and I am so grateful to the Governor for the opportunity to work with the community on its revitalization.”
Prior to working for Governor Granholm, Hawthorne worked for the Michigan House of Representatives Democratic Policy Staff, where she advised caucus members on commerce, banking, and criminal justice issues. She was honored by the Michigan Credit Union League as “Legislative Staffer of the Year” in 2006.
Hawthorne is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, where she was appointed in 2008 by the State Bar President to the Committee on Justice Initiatives.
In addition, she is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Tau Omega Chapter where among other things, she serves as the Connection Committee Chair (community service/ policy arm) and scholarship chair. She also serves as the Michigan Coordinator for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Great Lakes Regional Connection Committee. Hawthorne is also a member of The Links, Incorporated.
Hawthorne credits much of her success to the strong positive influences of her parents Gregory (a GM retiree) and Annette Merrill (a social worker) and her grandmother, Dr. Vealea Washington of Saginaw. Her parents, she said, always encouraged their children to ‘aim high’ and ‘stay focused’ regardless of whatever else was going on in life.
Hawthorne says the support from her parents, grandmother, sisters, close friends, and mentors (Dr. Gloria Stephens Smith and Dr. Debra Kailie) keep her fueled and energized.
Hawthorne currently resides in East Lansing with her son John.
