About The BOS
The Back Office Studio was created for curious, hard-working, sociable professionals. People who want to focus on creating great, innovative products, services and businesses without worrying about rent, wifi, electricity, or running out of coffee.
We are a 9,000 sq. ft. coworking studio with meeting rooms, comfortable workstations, networking opportunities, and high-speed wifi. We’re extremely proud of our members and welcome you to join our community!
Our Vision
To be a dynamic coworking collaborative where talented professionals can work on what they love most. We seek to build a community of positive energies for building futures together in Ypsi.
Our Values
Love work with higher purposes
Embrace diversity
Develop positive collaborations
Enjoy reaching summits
Lead with cheer and good will
Learn something new
Be true to yourself
Be fiscally mindful
Meet The Team
Kristin Danko Community Manager
Kristin is the newest member of The BOS team and is an entrepreneur and theatre artist. She earned her MA in arts administration from Eastern Michigan University and holds a BA in theatre and music from Converse College. She is the Co-founder and Artistic Director of Neighborhood Theatre Group, a non-profit theatre company in Ypsilanti with a focus on original works. She is also a private piano and voice teacher. Kristin is a resident of Ypsilanti and is excited to deepen her connections with small businesses in the community. Kristin can be found at The Back Office Studio working at the front desk, stop by for a tour!
Sun Chao
Sun Chao is an organizational development consultant at Sensei Change Associates. As a first-generation immigrant, he came to The US from China for his master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organizational Development in 2010. As a proud EMU alumnus, he teaches in his Alma Mater as a part-time lecturer. In addition to teaching, he is passionate about building bridges between China and The US by developing the cross-cultural school for students in both countries and recruiting international students to come to the state of Michigan. Ypsilanti is what Sun Chao calls a "second home on the other side of the earth." When he is not glued to the computer screen, you can find him taking fierce pictures at EMU's Closeup Educational Theater Troupe's performance or volunteering at habitat for humanity and alpha houses. He is one of the founding members of "A Toast to Ypsi" Ypsilanti downtown Toastmasters club and serving on the board of Neighborhood Theatre Group. He is a proud "big" of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County, an enthusiastic football and basketball fan, and he tries really hard to not be the worst singer in the baritone section in his church choir. Sun Chao collaborated with longtime friend, mentor, and colleague Dr. Diana Wong and Dr. Wayne Millette on The Back office Studio project, which gave him a whole new perspective of what it means to be part of the Ypsilanti community and lead change.
Dr. Diana Wong
Diana believes people have the potential to make their dreams a reality through learning and growth in themselves, relationships, and the world. This idea is put into practice in her role as Associate Professor of Strategy, Organization Development, and Entrepreneurship at the College of Business at Eastern Michigan University as well as a strategy consultant and executive coach at Sensei Change. She helped co-found The Back Office Studio because she believes that Ypsi is a place where people can create and design their future, possibilities, and opportunities. Over the last 17 years, Diana actively supported different organizations in the community such as Neighborhood Theater Group, SOS Community Services, the Ypsilanti Downtown District Authority, and SPARK East along with several others. Diana lives with her life partner to raise four young people between the ages of 13-20 and a few additional members when volunteering to host exchange students. Her life is kept interesting by navigating a global life with a bi-coastal family clan.
Dr. Wayne Millette
Wayne Millette currently serves as Director of the Office of Faculty and Resident Life in the Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan. He completed his doctorate from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a master’s degree in Sociology from Atlanta University. He also holds a BA degree in Sociology from Lincoln University, PA. Before joining Michigan Medicine, Dr. Millette served as Building Principal at both Ann Arbor Learning Community and New Beginnings Academy in Ypsilanti. He also served as Director of Diversity at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor and Assistant Professor of Education at Olivet College, Olivet, MI. Dr. Millette is a Founding Partner and CFO at Sensei Change Associates, LLC. Sensei Change delivers leadership development programs, executive coaching and training programs in diversity, equity and inclusion to support professional development and growth of leaders of organizational responsibilities.
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