In her spare time, Dellashon Di Cresce aims higher — literally.

Di Cresce, in addition to her role as an event specialist in WSU’s Office of Special Events and Services, works with her husband Nick to run one of the largest archery programs in the state, Motor City Archers. The group visits local schools and recreation centers to provide students with basic training in the sport. 

“The students are so excited because most of them have never shot archery before,” said Di Cresce. “It’s a great individual sport because you don’t need to be the fastest or the strongest. It’s more about personal development.”

In addition to technical archery skills, the Motor City Archers also help students build self-esteem and improve their focus.

“To be a successful archer, you need to be patient in working toward a goal,” said Di Cresce. “With enough practice, it’s a sport that anyone can be successful at.”

Motor City Archers formed five years ago as part of Our Global Kids, the Di Cresce’s nonprofit organization aimed at introducing children and families in Detroit to new activities, places and culture. In addition to archery, Our Global Kids has brought families together through trips to museums and nature centers, camping, hiking, skiing, and traveling adventures throughout the state and abroad.

“I love introducing people to different cultures and expanding their understanding of the world around us,” said Di Cresce. “You’ve got to get out of your comfort zone if you want to grow, and doing so with your family only adds to the experience.”

Di Cresce, who has been with WSU since 2002 and holds a bachelor’s in public affairs from the university’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, works to improve cultural understanding and appreciation through her role with the World Affairs Council of Detroit.

The council is one of 96 across the country belonging to the World Affairs Council of America. As part of the council, Di Cresce works to bring international speakers to the Detroit area to encourage bipartisan dialogue about world issues and the impact they have within a community.

“I think it’s important for people to know about the world around them and to become educated and informed voters,” said Di Cresce, who has also served as a congressional staffer for Rep. John Conyers. “The council only invites speakers who are open to receiving questions, because the goal is always to have an open line of communication and information.”

Many of the same skills Di Cresce uses in coordinating speakers also make her successful in her role with WSU.

“In planning events, you’ve got to be organized and very detail-oriented,” she said. “But I’m also ridiculously relaxed. I’ve learned over the years that no matter how much you plan, something’s going to come up. You’ve got to roll with the punches. I don’t stress; I just handle it.”