Downtown Boxing Gym is an after-school academic and athletic program providing tutoring, mentoring, enrichment, college readiness and academic support; as well as boxing and athletic training, for youth in the Detroit area. Their goal is to help every kid realize their full potential. Emphasizing books and boxing, DBG taps individual’s inner talents and passion to help each of them flourish.
Our creative team worked with founders Khali Sweeny and Jessica Hauser to help tell the story of their brand. We crafted their brand narrative, positioning, and design system, and their brand line: We train kids for life We designed their website, environmental graphics, social campaigns, event design and swag.
We’re so inspired by the dedication and passion of this organization and the students and continue to be honored to help them tell their story.
The Entire Team:
Executive partners: Sam Allen, Cristina Jones
Core Creative Team:
VP, Group Creative Director, Brand Values & Social Good: Cathy Campbell
Associate Creative Design Director: Shirleen Lavalais
Writers: Rebecca Brown, Steve Tornello
“Return Safely Campaign”
Creative Director Paul Nowikowski
Design Leads: Shirleen Lavalais, Katrina Leach
“2022 UnGala” Art Director: Seth DeGarmo, Copywriter: Sarah Banning; Website Designer:
In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, we rallied together with the DBG team to design communications and educational materials (including an original instructional rap song) to help the kids safely return to the gym. In 2022, we partnered to design their anniversary annual “UnGala” fundraiser.