In recognition of April being National Volunteer Month, Brilliant Detroit is highlighting some of our most dedicated and longest running service partners. For this piece, we spoke with Gold Humanism Honor Society Vice President Curtis Mack.
Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) is a student organization at Wayne State University School of Medicine that was founded in 2005. The organization aims to instill and sustain a culture of respect, dignity and compassion for patients and professionals in the health care environment.
- How did you first hear about/connect with Brilliant Detroit?
I first heard about Brilliant Detroit when I stepped into the Vice President role from my predecessor. Typically, the Gold Humanism Honor Society partners with a new community organization each year, but after learning more about Brilliant Detroit—its mission, its impact, and the intentional way it serves the community—I knew this was a partnership worth continuing.
- What about Brilliant Detroit’s work or mission motivated you to partner with us?
What stands out most to me is how deeply rooted Brilliant Detroit is within the community. You meet families where they are, right in their own neighborhoods, and create spaces that support health, literacy, and family well-being in a meaningful, sustainable way. I was born and raised in Detroit, and having an organization like this would have made a profound impact on my own life and education. Knowing that this work is happening now for families across the city makes this partnership incredibly meaningful to me.
- How do you feel your work has made an impact?
GHHS is centered on humanism in medicine, and that starts with truly understanding the communities we serve; their challenges, their strengths, and their lived experiences. Through our partnership with Brilliant Detroit, not only have we contributed to the community, but the experience has also shaped us. It has influenced how we show up as future physicians; more aware, more compassionate, and more intentional in how we care for both children and adults. I hope this work leaves a lasting impression on all of our members as they move forward in their careers.
- Anything else you may want to add about volunteering with Brilliant Detroit?
GHHS fully intends to continue this partnership moving forward. Brilliant Detroit’s mission aligns closely with the values we strive to uphold as members. Time and time again, our members describe their volunteer experiences as impactful, inspiring, and genuinely rewarding.
- What would you say to others considering volunteering or partnering with Brilliant Detroit?
Volunteering with Brilliant Detroit is incredibly fulfilling. Simply showing up makes a difference, and you leave each experience feeling like you’ve contributed to something meaningful. It quickly becomes clear how impactful this work is for Detroit families, and that alone motivates you to keep coming back. The variety of events and opportunities also makes the experience engaging and rewarding.
You can learn more about the Gold Humanism Honor Society at Wayne State on their website https://ghhswaynestate.weebly.com/