Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Michigan for 2023. Michigan’s diverse economy encompasses various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, the automotive industry, healthcare, tourism, and technology. Historically, this state has been known as a hub for automobile manufacturing, with major companies such as General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler having a significant presence in the state. This year’s awardees perform exceptionally in their leadership roles while bringing an enhanced perspective, making them role models to not only their peers but those who will follow in their footsteps. Their commitment and efforts have had a broad social and economic impact in the state and beyond.
Among this year’s awardees is Michelle Rabideau, President of Saint Mary's Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Mercy Health Saint Mary's. Rabideau has led major fundraising efforts at the organization, raising more than $100 million in the last 25 years. Awardee Shelley Fiore, the President and Chief Operating Officer of MassMutual Great Lakes is one of the select few females in the industry to hold a similar position. She dedicates herself to teaching new financial professionals as well as veteran professionals how to launch to a higher level in the field. Also awarded is Elena Ford, Chief Customer Experience Officer of Ford Motor Company, who leads Ford’s organization responsible for creating a world-class customer experience throughout the entire ownership cycle.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Massachusetts for 2023.
1. Alicia Davis
Chief Strategy Officer, Lear Corporation
Alicia Davis is Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Lear Corporation. In this role, Alicia leads the Corporate Strategy and Development group, which works with the executive team to develop and drive Lear’s global strategy, coordinates the strategic planning process, and executes value-enhancing acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments. Previously, she held the role of SVP of strategy and corporate development.
Davis joined Lear from the University of Michigan Law School, where she was a professor and the associate dean for strategic initiatives and focused her teaching and research on corporate governance, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. She continues to teach at the Law School as a professor from practice. She was previously a corporate lawyer at Kirkland & Ellis and before that an investment banker with Goldman Sachs and Raymond James, where she served as a VP.
Davis has an undergraduate degree in business administration from Florida A&M University, a JD from Yale Law School, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She is a member of the board of directors of US Steel Corporation.
2. Elena Ford
Chief Customer Experience Officer, Ford Motor Company
Elena Ford is the Chief Customer Experience Officer of Ford Motor Company. She is an executive leader spearheading the future of customer experiences in the automotive and mobility industries. As Chief Customer Experience Officer, Elena leads Ford’s organization responsible for creating a world-class customer experience throughout the entire ownership cycle. She is also responsible for integrating the work of Ford Customer Service Division, the Quality organization, Sales and Marketing, and the global dealer network to more tightly connect the interactions between Ford and its customers worldwide.
Since joining the company in 1995, Elena has served in a number of marketing, brand strategy, and business management roles. Among her notable achievements is the development and launch of Ford’s global brand promise: Go Further. She also spearheaded the global rollout of Ford Signature dealership design and has strengthened the company’s dealer relationships in every region it operates, including North America, South and Central America, Asia Pacific, and Europe, through initiatives like establishing the Dealer Advisory Group which she continues to lead.
Elena champions activities to increase literacy skills among young people from low-income families, including a collaboration with the nonprofit First Book which aims to increase access to new books and encourage STEAM education for children. She serves on the boards of FordDirect, Percepta, Southampton Hospital Association, the Forman School, and Fair Lane. She was twice named among the leading women in the auto industry by Automotive News, is active with the Henry Ford Hospital, and is involved in several community and business organizations, including United Way and International Women’s Forum, Michigan.
3. Melanie Weaver Barnett
Chief Executive Education Officer, University of Michigan
Melanie Weaver Barnett is Chief Executive Education Officer at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Under Melanie’s leadership, Michigan Ross Executive Education has been consistently ranked among the top in the world, offering programs in multiple locations in the Americas, Asia (including India and the Middle East), Europe, and Africa.
Before joining Michigan, Melanie worked for the Fortune 500 firm Ethyl Corporation in its management and organization development area and later established her own firm, The Leadership and Learning Alliance, a consultancy in organization and management development.
Melanie works directly with a wide range of client organizations. These include, for example, the largest bank in the world, ICBC; the public utility DTE Energy; Saudi Arabian telecom company STC; and the NFL, among others. She serves as a faculty member in Executive Education as well, developing and teaching programs on leadership, change management, and team building. She has served as chair of the board of directors for the International University Consortium for Executive Education and on the boards of the Alumni Association and the advisory board for Intercollegiate Athletics.
4. Joanna Totsky
SVP & Chief Legal and Transformation Officer, Cooper-Standard Holdings
Joanna Totsky is an accomplished C-suite executive with 25 years of public company experience in the automotive and automotive finance industries. She has a demonstrated track record of successfully executing transformation initiatives in North and South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. She has significant international experience, including a two-year assignment in Bangkok, Thailand where she was a member of the leadership team of the credit arm of a global car company involved in the establishment of its China operations and a strategic exit from seven Asia Pacific markets. She also completed a five-year assignment in London, UK where she overhauled the banking regulatory compliance and corporate governance frameworks of a European bank during the 2008 global financial crisis.
Totsky brings expert qualifications in M&A, corporate governance, SEC and NYSE compliance, executive compensation, corporate social responsibility, and enterprise risk management through her current role and her service on nonprofit boards. Currently, she serves as SVP, Chief Legal and Transformation Officer, and Secretary at Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc., a $2.7 billion NYSE company that provides sealing and fluid transfer components to automotive and industrial customers. As a member of the global leadership team, she reports to the chairman and CEO and is involved in a wide range of strategic and operational priorities, including global footprint strategy, supply chain disruption, and talent management.
5. Jackie Schott
Executive Vice President, Arthur J. Gallagher
With 31 years of extensive expertise in the insurance industry, 23 of which were dedicated to Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Jackie Schott has established herself as a prominent figure in Gallagher's religious and nonprofit niche. Her professional acumen spans across various domains, including public entity pools, scholastic institutions, captives, and large commercial clients. Moreover, she has been instrumental in spearheading Gallagher's strategic initiatives to deploy resources for the benefit of their clients, particularly in the Food Niche Practice.
Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Schott adeptly manages both long and short-term objectives with unwavering accuracy. Her proficiency lies in designing specialized risk programs and effectively marketing and negotiating program terms, conditions, and premiums. Furthermore, she excels in client retention and the timely delivery of resources. Notably, she has successfully crafted insuring terms and conditions, and her expertise extends to providing risk management services and consulting to clients both domestically and internationally. Jackie played a pivotal role in facilitating the state of Michigan's inaugural Public Entity buyout of Worker's Compensation Claims. Drawing from her extensive industry experience, she brings a comprehensive understanding of commercial insurance from both the perspective of a company underwriter and a practice group corporate leader.
6. Susan Vogel-Vanderson
Chief Wealth Management Officer, Macatawa Bank
Susan Vogel-Vanderson is the Chief Wealth Management Officer of Macatawa Bank. As a native of West Michigan, she brings deep experience and passion to helping people achieve their financial goals. Macatawa Bank is a true community bank committed to helping customers grow and prosper financially. Their clients enjoy best-in-class financial products, extraordinary service, and fair prices.
Susan is an accomplished strategic leader with diverse experience in wealth management, fiduciary risk management, and retail compliance across global, regional, and local banking, financial services, legal firms, and retail enterprise. She is a committed leader with a passion for excellence and leading teams that deliver on strategic roadmaps. Susan is also a dedicated volunteer and board member for various nonprofit boards. She earned her JD from the University of Michigan Law School, an undergraduate in English language and literature from the University of Michigan, and an associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Junior College.
7. Krista Boe
Chief Clinical Officer, Acorn Health
Krista Boe is the Chief Clinical Officer of Acorn Health. Acorn Health is a family of companies delivering exceptional clinical services to children with autism. They are a partnership of behavior analytic professionals who develop, apply, and share the latest advances in the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to improve the lives of the families they serve. Krista has been practicing since 2008, with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental disabilities, and organizational behavior management.
Before joining Acorn, Krista served dually diagnosed individuals at an intermediate care facility, and as an independent consultant in a community waiver-based setting. She has served as a board member for the Heartland Association for Behavior Analysis, as well as the Nebraska Association for Behavior Analysis. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and biology from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Western Michigan University. Krista began her work with Autism Centers of Michigan (ACM), an Acorn Health Company, in 2015 as clinical director of Northern Michigan operations and later served as ACM’s chief clinical officer. In 2018, Krista was appointed to the Michigan Autism Council, representing certified behavior analysts in the State of Michigan.
8. Patrice Poynter
SVP of Digital Experience, The Walt Disney Company
Patrice Poynter has held various executive leadership positions during her 31+ years in the IT service industry. She has been successful throughout her career in building high-performing teams, client loyalty, and profitability within the business functions she has led. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Digital Experience for The Walt Disney Company. She is a hands-on leader that has a reputation for building high-performing teams built on employee engagement and loyalty. She is a firm believer in diversity and inclusion and in building trust through open and honest two-way communication.
Patrice has worked with many clients running their IT operations, delivering IT services, and running major complex transformations. Most of her career has been in client-facing roles frequently interfacing with CIOs and CXOs. She is results-oriented and always focuses on the best path to achieve the desired outcome. She is a strong change agent who has a history of success in transforming organizations, leading integrations, turning bad businesses into profitable businesses, driving performance improvements in areas where delivery performance is subpar, and building/rebuilding trust with clients to preserve or grow the business.
9. Michelle Rabideau
President, Saint Mary's Foundation
Michelle Rabideau is a national leader in philanthropy raising more than $100 million for various organizations over 25 years. She is currently President of Saint Mary’s Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Trinity Health Grand Rapids. Michelle serves as president of the YWCA West Central Michigan and as vice chair of the National Kappa Delta Foundation boards. She served two terms in public office on the East Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education as well as the Michigan Community Service Commission, which was a Governor-appointed position.
Michelle has been recognized as a recipient of the YWCA Tribute! Award in the Professions category, as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan, and with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional. She received her Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois. She is passionate about health care, empowering women, public education, community service, her family and friends, and traveling.
10. Laura Prieskorn
Chief Executive Officer, Jackson
Laura Prieskorn is responsible for executing Jackson’s mission of helping more Americans approaching retirement achieve financial freedom for life by ensuring Jackson associates, resources, and capabilities are aligned to drive financial and operational excellence and create sustainable value for all company stakeholders. In her 31 years at Jackson, Laura has held broad-ranging leadership roles including as a member of the company’s Executive, Investment, and Product Committees. She was appointed to her current role in February 2021.
Most recently, Laura served as Jackson’s EVP and COO where she led Jackson’s operations, technology, and information security initiatives and was responsible for developing Jackson’s industry-leading operating platform, which combines low cost with superior service for clients, advisors, and distribution partners. Under her leadership as COO, Jackson transformed into a more agile organization and was awarded Service Quality Measurement Group, Inc.’s Contact Center of the Year in 2019 and 2020. Laura holds an undergraduate degree in business administration from Central Michigan University.
11. Carrie Jones-Barber
CEO, Dawn Food Products
Carrie Jones-Barber is the CEO of Dawn Foods, a global leader in bakery manufacturing and ingredient distribution. She has helped build Dawn into a multi-billion-dollar company that remains rooted in its values and puts people at the center of its strategy. Her unique understanding of international business and her experience leading Dawn’s international growth has provided Carrie with a global view of the interconnectedness of customers, suppliers, and people.
A graduate of Western Michigan University and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, Carrie serves on multiple business and charitable boards, including the Business Advisory Council for the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan, and the board of directors for Land O’ Frost. She is a member of the American Bakers Association, the Society of Bakery Women, and C200, a global organization focused on making a profound impact on the advancement of women in business. Carrie also serves on the President's Leadership Council for Search for Common Ground.
Carrie received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Western Michigan University in 2018 and is a regular speaker at industry and university events to help inspire the next generation of leaders and bakery professionals. She was named a 2021 Women Leadership in the Workplace honoree by MichBusiness and selected as a 2021 Powered by Women award recipient by DBusiness Magazine.
12. Shelley Fiore
President and Chief Operating Officer, MassMutual Great Lakes
Shelley Fiore is the President and Chief Operating Officer of MassMutual Great Lakes LLC. She chose to build a career in the financial services industry over three decades ago after realizing it gave her the ability to help thousands of Michigan men and women realize their financial dreams. Fiore decided to accept the leadership role at MassMutual in Michigan in 2010 and is one of a select few females in the industry to hold a similar position. She believes her experience as an advisor for more than a quarter century gives her the understanding and credibility to teach new financial professionals as well as help veteran financial professionals launch to a higher level.
Considering her vast knowledge of business continuity planning, tax reduction strategies, investment planning, and estate planning, Fiore has also become an internationally sought-after speaker with audiences that have ranged from 50 to over 10,000. She has spoken for various insurance companies as well as The American College and The Million Dollar Round Table Main Platform. She is a Licensed Insurance Counselor, Chartered Life Underwriter, and Chartered Financial Consultant, multiple time recipient of the Southeast Michigan GAMA Agent of the Year Award, the first woman to hold the presidency of MassMutual Agent's Association, and the third woman to qualify for MassMutual's Exceptional Level of In-Force. A lifelong Michigan resident, she graduated from Michigan State University in 1982 after studying business and accounting.
13. Nicole Beattie
Chief Executive Officer, Amrock
Nicole Beattie is the Chief Executive Officer of Amrock and oversees the company’s daily title, appraisal, and settlement operations. Detroit-based Amrock, LLC is a leading national provider of title insurance, property valuations, and settlement services with regional service centers in Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Amrock delivers FinTech solutions to streamline the real estate and mortgage experience for lenders, consumers, and real estate professionals.
A lifelong Michigander, Nicole began her career in mortgage banking at Rocket Mortgage (Quicken Loans at the time), before transitioning to origination operations leadership. Since then, she has held numerous roles, expertly leading teams in underwriting, closing, and servicing. In her most recent role as EVP of servicing, Nicole led the team responsible for delivering homeowners the best possible experience through innovative technology and access to knowledgeable, caring team members. During her tenure in the servicing business area, Rocket Mortgage was ranked America’s top mortgage servicer for client satisfaction by J.D. Power for 8 consecutive years.
14. Tricia Bailey
Vice President of Sales, FuturePlan
Tricia Bailey is the Vice President of Sales for FuturePlan. FuturePlan is a category of one, the only TPA offering a full spectrum of creative plan design, strategic consulting, IRS and DOL regulatory compliance services, actuarial practice, and end-to-end plan administration for every plan, with complete independence and flexibility. They are a technologically advanced national organization with the heart and soul of a hands-on business partner. Tricia lives in Waterford, Michigan, and covers all of Michigan and Toledo.
Tricia is an expert in retirement plan design. From helping small businesses get all of their tax credits available with Secure 2.0 to diving into very complex retirement plan design. Tricia is an expert at establishing cash balance plans for high-net-worth business owners who desperately need a tax shelter. Tricia's professionalism, ingenuity, and authenticity help her clients get to the next level.
Tricia is also passionate about giving back to the community through her role in Leadership Oakland as well as various community-based nonprofits such as Let’s Go Detroit and Matrix Human Services. She has been awarded Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to giving back.
15. Coriel Taylor
Managing Director of Strategy & Consulting, Accenture
As a technology strategy executive, Coriel Taylor is a trusted advisor for her clients. Her role involves helping them recognize and drive business value through the technology decisions and investments they make. She is also responsible for overseeing Accenture’s Delivery portfolio for a Midwest Utilities client.
Throughout her 18-year career, Coriel has led complex delivery programs for her clients and sponsored various local and national engagements and partnerships for Accenture. Her background in applied intelligence, digital experience design and development, cloud, and innovation have helped make her a highly sought resource for clients and ecosystem partners.
Coriel is a firm believer in the power of collaborative teams and is passionate about establishing and empowering diverse teams that deliver value. She is a member of the 2020 DBusiness 30 in Their Thirties class, and among other things, serves on the steering committee for NPower’s Command Shift Coalition which focuses on increasing the number of women of color in Technology careers. Coriel is a proud native of Detroit, Michigan where she currently resides with her husband and daughter.
16. Sydney Bonham
AVP of Investor Accounting, Northpointe Bank
Sydney Bonham is the Assistant Vice President of Investor Accounting at Northpointe Bank. With the primary focus to be a sound financial resource for each and every client, and after years of dedication and smart work, Northpointe has held onto this core value and transformed its business into a top influencer of the mortgage industry. Its success has led it to expand its organization in many facets of financial services, such as traditional retail deposits, nationwide mortgage purchasing programs, and community bank fulfillment services. Bonham first joined the bank in 2018 as an investor accounting manager. She has 15 years of experience.
Sydney is a financial professional with proven leadership skills in the mortgage servicing industry. Her propensity for problem-solving and process management yields a consistent record of success in dynamic and challenging environments. From cancer research to mortgage banking, she has demonstrated her attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Before joining Northpointe Bank, Bonham was a zone leader at Steelcase, and before that, an investor reporting analyst at Preferred Mortgage Services Inc (PMSI). She graduated from Dartmouth College with an undergraduate degree in women's and gender studies.
17. Patricia Deldin
Vice President of Behavioral Health, Color Health
Professor, University of Michigan
Patricia Deldin is currently a Professor at the University of Michigan in the Departments of Psychology (Clinical and Cognitive areas) and Psychiatry, and Vice President of Behavioral Health at Color Health, Burlingame CA. Before that, she was a professor at Harvard University. She received her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Iowa and her PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She had a short stint at the National Institutes of Mental Health as a post-bac scholar.
Patricia previously held leadership roles at the University of Michigan Eisenberg Family Depression Center, the first depression center of its kind, as an associate director and then deputy director. She helped launch the National Network of Depression Centers as a founding board member. She has directed the University of Michigan Clinical Psychology program where she helped transform the program into a leading Clinical Science program. She is a past-president and past board member of the Society for Research in Psychopathology, the premiere clinical psychology psychopathology society.
Historically, Patricia’s research program focused on transdiagnostic neural correlates of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. More recently, her research program has focused on Mood Lifters, a mental wellness program, where she has nearly a dozen articles in various stages of publication. Dr. Deldin and her students created Mood Lifters as a way to help many people who can't or won't get traditional care worldwide have access to low-cost, effective, evidence-based mental health care. In addition to creating the program, Dr. Deldin is a Mood Lifters leader and participated as a member.
18. Kristen Holt
President & CEO, GreenPath Financial Wellness
President & CEO Kristen Holt, is leading GreenPath Financial Wellness toward a bold vision: Remix the American dream so that it works for everyone. She believes that financial wellness is a cornerstone of people’s ability to achieve their full potential, and that improved access to better financial tools and services will improve the lives of all Americans and can be achieved through collaboration, networked communities, and human-centered design.
Kristen brings a lifetime of experience and insight to this work. Her career leading global corporate enterprises, managing M&A, and helping to transform traditional nonprofits into innovative organizations, prepared her for the financial wellness work of GreenPath. She is passionate and driven to empower all people to take control of their finances so that they can pursue their dreams. Her leadership sets a tone of integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to positive change in the world.
19. Kari Bliss
Principal of Sustainability, PADNOS
With over 20 years of experience, Kari Bliss leads Sustainability at PADNOS, an industrial recycler of paper, plastics, metals, and electronics. Her expertise in materials allows her to capitalize on circular economy market trends. Her team developed 36 solutions for complex circular economy challenges faced by OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
Kari is a GreenBiz certified professional leading the sustainability transformation, She is a GRI Certified Sustainability Professional, a board member of the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, and the treasurer of the Society of Plastic Engineers Recycling Division. Kari is a result-driven leader skilled at developing sustainability initiatives. Her ability to establish trust with a diverse array of customers, and identify what they value, brings all the necessary stakeholders together to solve complex circular economy challenges.
20. Collette Champagne
Chief Operating Officer, Hagerty
As a member of the Hagerty Executive Team for over a decade, Collette Champagne has always been passionate about creating and fostering a strong, people-focused culture. In her current role as Chief Operating Officer at Hagerty, she partners with senior executives to ensure all aspects of Hagerty’s strategy and operations align with the company’s purpose and core values. She oversees operations for member sales and service, strategy planning, HR, compensation practice, and team member engagement, as well as enterprise facilities and classic vehicle fleet. She is responsible for leading Hagerty’s growth culture and working closely with the Transformation Management Office to deliver operational excellence.
After joining Hagerty in 1999, Champagne went on to manage sales and service operations before joining and eventually leading HR. Her unique perspective helps Hagerty incorporate team member policies, talent development, recruitment, and world-class customer service within an innovative sales culture. She has been a key leader in the evolution of Hagerty becoming a global, publicly traded company, championing diversity inclusion, and belonging efforts as well as the shift to a remote-first work environment.
Champagne’s love for building communities reaches beyond Hagerty. She has spent much of her career driving positive change and giving back to the causes she cherishes. She is an advocate for female leaders in the insurance and automotive industry. Her commitment to embracing a growth mindset, building leadership habits, and delivering value and purpose for her team has made her a relevant and effective leader throughout her career.
21. Ivy Tran
Chief Financial Officer, Xenith
Ivy Tran serves as an Operating Partner at Volte. Volte partners with organizations to provide financial, operational, and technology advisory services, equity, as well as interim and permanent management services. At Volte, Ivy provides restructuring guidance to organizations, specializing in financial, operational, digital, and eCommerce transformation.
Currently, she serves as Chief Financial Officer at Xenith, a Volte portfolio company. She formerly served as COO for Fathead. As a previous Deloitte professional and research scientist, she has served multinationals in the automotive, industrial products, pharmaceutical, software & technology, and consumer goods industries. Her experience with engagements during her professional career involves business model optimization, in-depth financial analysis, global and domestic compliance documentation, IP planning/migration, domestic and international restructuring, financial audit support, technology transformations, large-scale data migration and analysis as well as standing up and executing several research projects.
Ivy graduated from The University of Michigan with a Master of Applied Economics focused on financial economics and a Master of Public Policy focused on statistical evaluation and policy analysis. In addition, during her time in graduate school, she received a graduate certificate in science, technology, and public policy. She also holds an Honors Bachelor of Science in biological chemistry from the University of Michigan.
22. Alicia Córdoba
President, Aquinas College
Alicia Córdoba is the ninth President of Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Before joining Aquinas, she served as the inaugural Beirne Director of the Center for Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas. In February 2022, she was promoted from distinguished chair to associate vice president acknowledging her service to the institution. Córdoba served from January 1998 to May 2018 at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, as director of the Center for Mission and Identity, assistant to the president for mission integration, interim director of campus ministry, chair of the departments of music and fine and performing arts, and professor of music.
She received her undergraduate and master’s music degrees in oboe performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and from The Juilliard School in New York City, she was the first woman to receive a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in English horn performance. Córdoba has taught a variety of courses in music and the humanities, and consults and presents on topics related to leadership development, strategic planning, critical thinking, Catholic mission and identity, musical performance, and musicianship. As an active performer on the oboe, oboe d’amore, and English horn, Córdoba has performed throughout Europe, North, and South America, and in Australia, and continues to commission new works in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
23. Jacqueline Rice
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, MillerKnoll
Jacqueline Rice has served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of MillerKnoll, Inc., a publicly traded furniture and design company, since February 2019. She is a board director at Adtran, Inc. and acts as chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. From 2014 to 2017, Rice served as Target Corporation’s EVP and chief risk and compliance officer with responsibility for enterprise and vendor risk, corporate security, and corporate compliance and ethics.
Before joining Target, Rice served as chief compliance officer and legal counsel for General Motors, and before that, as General Motors’ executive director of global ethics and compliance. She graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where she was editor-in-chief of the Law Review. She received her undergraduate degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University.
24. Micah Hood
Chief of Staff of Detroit Department of Transportation, City of Detroit
Micah Hood is the Chief of Staff of the Detroit Department of Transportation of the City of Detroit. The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is the largest public transit provider in Michigan that serves the City of Detroit, surrounding suburbs, and neighboring cities, including Highland Park and Hamtramck. DDOT prides itself on providing reliable, clean, safe, and efficient service to an average of 85,000 riders daily. Hood has 9 years of experience. She began her career in 2014.
Micah is a dynamic professional manager with years of experience within city government. Her experience runs deep within formulating, presenting, and executing operating budgets and superior analytical skills. She is a strong communicator and relationship builder, experienced in successful interactions with senior municipal government and civilian officials, private companies, community organizations, and the general public. Hood graduated from Grand Valley State University with an undergraduate degree in communication and media studies.
25. Mary Kratz
Executive Vice President, Interoperability Institute
Mary Kratz is the Executive Vice President of the Interoperability Institute. She is a leader in the field of biomedical informatics, working at the intersection of interoperability, telemedicine, and business development. As a senior health informatics advisor to the United States Department of State, Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, and Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, Mary implemented health information systems in over 40 countries, primarily low and middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mary previously assisted the World Health Organization, International Telecommunication Union, United States Agency for International Development, Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and the National Academies of Science Institute of Medicine in formulating and articulating policy, position, and response to current and emerging technologies and enabling interoperability across a variety of public and private organizational missions.
Starting her career in research and clinical laboratories at the University of Michigan Health System, Mary quickly transitioned into managing complex enterprise-wide computer deployments. She chaired several Standards Development Organization committees for Health Level Seven, Object Management Group, and the International Standards Organization. Under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act, Mary was recruited to work for the US Government. She served as a contracting officer representative at the US Army Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center at Fort Detrick. She was Internet2’s initial Health Sciences director, implementing next-generation Internet for academic organizations in the United States and globally, before taking a position with the US Government.
26. Nicole Gregory
CEO, Urban You
Nicole Gregory is the CEO of Urban You, Michigan’s #1 medical spa, as well as luxury online skincare site Urban You For Me and on-demand staffing platform PinchGig. Many years ago, she had difficulty finding one location that fulfilled all of her traditional beauty needs. The Urban You was created from that gap in the industry. Over the last 6 years, they have opened 4 locations in Grand Rapids and Northville, MI.
Nicole’s dedication and passion for the medical spa industry has granted her the title of Key Opinion Leader and national speaking opportunities at AmSpa, Octane - Aesthetics and Technology, Women in Technology, and other industry-specific topics. She has decades of experience in entrepreneurship, technology, marketing, and real estate, having served as a high-level executive in multiple Fortune 500 companies.
Nicole is the president and chairperson for the Michigan Medical Spa Association where she’s creating a new standard and defining the Michigan med spa industry by focusing on patient advocacy with qualified medical directors. She also hosts The Beauty Standard podcast, which highlights providers and brand owners who reinvent the standard of their expertise. Nicole’s successes are measured through the growth of the kind and hardworking staff at Urban You, which results organically in consistent growth in revenue and an increase in locations across Michigan.
27. Danielle Hilliker
President and Chief Executive Officer, Southeastern Michigan Health Association
Danielle Hilliker is a social justice warrior and community change advocate passionate about issuing societal change in the sector of nonprofits. Danielle serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Southeastern Michigan Health Association (SEMHA), historically leading in the advancement of public health for Southeastern residents since 1956. SEMHA is committed to improving the population's health outcomes to advance equity in healthcare for Michigan.
Danielle has consulted and led a variety of nonprofits in various sectors; from PYXERA Global to the Capitol of the United States of America, and Michigan Women’s Foundation. During her tenure, she was awarded as a fellow with the Cross-Generational Women Leaders in Washington DC, to partner with young and senior women leaders on key issues at the local, state, and national level.
Danielle has served as a board member for Teen Hype, Community Development Advocates of Detroit, and on the D&I Council for Troy School District. She has immersed herself in the fight for systemic change, and she focuses on issues of social justice, equity, social determinants of health, and community development work. Danielle holds a master’s degree from Spring Arbor University, concentrating in management organizational development, and is currently pursuing her PhD in public policy and administration focusing on international nongovernmental organizations.
28. Kathleen Vogelsang
Chief Investment Officer, Van Andel Institute
Kathleen Vogelsang is the Chief Investment Officer at Van Andel Institute. In this role, Vogelsang is responsible for the investment management of the Institute’s $2 billion endowment. She joined VAI in June 2005 and subsequently established the Institute’s Investment Office.
Before joining VAI, Vogelsang served as a VP and senior portfolio manager in the Wealth Management Group at Fifth Third Bank. She previously served as director of investments for JVA Enterprises, the family office of Jay and Betty Van Andel, where she developed the organization’s investment office. She serves on the boards of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Gift of Life Michigan and is a member of the investment committees for Grand Valley State University’s Endowment Fund, the Grand Rapids Symphony, Council of Michigan Foundations, Meijer Foundation, and Frey Foundation.
In 2016, Crain’s Detroit named Vogelsang one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan, and in 2020, they named her one of their Notable Women in Finance in Michigan. She was also named to the Class of 2020 Influential Leaders by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Vogelsang graduated from Grand Valley State University with an MBA as well as an undergraduate degree in finance. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute.
29. Carry VandenMaagdenberg
Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, Agape Care Group
Carry VandenMaagdenberg is the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of Agape Care Group. She is responsible for providing strategic leadership to achieve the long-term goals of the organization while managing the day-to-day operations, ensuring that all systems, resources, and employees are aligned. She leads the company’s technology, human resources, innovation, marketing, and customer relations departments in addition to the Hands of Hope pediatric program.
Originally from the Netherlands, Carry initially came to the US in 1994. Before joining Hospice Care of South Carolina, Carry served as the COO at Great Lakes Caring where she was employed for 22 years and held a variety of leadership positions after working as a physical therapist.
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Carry loves her job and feels fortunate for the opportunity to positively impact the lives of those at the end of life. Carry is passionate about Agape Care’s pediatric program, Hands of Hope, and is proud that they are the only national, board-certified, interdisciplinary team in South Carolina to provide home-based pediatric hospice and palliative care.
30. Jenifer Neptune
Chief Visionary Officer and Co-Founder, Boutique Hotel Professionals
Jenifer Neptune, Chief Visionary Officer for Boutique Hotel Professionals (BHP), launched BHP with Co-Founder and CEO Paul Wegert in response to the growing demand for boutique and independent hotels. She focuses on the strategic direction and business development for BHP.
Jenifer’s involvement in the hospitality industry spans over 15 years in sales, marketing, and business development for management companies and properties. Additionally, she oversees the operations of Inspired Pineapple, BHP’s in-house marketing agency specializing in branding and market strategies for independent hotels, event and golf venues, restaurants, and spas.
Jenifer loves to be blown away by unique travel experiences and is passionate about creating over-the-top guest experiences. Her active involvement with AHLA includes her role as an Ambassador for ForWard: Women Advancing Hospitality. She earned her degrees in international business and finance at Westmont College, Universität des Saarlandes, and Boise State University.
31. Whitney Weiner
Founder & CEO, Whole Dental Wellness
Whitney Weiner was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa by two incredible parents that instilled in her a lust for learning and adventure. An overachiever from the get-go, Dr. Weiner excelled in academics and earned a full ride to The Colorado College. A Midwestern girl at heart, she returned home to attend graduate school at the prestigious University of Iowa College of Dentistry, where she was awarded for her outstanding achievement in periodontics. She followed that by perfecting her craft in a postgraduate program in periodontics at the University of Illinois at Chicago and earning a master’s degree in oral sciences, focusing on the genetic ties to inflammatory diseases.
Earlier in her career, Whitney joined a boutique periodontal office for a short while but quickly learned that she wanted to set her sights higher and open her own group practice with an emphasis on the connection between oral health and overall health, thus the creation of Whole Dental Wellness. In addition, she took over a specialty practice that focuses not only on periodontics but endodontics and oral surgery as well. She plans to open multiple locations in the future to expand the Whole Wellness concept that she is so passionate about.
It’s no wonder that this overachiever has been named a Top 25 Women in Dentistry and the Most Interesting Person in Dentistry and is a 2-time winner of 40 under 40 all while lecturing nationally and internationally to share her breadth of knowledge to dental professionals that like her, strive to be the best in their chosen careers. While she is a proud philanthropist, friend, mentor, and visionary, she is most proud of her role as a wife and mother to her three energetic boys.
32. Courtney Smith
Founder & CEO, Detroit Phoenix Center
Courtney Smith is the Founder & CEO of the Detroit Phoenix Center. She built an award-winning nonprofit organization providing housing, basic needs, education, and essential wrap-around services to children, youth, and families transitioning from homelessness and poverty. Detroit Phoenix Center also mobilizes youth most impacted by systemic barriers to drive change within their community.
Her outstanding commitment to service has garnered national recognition, including Comcast Newsmakers and the Steve Harvey Show. Courtney has been named the 2021 Most Valuable Professional by Corp! Magazine and a covid-19 Hero by Crain’s Detroit Business. She is a Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40 honoree and a double-time recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award, along with many other notable achievements. Courtney prides herself on being transparent and progressive, two traits that have made her a sought-after speaker on youth and community development topics, advocacy, and servant leadership.
She is also a thought leader on the Forbes Nonprofit Council. As drum major for service, Courtney also serves on the Eastern Michigan University Alumni Association's board of directors and is a governing board member of the Black Executive Director Alliance of Detroit. More recently, Courtney served on the Steering Committee for the Soul of Philanthropy, bringing a national exhibit to the Detroit Historical Museum and amplifying the stories of renowned community leaders. Courtney graduated with an undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University. She is currently pursuing graduate coursework at Harvard University.
33. Lynne Jarman-Johnson
Chief Marketing Officer, Consumers Credit Union
Lynne Jarman-Johnson is a proven leader in communications. Lynne energizes people of all levels while connecting to core visions of products and services to ensure direct audience impact. She is the Chief Marketing Officer for Consumers Credit Union. Lynne excels in strategic goal planning and member & customer success. She is recognized for her creation of the Wedding Cake© philosophy to guide organizations to communication success.
Lynne is a bold leader who brings passion and quality to all works and levels of an organization. She brings social communication expertise with knowledge of up-to-the-minute technology/information systems for communication push/pull and brand/product success. She graduated from Michigan State University in 1985. She is involved in the Grand Rapids Economic Club, Sustaining Member, Board Member, Grand Rapids Urban League, Allies Angels, Endowment Member FHC Fine Arts Center, and MSU West Michigan Alumni Association. Lynne is a sought-after public speaker and is recognized in social media as @MojoCMO.
34. Suzy Siegle
President & CEO, Walsh College
Suzy Siegle currently serves as the ninth President, CEO & Chief Champion of Walsh College, an upper-division and graduate business and technology college located in Troy, Michigan. Walsh College provides a transformative business and technology education that combines theory, application, and professional experience to prepare graduates for successful careers.
Suzy’s academic and professional background blends her passions for business, law, and higher education, specifically focusing on the value and importance of business and technology education in today’s rapidly changing world. A licensed attorney and member of the State Bar of Michigan, she holds an undergraduate degree, an MBA, a JD, and a doctorate in higher education leadership and management, with her dissertation focused on alternative and innovative operating models for higher education in the 21st century. She is a certified HeartMath® trainer and coach, a certified executive coach through the Center for Executive Coaching, and has earned certifications in applied neuroscience and brain health, the neuroscience of learning and development, and in consumer neuroscience and neuromarketing from Copenhagen Business School.
Suzy is the author of The THRIVE Journal: A Step-by-step guide to help you create and accomplish your goals, Locus: Take control and change the direction of your life, and Chief Energy Officer- the new CEO: How high-performing leaders manage people, pressure and profit to build thriving organizations.
35. Alison Orlans
CEO & President, eTitle, Orlans PC & Revlegal
Alison Orlans is a passionate innovator who is committed to transforming and shaping the way real estate transactions and legal services are delivered while improving the client experience. More than 15 years ago, Alison joined the family businesses created by her mother, Linda Orlans. As President of eTitle, Alison expanded the company’s reach and services, making eTitle one of the largest independent and most highly skilled land title agencies. eTitle sets the standard for a leaner, greater, 5-star experience. In 2009, Alison formed Atlantic Law Group and in 2017 she led the multi-million-dollar merger of three law firms to launch Orlans PC. Orlans PC serves the real estate and financial services industry and is one of the largest WBENC-certified women-owned law firms in the country.
Alison has created a core-purpose-driven organization, grounded in a unique corporate culture, setting the gold standard in client service, technology, and performance. She is known as a visionary who integrates lean processes and technology with legal knowledge and expertise. Her unique approach led to the creation and launch of Revlegal in 2020. Revlegal is “law accelerated” and provides modernization, consultation, and other lean practices for legal services – optimizing people, processes, and performance – for corporate legal departments and government entities.
Alison has been part of multiple women's organizations, champions diversity in the legal profession, and has grown her employee base to 70% female. She advocates for increased diversity worldwide, has presented at the WBENC conferences, and is a member of NAMWOLF. Alison now serves as the CEO and President of Orlans PC, eTitle, and Revlegal.
36. Lauren Romanowski
Chief of Operations & Creative Director, Mortgage Token
Lauren Romanowski is a one-of-a-kind branding and company startup expert located in Metro Detroit. With a passion for building unique relationships and a track record of growing and scaling major organizations, Lauren has established herself as a formidable force in the industry. She excels at scaling concepts and crafting brand messages for global organizations and companies, drawing on her extensive background in design, technology, mortgage, real estate, and product industries. As the Chief of Operations, she oversees all aspects of app, technology, and marketing development, from conceptualization to completion. With her exceptional leadership skills and ability to adapt and course-correct in response to new processes or challenges, Lauren ensures that businesses stay on track.
Lauren's extensive experience and skills in branding, creative briefs, web design, management, and product marketing make her a highly skilled professional in her field. Her proficiency in these areas allows her to create products that have the potential to change the landscape of crypto lending. By implementing policies that promote company culture and vision, Lauren maintains control of diverse business operations, establishing herself as an experienced and efficient leader.
With excellent people skills, sharp business acumen, and an exemplary work ethic, Lauren is a valuable asset to any team. She brings her expertise to Hyper Digital Marketing as one of the co-owners, where she continues to make a significant impact in the industry. Lauren's dedication to giving back to the community through her past humanitarian work further exemplifies her commitment to making a positive difference.
37. Sandy Harvey
Founder & President, Exodus Consulting Group
Sandy Harvey is the Founder and President of Exodus Consulting Group, where she utilizes her 25+ years of experience as an HR, operations, and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist. She has worked in many industries, including financial services, defense, retail, energy, nonprofit, and more. Sandy supports individuals and organizations by aligning business processes, platforms, and people to achieve goals by identifying diverse and innovative measures. As a student of life and an embracer of differences, Sandy seeks opportunities to demonstrate that individuals and organizations are better collaborators by highlighting our differences. She is committed to creating engaged and profitable companies that enhance the lives of individuals through professional development and innovation. She provides coaching for professionals, leaders, executives, and pastors desiring to achieve greater self-awareness and realize personal and professional goal attainment. As a Certified Diversity Professional, she passionately helps organizations improve efficiency by embracing diversity and inclusion strategies.
Sandy has an undergraduate degree in business and an MBA in organizational management from Texas Wesleyan University. In addition, she holds a master’s degree in evangelism and church planting. Sandy is certified to facilitate recognized diversity, leadership, and professional development programs and is passionate about positively impacting others and supporting organizational transformation. She is skilled in administering many behavioral, skill, and competency assessments. Sandy is a sought-after impact storyteller and diversity disciple seeking to inspire others to turn challenges into stepping stones. She enjoys mentoring others and advising executive leaders with meeting great successes.
38. Jennifer Goforth
Executive Director, General Motors
Jennifer Goforth is an Executive Director at General Motors (GM), leading the Global Aftersales Engineering & Service Operations. Appointed in 2022, she leads the Service Engineering teams in North America, Korea, China, Australia, Brazil, and GM International with global responsibility for all of GM’s Service Deliverables including Service Parts Release, Diagnostics, Reprogramming, Customer Literature and Cataloging, Service Instructions, Aftersales Substance of Concern and Supplier Quality Engineering. In addition, Jennifer is responsible for GM’s Service Operations in North America and South America, which includes Brand Quality, Field Action Execution, Field Service Engineering, Export Operations Aftersales, Warranty Administration, Labor Time, Warranty Administration, Technical Training and Service Special Tools. These deliverables support GM’s customers globally.
Jennifer has over 25 years of experience at GM including roles in Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing & Labor Operations, Vehicle Engineering, Vehicle Program Management, and Customer Care & Aftersales. She has extensive global experience through international assignments in Germany, South Korea, and China. She has passionately supported GM’s Zero Emissions Vision as vehicle line director Spark EV, chief engineer Bolt EV, chief engineer Bolt EUV and chief engineer Blazer EV.
Jennifer is a passionate leader who supports diversity and STEM as a member of GM’s Women’s Advisory Board and executive champion for GM’s Latino Network Warren Chapter. She has sustained a scholarship with the SAE Foundation recognizing excellence in STEM education and service to others and serves as a member of the I-CAR Board of Directors. Jennifer is the recipient of the SAE International Distinguished Younger Member, SAE International Significant Contributions to AWIM (A World in Motion, partnering industry volunteers and teachers to introduce students to engineering design experiences), SAE Detroit Section Outstanding Younger Member, and SAE Detroit Section Outstanding AWIM Contributions. She holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Marquette University and a master’s degree in engineering from Purdue University.
39. Deba Harper
Founder and CEO, CHAMP Nation
Deba Harper is accustomed to pioneering innovative systems, analyzing business workflow, and implementing user-centric business solutions. For 20 years, she has curated a successful career as a senior salesforce consultant and administrator, business analyst, producer, and real estate developer. She has worked with small businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and multinational and global corporations in various industries like entertainment, manufacturing, and real estate.
Harper is a systems innovation specialist who utilizes advancements in technology to improve the efficiency of producing goods and services by enhancing the Employee Experience (EX), which ultimately improves the Customer Experience (CX). Possessing intuitive analytical insight, she uses CRM data for qualitative analysis to evaluate business process challenges to identify opportunities to optimize efficiency. As a master multitasker, she possesses the capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects from frame and shape and throughout implementation. Harper graduated from California State University, Northridge with an undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary art and urban planning.
40. Julie A. Hegedus
Executive Director of Energy Services, Consumers Energy
Julie Hegedus is the Executive Director of Energy Services for Consumers Energy. She has been in the utility business for 20 years and joined the Consumers Energy team in February of 2008. She has overall responsibility for the company’s Appliance Service Program serving nearly 170K customers throughout Michigan. She held several leadership positions since joining Consumers Energy in 2008 including the executive director of gas distribution and executive director of gas construction and transmission operations. She was named the first female to hold these positions in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
Previously, Julie was the director of regulatory compliance and was responsible for all the gas code compliance work for all of the gas operations. She also worked as director of system integrity with responsibility for leading the implementation of the transmission and distribution integrity management programs.
Before joining Consumers Energy, Julie held a variety of leadership roles. She was a change leader at DTE Energy for 5 years in the areas of operations, engineering, and laboratory services. Julie co-led the Women’s Engineering Network at Consumers Energy from 2013-2015 and is currently an advisor. She is highly passionate about the professional development of young engineers and mentors several within Consumers Energy. In 2021, she was the recipient of the Energetic Women Maverick Award. Julie earned an undergraduate and master’s degree in chemical engineering from Wayne State University with a concentration in alternative energy.
41. Danielle Lake
Director of Design Thinking and Associate Professor, Elon University
Danielle Lake is the Director of Design Thinking and Associate Professor at Elon University. She first joined the company in 2019. Elon University has built a national reputation as the premier student-centered environment for engaged, experiential learning, with an emphasis on strong personal relationships between students and their faculty and staff mentors. Elon’s nearly 6,300 undergraduate students and more than 800 graduate students prepare to become the resilient, ambitious, and ethical leaders the world needs, putting their knowledge into action on campus, in the community, and around the globe.
Previously, Lake was a coordinator of the accelerated leadership program at Grand Valley State University. She earned a PhD in philosophy from Michigan State University, an MA in philosophy from The University of Toledo, and an undergraduate degree in liberal studies from Grand Valley State University.
42. Heather Rae
President & CEO, Common Ground
As President and CEO of Common Ground, Oakland County’s largest provider of mental health crisis services, Heather Rae is dedicated to ensuring that everyone, whether they are insured or not, receives the help that they need. Common Ground serves more than 80,000 people each year with compassionate, professional services through its text, chat, and call-in Resource and Crisis Helpline and in-person through its Resource and Crisis Center.
During her career, Heather Rae has served as a Crisis Services Taskforce member for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, as an expert panelist on crisis system public policy for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and as a white paper reviewer for the National Council on Behavioral Health. She has also lobbied for the passage of legislation to improve crisis services, including a bill updating standards for crisis stabilization units in Michigan.
43. Teresa Cerbolles
Head of Product and Infotainment Services Director, General Motors
Teresa Cerbolles is the Head of Product and Infotainment Services Director of General Motors. She first joined the company in 2006 as an HVAC development engineer. Teresa is an experienced automotive executive with a demonstrated ability to get results and lead a large team with high energy and genuine relationships. She has built multiple new teams that are engaged by providing leadership, strategy, and coaching.
Cerbolles has served General Motors for nearly 17 years in various capacities including in the Global Human Factors Center, as an engineer manager for vehicle controls integration, and as a global system integration lead. Before General Motors, she served with Delphi as a systems/control integration engineer. Cerbolles earned an MBA and an undergraduate degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Kettering University.
44. Lena Miles-LoRusso
Co-Executive Director and Co-Founder, Performing Arts Workshops
Lena Miles-LoRusso is a teacher, composer, and vocalist originally from Niles and currently residing in Detroit. She is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Performing Arts Workshops and has fulfilled leadership, teaching, and administrative roles for PAW since its founding in 2012. Lena teaches choir, general music, and theater at East Middle School in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where her choirs have received first-division ratings at MSVMA Choral Festival. Lena is also the musical director at East and has directed and music-directed productions for PAW and In the Mitten Productions.
Lena received her undergraduate degrees in music composition and music education from Michigan State University and is currently pursuing her master's in theater teaching artistry at Wayne State University. In her composing career, she has been commissioned to write choral music for choirs in Southeast and Mid-Michigan where her works have been performed. She has also written music for short independent films by Alexandra Hidalgo that continue to win international awards. Most recently, Lena sang on Collin Mattiford's EP album, Where to Go, which can be found on Spotify.
45. Korin Visocchi
Director of Upper School, Academy of the Sacred Heart Bloomfield Hills
Dr. Korin Visocchi is a passionate educator with a demonstrated history of success as a collaborative, creative, and strategic team member working to advance an organization’s mission. She is an expert in strategic planning, keynote addresses, educational operations, collaborative leadership, project management, leadership coaching, and school accreditation. Korin is also a retired rock-and-roller who marvels at how her unique journey in the music industry unexpectedly influences her best practices as an educational leader. Her story draws from 20 years of crossover lessons and experiences touring from California to France, teaching from Detroit to Lansing, and guiding institutions through economic downturns and COVID-19. It is a joyful tale of plot twists and roadblocks, but with a clear path forward for anyone, at any stage of their life journey.
Korin entered her undergraduate experience at Michigan State University with bright eyes and a love for music and reading. While earning degrees in History and International Studies at MSU’s Honor College, she began gigging with her then-boyfriend Augie (now husband of 15 years) at dive bars and dorms performing original music with their band, The Hard Lessons. As they unexpectedly began to gain national recognition, Korin simultaneously earned a Master's degree in Education from the University of Michigan.
Swapping school books for a microphone and electric keyboard, Korin and The Hard Lessons soon booked national tours and music publishing placements with Grey's Anatomy, Friday Night Lights, and Chevrolet while opening for everyone from Kings of Leon and My Chemical Romance to Rusted Root and Iggy Pop and the Stooges. After nearly a decade of adventure and non-stop touring, Korin made the difficult decision to stop performing and get back in the classroom. Embracing the intersection of rock and roll and education, Korin found her footing in the educational leadership space, discovering the weight authentic stories play in influencing confidence and real-world change.
Since earning her PhD in educational leadership from Oakland University, Korin has elevated her career by serving in roles as chief learning officer and executive director and is an expert in school accreditation, curriculum design, educator coaching, and strategic planning.
46. Barb Rozman-Stokes
Chief Talent Officer, Campbell Ewald
Barb Rozman-Stokes is the Chief Talent Officer of Campbell Ewald, a full-service, fully integrated marketing communications agency with offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York. Its mission is to create fans of brands and endorsers of products by igniting conversations and experiences that demonstrate how brands enhance consumers’ quality of life. It takes pride in engaging consumers at every level of conversation.
Before joining Campbell Ewald, Rozman-Stokes was an HR manager at Initiative Media. She graduated from Michigan State University with an undergraduate degree in HR management.
47. Kristin Phillips
Chief Administrative Officer, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Kristin Phillips has twenty-plus years of experience in marketing, strategic communications, and business sales both in state government and the private sector. She currently directs marketing and education activities and oversees sales systems for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. She serves as the Chief Administrative Officer.
Kristin participates on the boards of the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan, the Michigan Wildlife Council, and the Fowler Education Foundation. She volunteers in her community and coordinates fundraisers and events. In her free time, she can be found outdoors with her husband and five children.
48. Cheryl Porter
Chief Operating Officer, Great Lakes Water Authority
Cheryl Porter is the Chief Operating Officer of the Great Lakes Water Authority's Water and Field Services Area where she oversees five water treatment facilities and water transmission to the Authority's member partner communities, ensuring GLWA's water consistently meets and exceeds all quality standards and regulations. As the COO of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), she was part of the team that helped establish GLWA in 2016.
Porter is an active member of the American Water Works Association. In addition to serving as a Michigan Section Trustee (2018-2021) and sitting on the Section's Government Affairs Council, Ms. Porter also currently serves as AWWA's Vice President (2021-2022) and on AWWA's national board as Director-at-Large (2019-2022), as well as on its Finance Committees (2018-2021). In 2017, Crain's Detroit Business recognized her as one of Detroit's Women in Leadership.
Porter provides leadership that's grounded in experience and manages engineers, field staff, and administrative and technical support personnel. Her broad knowledge base in the water service sector began at DWSD as a junior chemist, where her dedication yielded eventual advancement to water production and operations manager. Porter earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, an MBA with a concentration in HR management from Madonna University, and a JD from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
49. Okeoma Mmeje
Associate Chief Clinical Officer for Health Equity, University of Michigan Medical School
Okeoma Mmeje serves as the University of Michigan Medical Group's Associate Chief Clinical Officer for Health Equity. Dr. Mmeje completed her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, followed by an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Pennsylvania and a reproductive infectious diseases fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco.
Mmeje joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as a faculty member in 2013 and began leading the department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives in 2016. As the associate chair for DE&I, Dr. Mmeje has led the development and implementation of strategic programs that are centered on creating, implementing, and assessing DE&I initiatives to foster an environment where all are welcomed, accepted, valued, and supported. In this role, she has fostered the personal education and development of faculty, staff, and trainees along the allyship spectrum to improve the care and experiences of the patients we serve by elevating the awareness of and impact of implicit bias on health and patient experiences.
As the ACCO for health equity, Dr. Mmeje brings her enthusiasm, collaborative spirit, commitment, and interdisciplinary leadership to promote equity in access and care delivery, reduce disparities, and provide oversight throughout the University of Michigan Medical Group ambulatory care delivery system.
50. Sandra Moran
Chief Marketing Officer, WorkForce
Sandra Moran is the Chief Marketing Officer at Workforce Software where she leads the global marketing organization’s demand creation, brand, and go-to-market strategy. Sandra is a high-impact marketing executive and transformational leader with a proven ability to formulate and execute marketing strategies that drive business growth. As a global-minded and enthusiastic leader, Sandra is experienced in developing a company’s capability to continually identify what customers value in order to uncover new areas of growth.
Before joining Workforce Software, Sandra served as the CMO at LLamasoft through a successful $1.5B sale to Coupa Software. She has also served as CMO for both SurgeonCheck and INTTRA. As CMO, Sandra spearheaded the development of programs and initiatives such as the go-to-market strategy, brand identity, product marketing, digital customer acquisition, social engagement, client relationship building, and paths to new business.
Sandra has more than 25 years of experience enabling software and technology companies to strengthen their brand and accelerate revenue growth through a customer-centric approach. Having held leadership roles in marketing, sales, new business, and product management, Sandra has built many successful, high-performing, global cross-functional teams. She earned an undergraduate degree in business analytics and research from Texas A&M University.