In a moment in time when companies, schools and other organizations are feeling the pressure to focus less on diversity, equity and inclusion, Linglong He is happy to be working for a company that maintains that focus.
He, the chief leadership advisor at Rocket Companies, said companies that do so are “leading by example.”
“Rocket is always inclusive and brings everybody together,” said He. “It’s right for the business and for our clients. We try to make sure everybody is always important. That typically leads to be best decisions.”
It’s a belief that led Linglong He to be chosen as one of dozens of companies, organizations and individuals honored at Corp! Magazine’s 18th annual Civility and Inclusion awards. The honors were handed out in three categories: Civility & Inclusion-Focused Companies, Civility & Inclusion Business Leaders and Civility & Inclusion Champions.
CIVILITY & INCLUSION FOCUSED COMPANIES
Detroit Historical Society sees inclusivity as the daily practice of living its values. It begins with how they hire and welcome new team members, ensuring that a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds are represented. But inclusion goes far beyond representation—it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute, challenge ideas, and see their own experiences reflected in the work they do. The Society promotes this through intentional staff development, cross-departmental collaboration, and open forums where dialogue is encouraged and respected. They invest in training that deepens cultural competency and in policies that support equity in opportunities for growth and advancement. Just as importantly, we do their best to celebrate the unique contributions each individual brings to the collective work
Greenleaf Trust is profoundly committed to diversity, equity and inclusiveness. The team at Greenleaf Trust often reflects on the importance of four “Cs” – clients, colleagues, culture and communities. The communities where they live and work are very important to them. Greenleaf Trust funded the research and development of a partnership with local high schools primarily for students of color to increase financial knowledge as well as to offer them exposure to careers in finance.
Ruth Ellis Center is a social services agency in the Detroit area that serves the needs of runaway, homeless and at-risk lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. They have been named a resilient Detroit icon, focusing on their mission day-to-day. Ruth Ellis Center has earned a national reputation for quality and innovation in providing trauma-informed services for homeless, runaway and at-risk lesbian, gay, bi-attractional, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth and young adults of color.
For Sheree Kempinski, the center’s employee experience and engagement manager, the award reflects the work the center has done internally to connect externally with the communities it serves.
“It just really entrenches for us what we value for our young people,” Kempinski said. “Our mission is to help our LGBTQ+ adults with their vision for a positive future. We’re not telling them what they should aspire to, they’re telling us what they need, and we’re helping them achieve those goals.”
At TekWissen, inclusivity is not just a corporate value — it’s the foundation of how we build teams, serve clients, and grow as an organization. We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation, creativity, and resilience, and we are committed to creating an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. For them, inclusion is more than a responsibility — it’s our competitive advantage. By fostering an environment where people from all walks of life can succeed, TekWissen has cultivated a culture of innovation, empathy, and excellence.
Unlimited Recycling is dedicated to creating, managing, and promoting top-tier corporate recycling and waste management programs. Since their incorporation in 1999, they have been serving a diverse range of clients, including building management companies, Tier I and II suppliers, hospitals, school districts, municipalities, and federal government departments.
Other winners in the Civility & Inclusion-Focused Companies included:
• Choctaw-Kaul
• City of Detroit
• Conform Automotive
• Dhake Industries
• Fulex E-Commerce
• Hall Makled Law Firm
• JT Diversity Solutions
• Latinos En Michigan
• PALS International
• TAG Holdings, LLC
• Wayne State University
• West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• ZF
CIVILITY AND INCLUSION BUSINESS LEADERS
Duc Abrahamson is the executive director at Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce. As the Executive Director, she acts as the spokesperson for APACC, manages and evaluates programs and activities, provides leadership to the board and staff, allocates necessary resources, and develops organizational policy and programs. She is a member of the Inclusion Allies Coalition Advocacy Committee, focused on being a visible and vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion globally.
To create a workplace that is inclusive and welcoming to all employees, Gerry Brisson led Gleaners through a process of identifying its values and building a decision framework to assure input and alignment on key decisions. The framework, called “The Bridge to Tomorrow,” was rolled out to the entire team in a series of feedback sessions, then incorporated into the onboarding of every new employee. With Brisson’s support, the organization established a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Council in 2022 to serve as an internal entity for advancing the goal of achieving a diverse, inclusive, engaged, and productive team.
Scott Alan Davis, Vice President of Inclusion and Economic Development at SEEL, provides visionary and values-driven leadership that advances equity, inclusion, and economic opportunity both within SEEL and in the broader community. Davis leads critical initiatives spanning workforce development, strategy, grant writing, and the implementation of DTE’s Energy Efficiency Assistance program. He leads with unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to service, consistently using his platform to champion marginalized voices and create meaningful opportunities for growth and belonging.
Jordan Falby is the DEI manager at Walker-Miller Energy. She is a founding co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for United Way for Southeastern Michigan, reporting directly to the CEO on improving organizational culture, developing new policies, and implementing training for staff, Board members, and the community they serve. She has supported the work of various United Way collaboratives since 2013. She has a passion for providing vulnerable populations with access to critical information.
Dandridge Floyd is a labor and employment attorney with progressive experience providing strategic, legal and human resource leadership to large organizations. Dandridge is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Labor Relations for Oakland Schools, one of Michigan’s largest intermediate school districts, where she provides leadership and governance on matters ranging from talent management and organizational culture to compensation and benefit design and legal and regulatory compliance, to Oakland County’s 28 public school districts.
Megan Fuciarelli is the founder and chief empowerment officer at US2 Consulting. She has implemented many initiatives to promote DEI in the community, some being: CARES certification, which equips individuals and organizations with the tools to build genuine belonging. Participants work through five modules—Courage, Acceptance, Respect, Empathy, and Success—and craft personalized action plans for sustained impact. She also implemented CHANGEmaker Coaching, where she meets in both 1:1 settings and ThinkTank environments to support, uplift, and empower one another to continue being the CHANGE we need in the world.
Anu Gopalakrishnan serves as the executive director for the Indian American Chamber of Commerce. Anu assists to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through comprehensive community initiatives that strengthen Michigan’s business ecosystem. Their youth mentorship programs connect young Indian Americans with established business leaders, providing guidance on career development, entrepreneurship, and navigating professional opportunities in America.
Timothy Ha is the chief investment officer at First Independence Bank. He has been serving for various key functions in accounting, finance, investment and treasury segments of formerly First Michigan Bank, Talmer Bank, Chemical Bank, TCF National Bank and Huntington National Bank by completing over 10 mergers for more than 20 years of banking experience. Tim has been serving as board of directors and actively involved in various non-profit organizations including Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Asian American Professionals, Detroit chapter, and The Association of Korean American Professionals in the Automotive Industry.
Linglong He is the chief leadership advisor at Rocket Companies where she guides CEOs and senior executives on succession planning, leadership development, culture, organizational strategy, governance, and enterprise transformation. Beyond her executive career, she serves as an Independent Director at Agree Realty Corporation and on the boards of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce, the International Leadership Foundation – Michigan Chapter, and the University of St. Thomas Graduate Program in Software Engineering. She also co-founded the Experience IT program, which advances technology careers in Michigan.
Angelo Kapp is the founder of Nuestra Cultura. Nuestra Cultura Multimedia Productions isn’t just a project—it’s a movement. It was born from a familiar feeling: being the only one who looked likeKapp, the only one expected to represent his culture. But one voice can’t capture the richness of our community. That’s why he created Nuestra Cultura—to give every voice a platform, especially those whose stories are often overlooked.
Grace Lee is the president/CEO at Ashford Connex, LLC. Her firm promotes an inclusive workplace by embedding inclusive principles directly into its daily operations rather than relying on a formal, complex policy. The strategy focuses on leveraging the unique backgrounds and skills of our team members. They’ve created a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives and experiences. This open dialogue helps build empathy and understanding.
Maria Marin is the founder/CEO of Unlimited Recycling, where they believe inclusion is the foundation of a strong workplace. They promote an inclusive
environment by valuing people for their knowledge, skills, and character, regardless of gender, age, or religious beliefs. Their approach centers on respect, open communication, and equal opportunities for growth. They encourage collaboration and celebrate diverse perspectives, because they know they strengthen innovation and decision-making.
Joseph Matthews is the VP of DEI at Gentex Corporation. He was appointed as Gentex’s first Diversity Officer and took on the responsibility of developing and implementing Gentex’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Since 2018, Joe’s efforts have helped Gentex gain recognition as a world-class employer, and he won numerous awards for his work at Gentex and in the community. Joe is responsible for the continued development and focus of Gentex’s DE&I initiatives, serving as our representative in the community and driving meaningful change at Gentex.
Jim Roberts is the President/CEO at Jim Roberts Enterprises, LLC. He has set a goal of 50% of our spend will be with minority, women, and veteran owned businesses. For the past several years, he has been over 90% of our spending with these companies – with no loss of quality, price, or timeliness. He also served on the Board of Directors for the West Michigan; Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor Rotary Club; Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Council Women’s Business Center Advisory Council; and Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention and Visitors Bureau Multicultural Advisory Council. Jamie is here on Jim’s behalf to celebrate, come on up Jamie!
Pam Sands is the Sr. Principal & Strategist in the Diversity Office at Kelly Services. Pam oversees partnership strategy and solution design and execution. Previously, as Vice President of Supplier Strategy and Engagement, Pam led a global team of supplier management professionals responsible for defining, implementing, and managing the strategy and development of suppliers and strategic partners across the globe. Respected as a credible voice in workforce solutions, Pam is grounded in industry acumen and executes through sound strategy development. Pam couldn’t be here today, but her colleague Marvin came to represent! Come on up, Marvin!
Jarrett Waddy is the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Operations & ERG Development at AAA. Jarrett plays a pivotal role in operationalizing the company’s DEI and corporate social responsibility strategy across a 14-state footprint. Partnering closely with the Vice President, Chief Diversity, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability Officer, senior executives, and cross functional teams, he has successfully launched and scaled nine ERGs that serve as vital engines for employee engagement, volunteerism, cultural awareness, and business innovation.
Other Civility & Inclusion Business Leaders included:
• Valissa Armstead, senior director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Belonging at Corewell Health.
• Marc Bland, VP of New Business Development & Growth Audiences for S&P Global
• Damon Brown, vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer at Alma College
• Tanya Caldwell-Murray, senior supplier development analyst/supplier diversity, ZF Group
• Chasity Dial, CEO, American Indian Health and Family Services
• Michelle Johnson, diversity specialist, procurement and planning, Honda
• Ruben Juarez, president, WORKFORCE Employment Specialists
• Patrick Mondo, senior VP Commercial Banker, PNC Bank
• Carla Traci Preston, director, supplier diversity & inclusion, Global Corp. procurement, Amazon
• Timothy Williams, vice president, inclusion, Meijer
CIVILITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS
Detroit Historical Society has long served as a cornerstone in preserving and celebrating the rich history of the Detroit region. As the keeper of Detroit city’s history, the Detroit Historical Society stands in solidarity with the Black community and all Detroiters in emphatically and unequivocally denouncing racism, injustice, oppression and hate in any form. Their mission is to tell Detroit’s stories and why they matter. The society raises funds, recruits volunteers, and supports the continued success of the city.
Detroit Institute of Arts holds nearly 60,000 amazing works of art! In addition to the vast time periods represented in its collection, the museum also aims to display art from a range of often underrepresented groups, including African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic and Islamic artists. It is arguably one of the city’s foremost cultural destinations and dates back to 1885, but the Beaux-Arts building (referred to as the “temple of art”) that it now resides in opened in 1927.
Michigan Venture Capital Association is committed to integrating the promotion of diversity and inclusion into its platform as the voice of Michigan entrepreneurship and investment. They believe that diversity is critical to the process of innovation, and committed toward fostering an environment of respect, recognition, and valuing of differences based on ethnicity, gender, color, age, race, religion, disability, national origin, socioeconomic background and sexual orientation.
Michigan Science Center works to inspire curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math in a creative, dynamic learning environment. One of their key initiatives to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion is their Sponsors of Science program. This program is specifically designed to remove barriers to access by supporting schools and community groups that serve low-income and Title I students.
New Detroit empowers leaders to drive change through equity. Their programs equip individuals and organizations to lead inclusively, embrace diversity, and champion justice. Through events and educational trainings, they teach and inspire a collective change. Their leadership series on R.A.C.E is a six-part program that empowers leaders with the tools, strategies, and insights to dismantle systemic racism and foster equity in every corner of their organizations.
Services To Enhance Potential is a non-profit organization which provides support and services to nearly 1,300 persons with disabilities and other mental health needs in Washtenaw and Wayne counties. STEP creates lasting, community-wide impact by championing inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. Through programming and services like the Progressive Art Studio Collective, What’s Cooking at STEP, and the STEP Thrift Store and Donation Centers, STEP opens doors for people who have traditionally been excluded from full participation in the workforce and community life.
At TechTown Detroit, promoting an inclusive workplace is at the core of who they are. For more than 20 years, they’ve prided themselves on being a human-centered organization that is accessible to all. Just as they help tech startups and small businesses develop, launch, and grow, we also reflect that mission internally by fostering a workplace rooted in equity, opportunity, and community. They believe that meaningful and equitable revitalization of Detroit must begin within their own walls.
The Guidance Center has spent the last six decades maintaining a collaborative relationship with its local communities and schools to support adults and children experiencing mental health difficulties and other challenges. They provide help and assistance to over 18,000 children and adults annually through multiple programs such as Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center, Champions of Wayne, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic and Nurture the Future.
Laura Huot, the president and CEO, said it was “nice” to get some recognition for the work the center does. “We’ve been working really hard at diversity,” Huot said of the center, whose 550 employees serve 18 locations. “When we first started, our goal was to have a staff that reflected the communities we serve. As the communities shifted, our talent pool became more diverse.”
Other Civility & Inclusion Champions included:
• Detroit Future City
• Grand Rapids African American Health Institute
• Hatch Detroit
• Holocaust Memorial Center
• Michigan Urban Farming Initiative
• The Right Place
