Leslie Hoskins believes that, to achieve the best level of leadership, you have to step outside the box and then, once you’ve done that, be ready to accept opportunities that stretch you even farther.
It’s what she has done in her role as director of outreach and advocacy for Leader Dogs for the Blind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel.
The agency accomplishes that through guide dog services, orientation and mobility training, teen
programs, advocacy, and community engagement, helping individuals navigate their world with
confidence and achieve their personal goals.
“Career growth rarely happens all at once,” Hoskins said. “It comes from being curious, building strong relationships, seeking feedback, and consistently looking for ways to contribute beyond your job description. Most importantly, remember that leadership is not defined by a title. It’s defined by your willingness to serve others, collaborate, and help those around you succeed.”
One of Hoskins’ biggest and most recent achievements was helping to transform Leader Dog’s Alumni Board from just being a “new concept” into a thriving, client-led program. She helped the team build meaningful opportunities for engagement through mentorship, committee leadership, an on-campus retreat, and the development of state-based chapters that empower clients to connect and support one another.
“At the same time, one of my biggest challenges was balancing multiple strategic initiatives, including alumni engagement, advocacy, accessibility efforts, community outreach, and podcast development, while stepping into an expanded leadership role,” Hoskins said. “The experience taught me the importance of collaboration, trusting others to lead, and staying focused on the people we serve. Ultimately, what I am most proud of is the community we have built and the lasting impact those connections will have for Leader Dog clients and their families.”
Her success is being noticed. Hoskins is being honored among the Most Valuable Professionals at a ceremony this month recognizing Corp! Magazine’s Most Valuable Professionals, Entrepreneurs and Young Professionals for 2026.
Every year, the awards honor business leaders who have made Michigan a better place to live and work through their careers, their community involvement and their passion.
MVP honorees are deserving members of the community who are creating job opportunities, driving economic growth, nurturing community advancements or leading successful companies.
Jennifer Kluge, the publisher and CEO of Corp! Magazine, said the organization believes “it’s important to celebrate” the people who are moving Michigan forward.
“It’s important to recognize their new ideas, products and services, all of which make our state’s communities stronger,” Kluge said. “That is the focus of these awards … to truly recognize achievements among a diverse group of professionals in a variety of areas.”
This year, Corp! honored more than 60 winners, including:
MOST VALUABLE PROFESSIONALS
Maher Faik is a Principal in Rehmann’s Client Accounting & Advisory Solutions practice, working with business owners and executive teams to help them better understand the financial story behind their organizations. His role, though, extends beyond accounting and tax, working alongside clients to improve financial visibility, strengthen decision-making, and develop strategies that support sustainable growth.
“I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of professionals and helping build a culture where people are encouraged to grow, collaborate, and succeed,” Faik said. “Seeing others develop in their careers has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my own.”
He said this year reinforced a lesson he’s been learning throughout his career: leadership is measured less by your individual accomplishments and more by the impact you have on others.
“While I am proud of the work I have done to help our clients through important business decisions, my greatest accomplishment has been watching colleagues I have mentored grow in confidence and take on new opportunities,” he said. “As our profession continues to evolve with new technologies and changing client expectations, I believe trust, empathy, and sound judgment will become even more valuable. Those qualities cannot be automated, and they are what I hope to be remembered for throughout my career.”
One piece of advice he’d give to someone looking to grow their career? Never stop being curious.
“Ask thoughtful questions, seek feedback, embrace challenges, and remain a lifelong learner,” he said. “Every project, every client, and every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new.”
Sairy Garcia is manager of Global Resources for Oakland Thrive, a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and thrive. Garcia leads initiatives that support immigrant entrepreneurs, professionals, and community organizations and works alongside community leaders to create a more inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This year her role has expanded her impact beyond individual business consulting to building stronger systems of support for immigrant entrepreneurs and professionals across Oakland County.
“I have launched new partnerships, created educational opportunities, connected businesses with critical resources, and helped strengthen the ecosystem that supports newcomers as they build successful businesses and careers,” Garcia said. “At the same time, this year brought significant challenges as our organization experienced staffing changes that required our team to take on additional responsibilities while continuing to deliver high-quality services. Rather than seeing those challenges as obstacles, I viewed them as opportunities to lead, collaborate, and find creative solutions.”
One thing the year has taught her, she said, is that meaningful leadership begins with service.
“The strongest leaders are not measured by titles but by the opportunities they create for others to succeed,” Garcia said. “Throughout my career, I have seen that genuine relationships, empathy, and collaboration often accomplish more than any individual effort. I will carry that lesson with me for the rest of my career: when you invest in people, celebrate their success, and build trust within your community, the impact extends far beyond any single project or achievement.”
Justine Johnson is Michigan Chief Mobility Officer in the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, where she works to accelerate the future of mobility across the state. OFME brings together government, industry, academia, and local communities to support the development, testing, and deployment of emerging transportation technologies.
Johnson helps build the partnerships and programs that help innovators develop, test, and scale new mobility technologies in Michigan.
Her most rewarding challenges this year havw been helping position Michigan as a leader in Advanced Air Mobility, building on the state’s automotive legacy and bringing together government, industry, startups, researchers, and communities to create an ecosystem where emerging aerial technologies can be developed, tested, and deployed.
“Since 2025, Michigan has invested more than $50 million in AAM initiatives and launched five statewide challenges to accelerate real-world applications,” Johnson said. “What has made this especially meaningful is ensuring these efforts create economic opportunity, workforce development, and lasting value for communities across the state.”
While doing all of that, Johnson said, she learned innovation moves faster when government, industry, academia, and communities work together.
“When each of these groups works toward a shared goal, the results are far greater than what any one organization could achieve on its own,” she said.
Jenean Kaiser is the chief operating officer for Synergy Fiber, which delivers managed connectivity and property technology solutions to multifamily, student housing, and commercial communities across the United States.
Kaiser serves as the bridge between strategy and execution, helping to lead the organization’s operations, culture, and growth initiatives.
Kaiser called leading the operational transformation of Synergy Fiber while helping prepare the company for its next stage of growth her “greatest accomplishment.” The company launched strategic initiatives focused on automation, AI adoption, operational efficiency, and the development of SynergyIQ, an innovative platform designed to simplify technology management for multifamily communities.
“The greatest challenge was driving meaningful change without disrupting day-to- day execution,” Kaiser said. “What makes me most proud is not any single project, but the collective growth of our people. Watching team members embrace new technologies, develop new skills, and contribute ideas that improve the business has reinforced my belief that great leadership is about creating an environment where others can succeed.”
One lesson she learned recently is that “our decisions, our results, and even our future are shaped by the stories we tell ourselves.”
“Reading Good to Great reinforced the importance of disciplined thought and disciplined action, while Annie Duke’s work on decision-making challenged me to think differently about uncertainty and outcomes,” Kaiser said. “Great leaders are not defined by always having the right answers. They are defined by their ability to make thoughtful decisions, learn from the results, and continue moving forward with conviction.”
Tarun Kajeepeta is co-founder and principal at Piquette Partners, a Detroit-based investment group focused on contributing to Detroit’s continued economic revitalization through real estate rehabilitation and development, activation through innovative retail and hospitality concepts and investment in innovative entrepreneurs.
Kajeepeta manages the firm’s investments and active projects, including real estate development and hospitality. He said completing the rehabilitation of a 1920’s era Corktown warehouse into a community anchor with 14 apartments, 10,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space and an outdoor pocket park was the firm’s greatest accomplishment this year.
“Sustaining something great is often more difficult than building something great,” he said.
How would he advise someone looking to grow in their job?
“Actively seek feedback and opportunities outside of your comfort zone,” he said.
J.J. Lewis is the CEO at North Star Reach, a Michigan-based nonprofit and medically supported camp that provides transformative camp experiences for children with serious health challenges and their families. It is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network founded by Paul Newman.
Lewis’ role is to champion the mission, strengthen organizational sustainability, cultivate philanthropic and strategic partnerships, and inspire others to invest in the life-changing power of camp.
“Ultimately, I see myself as our organization’s biggest cheerleader … sharing our story, celebrating our people, and helping ensure North Star Reach continues changing lives across Michigan and the Great Lakes region for generations to come,” Lewis said.
North Star Reach marked its 10th anniversary, a milestone Lewis said “gave us the opportunity not only to celebrate a decade of life-changing camp experiences, but also to build momentum for the next decade of impact.”
“For me, the greatest accomplishment wasn’t a single fundraising campaign or organizational milestone,” Lewis said. “It was helping strengthen a culture where our staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, healthcare partners, donors, and community all feel ownership of our mission. As CEO, I believe my role is to remove barriers, create clarity, and help others succeed.”
One thing all that effort has taught him is that leadership begins with service.
“This is my second opportunity to serve as a Chief Executive Officer and my third C-suite leadership role, and each experience has reinforced that titles don’t create influence, relationships do,” he said. “People don’t need a leader who has every answer; they need someone who listens, encourages, removes obstacles, and helps them become the best version of themselves.”
Dr. Elke Lipka is president and CEO of TSRL, Inc., a preclinical CRO focused on helping pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic teams progress early drug candidates with confidence. Lipka leads a “passionate” team focused on solving complex drug development challenges such as oral drug delivery, solubility enhancement, and early-stage biopharmaceutical strategy.
Her background includes leadership roles at Esperion Therapeutics and Pfizer, where she developed a “deep understanding” of what it takes to move drug candidates forward in both large and emerging organizations.
“I bring that perspective to every project we take on at TSRL, ensuring our science is balanced to be both strong and strategic,” she said in her LinkedIn profile. “I’m passionate about building CRO partnerships that make a measurable impact through custom formulation, predictive absorption modeling, or collaborative scientific exploration. Let’s connect if you’re working on a compound that needs a smarter path to development.”
Lipka said she would advise emerging leaders to build confidence through action.
“You do not need to have every answer before you step forward,” she said. “Some of the most important growth happens when you are willing to take responsibility, ask thoughtful questions, and learn in real time. I would also tell emerging leaders to stay grounded in integrity. Leadership is not only about making decisions. It is about how you make them, how you treat people along the way, and whether others can trust your word when the pressure is high.
“Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and bring different perspectives to the table,” she added. “Strong leaders do not build alone. They listen, collaborate, and create space for others to contribute.”
John Long is the chief operating officer of the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce, a regional business organization dedicated to supporting, connecting, and advocating for businesses of all sizes throughout Southeast Michigan.
In his role as COO, Long oversees the chamber’s day-to-day operations, strategic initiatives, membership growth, sponsorship development, event execution, and organizational partnerships. His role focuses on making sure the chamber delivers measurable value to its members while advancing its mission of fostering a stronger business community throughout the region.
As COO Long said one of his greatest accomplishments this year was continuing to grow and diversify the organization while navigating the ongoing challenges facing small businesses and nonprofits. The chamber expanded member engagement, strengthened sponsorship partnerships, and developed new programs that delivered tangible value to our members.
“The biggest challenge was balancing growth with operational efficiency, ensuring we could scale our services, events, and member benefits without losing the personal relationships that have always been at the core of our organization,” Long said. “Successfully doing both reinforced the importance of building strong systems while maintaining a member-first culture.”
The success taught Long that sustainable growth comes from creating value before asking for support.
“Whether working with members, sponsors, employees, or community partners, the most successful relationships are built when you focus first on helping others achieve their goals,” he said. “When people consistently see value in what you provide, trust follows, and long-term success becomes much easier to achieve.”
Donny Lucaj is a partner and the tax director at tax-planning and consulting firm Plante Moran, where he leads a team of some 60 tax professionals serving clients across a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, real estate, and technology.
His primary focus is helping business owners and executives reduce tax liabilities, improve cash flow, and make informed business decisions through strategic tax planning. “I specialize in identifying and implementing tax-saving opportunities such as research and development tax credits, advanced manufacturing production credits, accelerated depreciation strategies, and transferable federal tax credits,” he said. “Whether supporting a company through growth, a significant transaction, or a strategic tax initiative, my goal is to deliver practical solutions and connect clients with the right expertise.”
Among his accomplishments this year was deepening a client relationship from a single engagement into a broad, trusted partnership. The firm was initially engaged to assist with advanced manufacturing tax credits, but as the project progressed, Lucaj’s team worked closely with the client to better understand their broader business objectives and the challenges and opportunities they were facing.
“By combining our technical expertise with a genuine commitment to helping the client achieve their goals, we were able to bring together the right resources and specialists across our firm to support a range of initiatives, including research and development tax credits, tax planning and compliance, and advisory services,” Lucaj said. “As the relationship grew, our team also helped the client navigate a significant business sale, supporting them through the sell-side due diligence process. What made this experience especially rewarding was seeing the impact of a collaborative, client-focused approach.”
Ashley Moreland Mizzi is vice president of product innovation and capital strategy for ESO Ventures Inc., a national economic development organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and generational wealth through access to capital, education, and strategic support.
Moreland Mizzi leads enterprise-wide strategy across business services, product innovation, and fund operations, focusing on designing scalable entrepreneur experiences, strengthening capital deployment and portfolio performance, and building strategic partnerships that expand access to opportunity for underserved communities.
“I have remained passionate about connecting people with resources that enable them to thrive,” she said. “Whether through responsible lending, entrepreneur education, or ecosystem building, I believe economic mobility is one of the most powerful tools for transforming communities. Ultimately, my work is about creating systems that help individuals and small businesses not just survive, but flourish.”
The year has been successful on a professional level while being personally challenging. She became the youngest person in our organization’s history to achieve Vice President status, which she called her “greatest accomplishment.”
Personally, though, she faced one of the most challenging seasons of her life, undergoing major surgery and being forced to take an extended medical leave.
“Like many high achievers, my instinct was to return to work as quickly as possible, but I learned that healing is not a weakness,” Moreland Mizzi said. “Stepping away gave me the opportunity to regain perspective, prioritize my health, and return with renewed clarity about what matters most. This year taught me that success isn’t simply about how much you can carry, but about having the wisdom to pause, recover, and continue leading with purpose.”
Nikhita Navani is senior managing director for Educator Fellowships at Teach for America Detroit, an organization working to make Detroit a place where our schools are pillars of educational excellence.
In her role, Navani acts as the primary architect and driver of the Sitting Leaders fellowship, which provides essential support and financial stipends to over one hundred principals and assistant principals across the state. She brings a wealth of practical experience to this work, having previously served as a principal and school leader in different cities.
Her background as a practitioner allows her to lead with a unique level of empathy and expertise as she manages a dedicated team to ensure educators find sustained joy and purpose in their work. By leading professional learning and providing direct coaching, Navani creates the specific conditions necessary for high-impact leaders to remain in their schools and continue serving their communities.
Within the past year, Navani has navigated the challenge of leading the Detroit Summer Learning Institute, a program that serves as a bridge for student learning and educator development within the Teach For America Detroit network. As the primary team lead, she was responsible for the entire vision and team cohesion of the institute, overseeing the internal team and the critical tasks of interviewing, hiring, and onboarding the school director and mentor teachers.
Her leadership extended to managing enrollment for over 300 students and serving as the primary liaison for school partners to ensure seamless collaboration.
Ari Weinzwig is the co-founder of Zingerman’s, a partnership of nine food-related businesses founded by Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig in a 1,300-square foot space in 1982. It started as a delicatessen and expanded to include bakery, creamery, catering. It has grown to become a dozen different Zingerman’s businesses, each with its own unique specialty and each with a managing partner or partners who own part of the business and lead it day-to-day.
Weinzwig doesn’t think much about “biggest” and “most important” accomplishments, instead focusing on the 2032 vision Zingerman’s developed in 2020.
“We know where we’re going, and because we have our Guiding Principles and our Statement of Beliefs, we have good frameworks for how we work,” Weinzwig said. “I focus a lot more on the small things. Because we make everything from scratch, we’re constantly tasting. And because every guest experience is unique, even with the extensive systems and training that we have, it’s always a challenge to hold to our standards at the highest possible level every single day, in every single interaction.”
One accomplishment Weinzwig did focus on was a new pamphlet for Zingerman’s, “Why Democracy Matters.” He said he “learned a lot” from doing it.
“The work on democracy in the new pamphlet has been huge,” he said. “It’s taught me that we can run our businesses on democratic principles that empower everyone to have a voice. Our previous pamphlet has been equally impactful. It helped me develop a six-element framework for making dignity an everyday reality. It makes a difference.”
Other Most Valuable Professionals:
• Kim Dudeck, Attorney, Honigman
• Christina Fair, Co-Founder, Hum
• Delaney Keating, Director of Operations Michigan Founders Fund
• Jeffrey Mataya, CEO, Bloomscape
MOST VALUABLE ENTREPRENEURS
Algernae King is founder and CEO of King Enterprises Unlimited, LLC, a Southfield-based company, and a Certified AI Consultant and business funding strategist who, through her companies, equips women entrepreneurs and small businesses to build fundable, scalable and automated enterprises by combining financial expertise and cutting edge AI systems.
She speaks nationally, coaches clients and publishes books that teach how to access capital and multiply what’s in their hands. Her ability to blend technical innovation with practical funding strategies while uplifting others demonstrates why she is an invaluable entrepreneur.
In the past year King launched her “Built Different” program and published a transformative book that guides entrepreneurs to scale without burnout, confusion or compromise. She completed her AI Consultant certification and integrated advanced AI tools into her clients’ processes, saving them hours of manual work.
A major hurdle she overcame was securing funding for clients during a tightening credit market; by leveraging her knowledge of business credit and strategic partnerships she helped clients obtain significant capital and maintain momentum while balancing her roles as a mother and mentor.
King’s impact extends far beyond her businesses. She mentors youth through the Built Different program, teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship and responsible use of AI to students in local schools and churches. She hosts workshops for women entrepreneurs to navigate business credit, funding and systems and donates a portion of her profits to support mothers returning to the workforce. Within her own team she fosters a culture of learning and empowerment, encouraging professional development and community service.
Max Surnow is the founder and CEO of Cooper Street Snacks, a family-owned snack and bakery company focused on making high-quality cookies, baked bars, granola bakes, biscotti, brownie bites, and other snack products for retail, club, foodservice, school, and airline customers.
Surnow’s role is to set the vision for the company, build and support the leadership team, guide company growth strategy, and make sure we stay true to the values that got us here: great product, great service, integrity, and a team that thinks like owners.
“At the heart of it, my job is to help Cooper Street grow the right way with the right people, the right customers, and the right long-term foundation,” Surnow said.
Cooper Street has continued to transition from a brand into a “truly vertically integrated bakery and snack company,” something Surnow called one of the company’s “greatest accomplishments this year.”
“After years of building the business through outside manufacturing partners, we made the decision to acquire and operate our own bakery facility,” Surnow explained. “That move has been both the biggest challenge and one of the most important decisions in our company’s history. Taking over manufacturing changed everything. It forced us to become better operators, better leaders, and better long-term thinkers.
“What I am most proud of is that we are still a family-owned business, but we are building something much bigger than ourselves,” he added. “We are creating jobs, supporting our customers, expanding into major national accounts, and proving that a Michigan-born company can compete at a very high level.”
Muhammed Zahr, the founder and CEO of Zahrventures LLC, is an entrepreneur “driven by a passion” for hospitality, innovation, and creating experiences that bring people together.
His journey in business has been shaped by a commitment to building brands that stand for quality, excellence, and authenticity. Franchises such as Paris Baguette, Cousins Maine Lobster, etc., as well as personal brands such as Krum 1977 pizza club, retail stores, etc.
“Building businesses has taught me the importance of resilience, patience, and the ability to solve problems with clarity and purpose,” Zahr said. “Every challenge has been an opportunity to learn, adapt, and strengthen the foundation of what we are creating. I believe that the best entrepreneurs are not defined by avoiding obstacles, but by how they respond to them.
“Entrepreneurship is a journey of constant evolution, he said. “I remain focused on innovation, surrounding myself with talented people, and pursuing opportunities that challenge me to think bigger. My goal is to build a legacy rooted in excellence, integrity, and a commitment to creating something truly special.
One of the biggest challenges he has overcome in business this year, he said, has been learning how to grow without sacrificing quality. As demand increased, he said, he realized that relying on my own time and effort wasn’t enough to build a sustainable company.
“I had to develop systems, delegate responsibilities, and create processes that ensured clients continued receiving exceptional service while the company scaled,” Zahr said. “The greatest accomplishment that has come from it all is the team we have built.”
Other Most Valuable Entrepreneurs:
• Tyler Adams, Co-Founder, CertifID
• Anthony Chang, Founder, BAMF Health
• Trevor Corlett, CEO, Madcap Coffee
• Lauren Flanagan,CEO, Sesame Solar
• Brad King, CEO, Orbion Space Technology
• Dan LeMaire, Founder, First Choice Robotics
• Royce Neubauer, Founder & CEO, Service First Logistics
• Mike Ransom, Founder, Detroit 75 Kitchen
• Steven Robert, Co-Founder/CEO, Autobooks
• Chanel Schoeneberger, Executive Officer/ Co-Founder, Bluewater/Glenlore Trails
• Jennifer Tilney, CEO/Founder, Platinum Skin Care
• Cory Tincher, Co-Founder, StockX
• Heidi Warrington, Warrington Solutions Inc. – NurseCierge
MOST VALUABLE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Brittni Abiolu is the Program Manager for the Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator, where she provides support to underrepresented founders preparing to raise from angel and institutional investors. Her work focuses on evaluating early-stage companies, strengthening their investment positioning, and helping founders convert early traction into fundable opportunities.
She’s got more than 19 years of experience at the intersection of founders, capital, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. She’s supported more than 120 early-stage founders and helped 64 companies raise over $4,461,500 million in early capital. She has also invested in 13 startups, bringing both an operator and investor perspective.
It’s been a very busy and productive year for her.
“My greatest accomplishment and biggest challenge (so far) has been completing the fourth cohort for the Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator powered by gener8tor in March and leading the Venture Together Competition at Michigan Tech Week for $100,000 in prize money in May.
“Taking the lead on various initiatives in a short amount of time can be challenging but I was able to pull it off with calm and grace,” she said.
Accomplishing all of that taught her one thing: You can’t do it alone.
“Collaboration in your field is the key to growth and success,” she said. “My career drastically improved when I aligned myself with people who are collaborative and want to see each other succeed. There is no ego involved. We all work hard towards the mission and give each other credit for the skills and intellectual property we contribute so everyone knows their worth.”
Caitlyn Bourgeois is operations manager for Face Addiction Now, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorder.
She oversees FAN’s network of 20 chapters, with a focus on building the foundation and operational infrastructure needed to help these chapters succeed.
While doing all of that, Bourgeois continued her education, pursuing her master’s degree in business administration while continuing to grow in her role at FAN.
“Balancing graduate-level coursework with the responsibilities of supporting 20 chapters across Michigan and leading major initiatives, including our annual 5K and gala fundraisers, required discipline, adaptability, and careful time management,” Bourgeois said. “Although it was challenging, the experience strengthened my leadership skills and gave me new perspectives that I have been able to apply directly to my work.”
This year challenged her to “lead through organizational change, shifting priorities, and situations where there wasn’t always a clear roadmap.”
“Leadership isn’t about having every answer; it’s about staying adaptable, making thoughtful decisions with the information you have, and giving others confidence even when the path forward is still unfolding,” Bourgeois said. “That’s a lesson I’ll carry with me throughout my career. The most meaningful growth rarely comes from moments when everything goes according to plan; it comes from learning to move forward with purpose even when the plan has to change.”
Rose Brannigan is a Philanthropic Services Associate at Fremont Area Community Foundation, which exists to improve the quality of life for residents in Newaygo County. The foundation connects community needs with the passions of families and businesses.
Brannigan works alongside people she calls “inspiring community leaders and dedicated nonprofit partners.”
“I learn from the generosity and commitment of individuals who invest in strengthening their local communities,” Brannigan said. “Through these experiences, I discovered a deep sense of purpose in philanthropic work and the power of meaningful relationships to create lasting impact. As I begin this next chapter, I look forward to applying my experience, continuing to grow professionally, and contributing to positive, lasting change within my new community.”
The best lesson she’s learned, she said, is the importance of cultivating an environment where people are encouraged to work hard, collaborate, and strive toward a shared purpose.
“When individuals feel supported and empowered to contribute their strengths, they accomplish more together than they ever could alone,” Brannigan said. “From my work experience, I have seen how crucial it is for the culture to be built on teamwork, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. That lesson has shaped how I approach my work and will continue to influence the way I contribute, lead, and serve my community throughout my career.”
Sarah Gregory is the vice president of Strategic Partnerships and Talent Solutions for the Detroit Regional Partnership, a nonprofit economic development organization that works to market, grow, and support the 11-county Detroit Region.
Gregory leads work at the intersection of economic development, workforce strategy and regional collaboration, overseeing talent and workforce initiatives that help employers understand the regional labor market.
She called helping lead the integration of the Detroit Regional Workforce Partnership into the Detroit Regional Partnership her biggest accomplishment because it was “both an exciting opportunity and a significant challenge.”
Through that transition, she said, was created a “stronger connection between economic development and workforce development.”
“I am proud that we approached the integration thoughtfully — preserving valuable relationships and programs while building a clearer, more sustainable regional workforce strategy,” Gregory said. “The experience required flexibility, patience, relationship-building, and a willingness to make progress even when every detail was not yet resolved.”
The lesson? That leadership does not mean having every answer, it means being willing to navigate ambiguity, ask the right questions, and create clarity where possible.
“Often, the most complex challenges do not have an obvious solution or a clear roadmap,” she said. “In those moments, a leader’s role is to listen, bring the right people and perspectives together, make thoughtful decisions with the information available, and keep everyone moving toward a shared goal.”
Zoe Murray is site-based Mentoring Programs Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region, a local agency of a national organization that provides one-to-one mentoring programs for at-risk youth.
She called successfully implementing novel high-quality, best-practice approaches to program delivery the ‘greatest accomplishment in my professional career.”
“I am always looking for how we can take our current models and enhance them to offer more individualized, attuned, and responsive programs to meet the needs of youth,” she said.
Her career has taught her that the landscape of the non-profit sector is forever changing and “you have to be adaptable.”
“If you’re going to fulfill your mission of being of service to others, you have to be able to meet individuals where they are and be able to be reflective and evaluate if the efforts you are putting forth align with current needs and make adjustments when and where necessary to ensure you are representing your mission to fidelity,” she said.
Murray has advice for anyone looking to grow their career.
“Be flexible,” she said. “Be prepared to rise to challenges, to adapt to adversity, to flex your skillset to overcome obstacles, and to persist in the face of barriers.”
Brittany Zabinski is the event manager at The Henry Hotel Autograph Collection, which executes a wide range of corporate meetings, social events, weddings, galas and conferences for both local and national clients.
Zabinski is the primary point of contact for clients, coordinating details from the initial conversations to event execution. While doing that, she said she’s proud of the way she’s grown professionally.
“With managing both social and corporate events, I am especially proud of the relationships that I have built with my clients,” Zabinski said. “I have developed strong connections that have led many clients to return for future events and refer others to our hotel. What makes these relationships so rewarding is the level of trust and personalization I am able to provide.”
In doing all that, she learned the importance of building strong relationships. In the hospitality industry, she pointed out, success is driven by connections.
“Whether it’s colleagues, clients, or vendors, taking the time to build trust and maintain constant communication will often lead to referrals and better collaboration, while maintaining long-term loyalty,” she said.
One piece of advice she said she would give someone looking to grow their career is to be a sponge.
“Never stop learning, even when something falls outside of your immediate job responsibilities,” Zabinski said. “Some of the most valuable knowledge I’ve gained has come from taking interest in other departments of the hotel and learning the ins and outs of hotel operations.”
Other Most Valuable Young Professionals:
• Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, Business Chair, State of Michigan
• Logan Griffes, General Contractor/Owner, Griffes Construction
• Alexander Irrer, Co-CEO, Properties DTW
• Ameneh Marhaba, COO, Little Liberia
• Blake Mischley, CEO, MeetYourClass
• Konner Petz, Senior Innovation Strategist, Office of Mobility Innovation at The City of Detroit
• Emma Spedowski, Realtor, Silvernail Reality
• Marilyn Taber, Youth Prevention Coordinator, Arbor Circle
• Ana Timoficiuc, Founder, MinaRosa Technologies
• Christopher Villaire, Founder, Villaire Financial
• Belle Whipple, Proof Technologies
• Marlin Williams, Founder Intentional Technology
