About Us
Tipping Point Initiative was founded by Kenyatta and Tracey Brame in 2012. TPI aims to improve community “tipping points” by dedicating, assessing, and providing targeted resources and programs to address barriers to success.
TPI is a passion project for Kenyatta and Tracey, meant to leverage their knowledge, connections, and resources for the betterment of their community.
Founders
Kenyatta met Tracey when they were at law school at the University of Michigan. They were married in 2005. Kenyatta is a native of Grand Rapids while Tracey is from Detroit.
Kenyatta completed his BS in Political Science and Psychology from Wabash College and obtained his MBA from Michigan State after law school. In addition to her JD from University of Michigan, Tracey also has a BA from University of Michigan in Political Science. Kenyatta and Tracey have traveled extensively but their passion for Michigan, especially Grand Rapids, brought them home.
The Brames devout their spare time with various initiatives in addition to Tipping Point. Kenyatta is a member of Amplify GR, which focuses on investment and development in South East Grand Rapids. Kenyatta is also on the board for Alternative Directions, a probationary residency that helps individuals reintegrate into society.
In addition to her work with Tipping Point, Tracey is a board member of Jack and Jill of America, a national organization of mothers with children under the age of 19 to nuture them to become further African American leaders.
The Brames live in Grand Rapids with their daughter while their son is attending University of Michigan.
Board of Directors
Kenyatta Brame
Kenyatta has been President of TPI since 2012. Kenyatta currently works as executive vice president of Cascade Engineering.
Tracey Brame
Tracey Brame has been Vice President of TPI since 2012. Tracey is the director of the Cooley Innocence Project.
Jason Paulateer
Jason Paulateer is a founding Board member and the Treasurer of the Tipping Point Initiative. He is the Senior Vice President and Group Head of Community Finance Development for Fifth Third Bank. Jason lives in West Bloomfield Hills and is married and the father of 10 children. Jason is an active member of Omega Psi Phi and mentors young men in his community.
Mike Stroster
Mike Stroster is a founding Board member and the Secretary of the Tipping Point Initiative. He is a partner at the Miller Johnson law firm where he practices employment law. Michael lives in Grand Rapids, is married, and has 2 children in college. Michael is generous with his time and volunteers for many organizations including local Kentwood Schools
Kimani Brame
Kimani Brame became a Board member of the Tipping Point Initiative in 2020. She is an honor student at East Kentwood (EK) High School and one of the first female Eagle Scouts in Michigan. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the Greater Grand Rapids Jack and Jill Teen Auxilliary as well as a board member of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation Youth Grant Committee. In her spare time, Kimani plays the alto, baritone, and tenor saxophones.