Featuring

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  Aaron Renn

  Writer and urban analyst focused on cities, culture, and policy, offering data-driven insights for civic leaders through research, media, and consulting.

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  Andrea Wallace

  CEO of Opnr, a tech platform reinventing live event discovery through data—recognized in Crain’s 40 Under 40 for pioneering growth in music tech and entrepreneurship.

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  Andreas Widmer

  Professor at The Catholic University of America and director of the Ciocca Center, focused on principled entrepreneurship, leadership, and faith in business.

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  Anthony B. Bradley

  Research fellow at the Acton Institute and author of books on theology, economics, and race, exploring human flourishing through faith, freedom, and virtue.

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  Bianca Mowrey

  Leader of Devoted 2U Home Care, focused on delivering personalized, high-quality in-home care through caregiver training, family support, and consistent quality assurance.

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  Chad Houser

  Chef and founder of Café Momentum, focused on transforming justice-involved youth through culinary training and holistic support.

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  Christina Keller

  CEO and Board Chair of Cascade Engineering, a global manufacturer serving transportation, environmental, material handling, and polymer markets.

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  Dallas Lenear

  Founder of Project GREEN, championing economic empowerment, helping families rewrite their financial legacy and inspiring everyday people to become money heroes in their communities.

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  Dana Nelson

  Director of Customer Success at FutureFit AI, bridging AI‑powered career navigation tools with workforce development organizations to power career transitions at scale

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  Daron Babcock

  Founder of Bonton Farms in Dallas, focused on community renewal, food access, and restoring dignity through urban agriculture.

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  Dondrea Brown

  Founder of Young Money Finances, empowering youth and families with financial literacy and tools for generational wealth.

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  Ian Rowe

  Senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, focused on education and upward mobility, family formation, and adoption.

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  John Tuttle

  President of Acrisure and former Vice Chairman and Chief Commercial Officer of the NYSE, with deep experience at the intersection of finance, innovation, and global markets.

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  Johnny Brann Jr.

  Entrepreneur and owner of Kitchen 67, Brann’s Restaurants, Woodrow’s Duckpin Bowling, and Interphase Interiors, bringing innovation and civic leadership to Grand Rapids.

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  Julie Leonard

  President & CEO of LMCU and one of Crain’s 2025 Women of Influence, leading Michigan’s largest credit union with over 30 years of community-focused financial leadership.

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  Justin Beene

  Founder of the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation and Director of Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Continuum, with a track record of building cross-sector partnerships to drive community transformation.

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  Kate Robinson

  Co-founding parent and board member at Everbloom Montessori, with over 15 years of experience supporting startups, businesses, and nonprofits.

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  Katie Powell

  Director of Communications Design at Vela, crafting strategies and storytelling that elevate learner-centered education and community impact.

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  Kevin Stotts

  President of TalentFirst, leading regional collaboration among CEOs, policymakers, and educators to strengthen West Michigan’s talent pipeline through data-driven workforce strategy.

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  Kevin Vos

  Senior Vice President of Facilities & Support Services at Corewell Health, leading enterprise strategy, sustainability, and long-term facilities planning across the system.

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  Khali Sweeney

  Founder and CEO of Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit, offering free academic and athletic youth programs focused on mentorship, discipline, and life readiness.

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  Laura Davis

  Founder and CEO of Evolve Human Resources and Communication, with expertise in HR strategy, change management, and communications to drive growth, culture, and leadership development.

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  Mark Johnson

  Co-founder of Michigan Software Labs in Grand Rapids, focused on building custom technology and shaping a values-driven workplace.

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  Mark Peters

  CEO of Butterball Farms in Grand Rapids and author of The SOURCE & The Retention Trap, focused on collaborative systems that strengthen workers, communities, and frontline resilience.

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  Shana Washington

  VP of Talent Acquisition and Workforce Development at Trinity Health, advancing inclusive hiring and national apprenticeship efforts across a leading Catholic health system.

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  Terra Osman

  Founder & CEO of Farmish, a marketplace app connecting farms with local consumers and institutional buyers throughout the US and Canada.

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  Trimell Hawkins

  Grand Rapids–based chef and entrepreneur, U.S. military veteran, and culinary professional trained at the Secchia Institute and under esteemed Master Chefs around the nation.

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  Troy Evans

  Grand Rapids–based pastor, strategist, and serial church planter with over 25 years of experience equipping urban leaders through coaching, speaking, and the Nitrogen Urban Network.

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