Jeff DeBruyn is the President of the Corktown Residents' Council (CRC), a Partner and Founder of The Imagination Station of Roosevelt Park (facethestation.com). He serves as a Peacekeeper at Manna Community Meal soup kitchen, and is a staff member at Day House shelter for women and children in Corktown. Jeff has worked tirelessly to engage and serve the entire Corktown community. Under his leadership, the CRC's membership has increased 300%. Since taking a leadership role in Corktown, more than 25 blighted, seemingly intractable properties have become productive. The CRC's safety initiatives resulted in his invitation to participate on Mayor Bing's Angel's Night Task Force. The CRC received the Spirit of Detroit from Councilwoman Brenda Jones for its positive impact on the community in the summer of 2009.

Jeff DeBruyn was chosen as Wayne State University's 2011 Community Individual Leadership Award winner because, "he is one the Detroit's best community leaders and is most dedicated to his cause. It is a rare individual that is known and trusted by everyone in a community, from the homeless to the stable and even affluent residents. He is committed to building bridges within the community of Corktown and tying Corktown to the greater city and region."

Jeff believes Detroit's progress will require authentic community engagement, innovation and systemic change at all levels.