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who we are

Defeat the Label is a Michigan based and internationally known non-profit organization that is empowering students.

Defeat the Label believes that in order to end bullying, we have to put the power back where it belongs, in the hands of our students. All of Defeat the Label’s programs from Stand4Change to the In Your School Tour and Upstander Program are designed around empowering students to take a stand in their schools and communities and say, “Enough is enough, no more bullying in my school!

Meet our dedicated team

Defeat The Label

Jeff Sakwa

President

Jeff Sakwa is from West Bloomfield, Michigan. A proud graduate of Michigan State University he has owned and operated Noble Reality since 1984. As a devoted father, Jeff is very involved in his local schools and organizations. Jeff along with Kevin Goldman created Defeat the Label to address the growing concern over the bully problem in our schools and communities.

Kevin Goldman

CEO

Kevin graduated from Michigan State University. After earning his C.P.A., he worked as the Controller of an Automotive Supply business for 14 years. He is currently the owner of a mortgage company located in Bloomfield Hills. He serves on the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation Board and is the President of the Michigan Mortgage Professionals Association. He resides in West Bloomfield with his wife, Amy and his sons, Max and Zack.

Jamie Greene Kaniarz

Executive Director

Jamie Greene Kaniarz is a native of Southeastern Michigan. After attending Grand Valley State University and the University of Detroit Mercy- School of Law, Jamie found her passion in nonprofit management. Jamie has made a name for herself working in various management positions with several major nonprofits in Metro Detroit. A proud wife and devoted mother of two, Jamie is proud to be part of the Defeat the Label team.

Meet our dedicated team

Board of Directors

  • Jeff Sakwa, Noble Realty
  • Kevin Goldman, Kaye Financial
  • Vinnie Johnson, CEO, Piston Group
  • David Deutch, Attorney
  • Joel Ishbia, Sherwood Foods Distributors
  • Randy Wertheimer, Hunter Pasteur Homes
  • Mr. Rick Kovacs
  • Melissa Fazio Bogdalek, Granger Construction
  • Susie Hovsepian, The Paul Foundation
  • Kevin Mendelson, Grand Prize Marketing
Meet our dedicated team

Honorary Board of Directors

  • Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Oakland County
  • State Senator Mike Kowall, Majority Floor Leader, MI
  • Melody Arabo, Michigan 2015 Teacher of the Year, WLS
  • Judge Michael Warren, Oakland County
  • Hon. Randy Richardville, former Senate Majority Leader, MI
  • Hy Safran, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
  • Ken Gutman, Superintendent, Walled Lake School District
  • Steve Dolunt, Commander, Detroit Police Department
  • Kris Draper, Former Detroit Red Wing
  • Shari Kaufman
  • Anthony Ianni, Bullying Prevention Advocate, The Relentless Tour
  • Kevin and Tammy Epling, Bullying Prevention Advocates
  • Dean Bach, Owner, Dino’s Restaurants