Wilma Taylor Costen

Wilma Taylor-Costen is the President of Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association.  Taylor-Costen is the former Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Executive Director of Early Childhood Programs for the Detroit Public Schools Community District. In her roles as a central office administrator, Wilma had the oversight of the early childhood department and 25 School Principals. Before becoming a central office administrator, Wilma served in the school setting as a classroom teacher, department head, assistant principal, and principal.

During her tenure with Detroit Public Schools Community District, she established partnerships and developed programming that supported the educational and social-emotional growth of students and their families. One such program was the Dad’s Day in Preschool. Fathers of preschool students spent a full day attending workshop sessions and engaged in dialogue learning methods on how to be fully present in their child’s education

An advocate for Social Justice, Wilma champions the global issues of human rights and equality for women, children, the underserved and overlooked in metropolitan Detroit.   She is a volunteer for several service organizations. Wilma is a member of the Lion’s Club International, a Leading Lady for the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS), a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., and she is the past President of the Stork’s Nest Foundation.

Wilma believes that her life is purpose-driven and that she is on this planet to share her gifts. She is the founder of two organizations; the Sister Bag Project, a collaborative initiative that gives care bags to homeless and abused women, and H. Littleton Education Consultants, a group established to support the professional development of urban educators in public schools.

A college graduate, Wilma holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Wilma is a lifelong learner and committed to remaining current in the field of education. She is currently pursuing a doctorate degree at the University of Phoenix.

Self-Awareness and Self-Care are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.   As such, Wilma engages in activities that help her to maintain balance. Her practices include meditation, yoga, reading, writing, and decorating. When away from work, she enjoys antiquing, traveling, and exploring new adventures. Wilma is a graduate of the Unity Urban Ministerial School and was ordained in June 2020.