Southeastern Michigan’s best and brightest young professionals, as listed in the annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 roundup, highlight what is sure to be a bright future for the city of Detroit. Committing to success, the 2014 40 under 40 honorees represent a group of emerging leaders who are truly changing the city’s community, economic and civic landscapes.
Through education, entrepreneurship, community engagement, philanthropy, media and finance, these young people are no longer waiting in the wings but seizing and creating opportunities that hold true to their homegrown roots.
In Detroit’s golden years, businesses were thriving downtown, the auto industry was at an all-time high, and Motown was driving our city to upbeat tunes. Since, our city has endured a drastic downturn, leaving many to flee to other cities —taking their businesses and talents with them. Now in its fourth year, the Michigan Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 awards highlight a different Detroit, showcasing those exceling in their professions and paving a way for those to come. These young professionals possess undeniable aptitude in their fields and are spearheading a promising Detroit.
“I’ve always been a firm believer that hard work equals success.” said honoree Kaniqua Daniel-Welch, program supervisor of media/new media, Detroit Public Schools Office of Communications. “I strive to become an educator for future communications professionals. I also hope to inspire and empower young women in my community through mentoring.”
It is this bold determination that is guiding our city in the right direction.
Robyn Fuller, international operation senior auditor at General Motors and founding partner of J&F Advisors, PLLC, also sees inspiring others as a core quality of a young leader. “The city of Detroit has an abundance of talent and potential, she said. “That potential is realized through Detroit’s young leaders who are givers of their time, vision and service. More importantly, the potential is maximized because these young leaders know the value of inspiring others to do the same.”
Detroit has a unique spirit that is unmatched anywhere. The downfall of our city has headlined many media outlets, but the perseverance of our emerging professionals can weather any storm.
The Michigan Chronicle’s 40 under 40 awards reception, to be held on Oct. 22, will highlight these professionals who all share one common goal — the rebirth of the city of Detroit. Congratulations to the honorees on a job well done.
- Crystal Bailey – Engineer, General Motors
- Dustin Barlow – Founder and President, Nerds Express
- Dr. Lloyd C. Crews – Dean of Campus Affairs, Oakland Community College
- Kaniqua Daniel-Welch – Program Supervisor of Media, Detroit Public Schools
- Roslyn English – Chief Executive Officer & Founder, D.A.N.C.E. Inc.
- Dr. Cecil I. Forbes, Jr. – Owner and Operator, iCare Spine and Rehabilitation Center
- Robyn K. Fuller, CPA – International Operations Senior Auditor, General Motors Finance/Founding Partner, J&F Advisors, PLLC
- Cara Griffin – Senior Domestic and International Commercial Counsel and Lead Compliance Counsel, Chrysler Group LLC
- Alexis Harmon – Advisory Specialist, Marsh & McLennan
- Jan Harrington-Davis – Director of Employee Relations and Diversity, Henry Ford Health Systems
- Bobbie Hayes Goodrum, Ph. D – Principal and Special Education Supervisor, Farmington Public Schools
- Rejji Hayes – Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, ITC Holdings Corp.
- James W. Heath – Inspector General, City of Detroit
- Danarius Hemphill – Owner, Real Impact Detroit
- Karissa Holmes – Commercial Attorney, DTE Energy
- Amin Irving – President, Ginosko Development Co.
- Marcus Ivery – Senior Financial Analyst, General Motors
- Anika S. Jackson – Vice President, Jackson Asset Management
- Sebastian Jackson – Owner, The Social Club Grooming Co.
- John E. James – Vice President of Operations, James Group International
- Isaiah Jordan – Chief Executive Officer, Imperios Cigar Company/LXG Global
- Kamilia Landrum – Program and Member Services Coordinator, Detroit NAACP
- Maurielle Lue – Reporter, Fox 2 News
- Tiff Massey – Sculptor
- Jenice Mitchell-Ford ¬– Senior Counsel, Clark Hill PLC
- Kwasi O. Nyame, MD – Chief Neurosurgery Resident, Detroit Medical Center – Detroit Receiving Hospital
- Dawn Oliver – Account Supervisor-Ford Focus, Team Detroit
- Rosie Reebel – Lead, Physician Marketing, St. John Providence Health System
- Ayanna Smith – Chief Financial Officer, Detroit Jazz Festival
- Tosha M. Tabron – Vice President, Relationship Manager – Global Philanthropy, JP Morgan Chase
- Ronda L. Tate – Senior Associate, Lewis & Munday LLC
- Charice “Espy” Thomas – Co-Owner, Sweet Potato Sensations
- Jennifer Thomas – Co-Owner/Baker, Sweet Potato Sensations
- Londell D. Thomas – Deputy State Director, Michigan Democratic Party
- Chelsey Wallace – Agent and Owner, C. Wallace Insurance Agency, LLC
- Brittany Washington – President, Castle Lofts Development
- Brandon Williams – Chief Executive Officer/Producer/Musician, Soulasis Music Group
- Melanie Williams – Chief Executive Officer, GURU Public Relations Events & Concierge
- Tiffany C. Williams – Executive Director, Teach for America-Detroit
- Corri Wofford – Senior Congressional Liaison, United States House of Representatives
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