The Ben Marion Institute was founded in 2002 to provide information and training to build empathy with a focus on the promotion of equity in education.
In 2006, the Institute was granted 501c3 nonprofit, tax- exempt status enabling the Institute to expand its focus to also include government agencies, nonprofit and for profit youth and family services organizations, civic and community service organization, churches, social and human services agencies, religious institutions, government offices and departments as well hospitals, clinics and health care facilities.
The Institute has a Board of Directors, an Advisory Council that assists in the delivery and implementation of programs, Executive Director, Director of Education and supportive administrative staff.
Abby Drue
Abby Drue, MFA, Founder and Executive Director, created The Ben Marion Institute in honor and in memory of her parents, Marion and Ben Drue, whom she regards as authentic advocates of all that is fair and just. Her life with them instilled the conviction that justice – fair and equitable treatment of individuals and groups – is a critical factor in the attainment of a compassionate world, one that encourages and supports every individual in their pursuit of self-discovery, achievement and success.
The implementation of social justice has been a lifelong passion and pursuit for Abby.
She is widely known as an effective negotiator, skilled mediator, insightful strategist and implementer, an innovative and inspiring trainer, with a broad understanding of community relations, conflict resolution and outreach programs.
Irma Starr
Irma Starr Ph.D., Director of Education for The Ben Marion Institute for Social Justice, has an accomplished career which includes 30 years effort in the pursuit of social justice and the celebration of human value.
Before joining The Ben Marion Institute, Irma’s career portfolio speaks of impressive community building and service: Director of the Jimmy Prentiss Morris Jewish community Center, an intergenerational metropolitan Detroit facility; Director of SPACE for Changing Families, an educational life transitions peer support program for the National Council of Jewish Women, a national non-profit agency; as well as ten years service as Education Director for the Anti- Defamation League, an international non-profit civil and human rights organization.
Her far-reaching expertise in, and understanding of organizational management, program development, curriculum design, facilitation and training, as well as community relations, has made Irma a sought-after educational consultant and trainer.
“We are far more essentially human than otherwise.”
