2025 GUEST SPEAKERS
Patricia Belden is Executive Vice President and Chief Real Estate Development Officer at The Community Builders, Inc. Previously, she spent 25 years at Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), advancing from project manager to COO. She led POAH’s Chicago expansion, managed Choice Neighborhoods initiatives, and launched its Community Impact program. She also served as president of POAH Communities. Patricia holds a master’s in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School and a bachelor’s from Cornell. She serves on national housing boards, including the Housing Partnership Network and National Affordable Housing Trust.
PATRICIA BELDEN
The Community Builders
With over three decades of experience in construction safety, Mike McMahon is a dedicated Safety Director at Sachse Construction, where he has led safety initiatives for the past 10 years. His expertise spans industrial safety, OSHA training, and construction safety management, ensuring the highest standards of workplace safety across a variety of projects.
Before joining Sachse, Mike spent a decade as an Area Safety Manager at Turner Construction Company, overseeing major projects such as the Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel and Casino Expansion and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC. His background also includes safety leadership roles at Angelo Iafrate Companies and Williams Harper Palmer & Associates, where he managed safety for heavy civil construction projects and quarry operations.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Mike served 15 years as a Construction Heavy Equipment Operator in the Seabees, earning multiple Navy Enlisted Classifications in Water Well Drilling, Blasting, and Instruction. His passion for safety education is further demonstrated by his credentials as a Master Training Specialist and MSHA Instructor.
Committed to fostering a culture of safety and excellence, Mike continues to drive impactful safety programs that protect workers and enhance project success.
MIKE McMAHON
Sachse Construction
Mike Duggan, a lifelong Michigan resident, has served as Detroit’s Mayor since 2013. A University of Michigan Law graduate, he was Deputy Wayne County Executive for 14 years, overseeing Comerica Park, Ford Field, and Metro Airport’s construction. As CEO of Detroit Medical Center, he saved the hospital system from bankruptcy, introducing the nationally recognized 29-minute ER guarantee. Duggan’s grassroots campaign strategy led to historic election victories. He is the second-longest-serving Mayor in Detroit’s history, recognized by Fortune Magazine and the National Management Association for his leadership. Columnist George Will called him “the most accomplishing politician in America.”
MAYOR DUGGAN
City of Detroit
Renard Richmond is a Construction Manager for the City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity Department and Detroit at Work. He leads employer engagement strategies, workforce development, and compliance with the Mayor’s Executive Orders and Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP). A Detroit native, he has 25+ years in construction as a teacher, tradesman, and businessman. Renard is passionate about community and workforce development, creating pathways to employment for Detroit residents. A graduate of Ferris State and the University of Phoenix, his motto is the African proverb: “If you teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime.”
RENARD RICHMOND
City of Detroit
Jason Lee is the President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan (JASEM). He is responsible for leading and managing the strategy, fund development and operations for the regional non-profit organization. Jason Lee works feverishly to transform the lives of the most disadvantaged and disconnected members of the region through entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workforce readiness exposure and training.
JASON LEE
Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan
Todd Sachse is the CEO of Sachse Construction. Todd formed Sachse Construction in 1991 on the foundation of a systematic approach to project management, and the principles of doing the right thing and pursuing excellence by constantly raising the bar. Over the past 29 years, he has developed a loyal clientele of high-end customers who require detailed expertise in design and construction. As a result, Todd has driven Sachse Construction to successfully complete millions of square feet of commercial, institutional, multifamily, and industrial projects throughout all 50 States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
TODD SACHSE
Sachse Construction
PAST SPEAKERS
David is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Century Partners, where he combines commitment to community, legacy, and purpose with a dedication to building a culture of sustainable excellence.
David grew up in South Jamaica, in the Queens borough of New York, an avid reader and a high-achieving scholarship kid eager to make a mark on the world. With teachers scrambling to keep enough books in the classroom for him to devour his way through, he assumed he would one day become an English professor or a lawyer. But years later, while a freshman at Columbia University, a conversation with a mentor about intention, community and legacy changed his path.
As Century Partners grows and establishes itself as one of the region’s most exciting Black-led businesses, David is focused on building a company with a reputation for excellence, transparency and sustainability, and processes that are both durable and adaptive.
DAVID ALADE
Co-Founder & CEO, Century Partners
Adrienne Bennett, President & CEO, is a pioneer in America's plumbing and construction industries. She is North America's first and only female licensed master plumber and plumbing contractor; America's first African-American female plumbing inspector and certified medical gas inspector and installer; and one of America's few minority-owned, woman-owned and operated, self-performing, union specialty trade contractors.
Adrienne served the City of Detroit as a Plumbing Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer. She is a licensed union plumber from Plumbers Local 98 and has held a litany of positions throughout her prolific career including: Chief Project Manager, Chief Space Analyst, Master Plumber, Plumbing Estimator, and Drain Layer Contractor.
ADRIENNE BENNETT
President & CEO, Benkari Plumbing
As Deputy Mayor, Todd A. Bettison oversees many aspects of City government and serves as a bridge to community leaders and activists across the political spectrum.
The son of a Detroit schoolteacher, Bettison comes to the position of Deputy Mayor following a distinguished 27-year career with the Detroit Police Department and was second in command to Chief James White. In that role, he oversaw all aspects of the department’s community relations, as well as administrative functions of DPD.
Bettison rose through the ranks quickly at DPD, starting in 1994 as a patrol officer. Within five years, he was promoted to sergeant and to lieutenant one year later, each time scoring the highest of any candidate in the department on the promotional exam. Bettison continued his rise and was promoted to Inspector, Captain, Commander and eventually Deputy Chief in 2017. Bettison holds a bachelor of science degree from Wayne State University in Criminal Justice and a Graduate Business Certificate from the Mike Ilitch School of Business. He is also a graduate of Eastern Michigan University's School of Police Staff and Command and Oakland University's Six Sigma/Lean Management Certification-Green Belt Program.
As Deputy Mayor, Bettison will fill in for Mayor Duggan if the Mayor is incapacitated or otherwise unable to fulfill his duties. Given his extensive law enforcement background, Bettison will oversee all enforcement-related activities from police to blight enforcement and more.
Todd A.Bettison
Police Chief, Detroit Police Department
Clifford brings over twenty-five years of real estate, corporate and investment finance and banking experience. As President and CEO, he oversees operations for Woodborn Partners and its affiliate companies (Woodborn Property Management and Woodborn Capital & Investment). Previously, he provided financial analysis and support of Ford Motor Land Development’s hotel, landscaping company and property/project managers for over 5 million square feet of commercial space locally and nationally. In his capacity in Investment Finance, he supported the issuance of over $4B of securitized debt and successfully executed approximately $500M in note pay downs of Lease and Retail facilities. Clifford is a graduate of The Ohio State University where he graduated with a BS and a Master’s in Finance; a graduate of the Urban Land Institute's Robert C. Larson Center for Leadership program. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Brush Park Community Development Corporation and the Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program.
CLIFF BROWN
Managing Partner, Woodborn Partners
CHARISMA CARLISLE
Bricklayers, Local 2, RAM Construction
Born and raised in the infamous zip code 48205 of Detroit, MI, one of the world's most dangerous cities, Keyon Clinton is not a statistic! He received his Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University in electrical engineering, but he knew that he had a greater calling in life.
After retiring from engineering at 28, Keyon decided to pursue his true calling, impacting others. Keyon, an advocate for execution, delivers the life changing message of becoming 1% Better daily and it has led him to become an award-winning international speaker. Inspiring others has also led him to becoming the best-selling author of Healing the Living Dead “Habits that shift you from a Morgue mentality to a Forbes mentality”. Understanding that personal health has a direct correlation to your business health; Keyon became a two-time award-winning bodybuilder and created the 1% Better Nation that has trained thousands of people. His philanthropic character has driven him to invest in youth advancement and create the non-profit organization, F.A.M.I.L.Y Forget About Me, I Love You!
Keyon’s global company and brand 1% Better is focused on helping people grow holistically and execute at a high level. As of now they have impacted people in over 15 countries and 34 states. On a mission to help professionals develop their personal lives, businesses and careers Keyon created the 1% Better University which develops professional’s portfolios to increase their revenue and impact within their business. Out of all of his accomplishment at the age of 31, his greatest accomplishment is being a servant of the Lord!
Keyon has been featured on WDIV Detroit, Fox 2 Detroit, the Michigan Chronicle, Black Speakers Network, COBO Hall, Ford Field, Little Caesars Arena, Who’s Who in Detroit, 30 under 30 Detroit Entrepreneur and the Magic Johnson Foundation. Keyon Clinton was also a 2018, 2019 and 2020 receipt of The Top 25 Millennials in Detroit. In 2021, Keyon was a recipient of Forbes Next 1000 which highlighted the next 1000 entrepreneurs who are industry leaders impacting the world.
KEYON CLINTON
CEO, Keyon Clinton Speaks
Charity Dean is the President and CEO of the Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance (MDBBA). The MDBBA serves as Black Chamber of Commerce serving Black businesses in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. Charity is the former Director of Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity for the City of Detroit where she was responsible for investigating civil rights violations in the city of Detroit and also oversaw compliance for major
She currently serves as the President of the Grandmont Community Association and as an advisory committee member of the Detroit Women's Leadership Network and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Charity Dean was also a fellow with the Michigan Political Leadership Program and is currently a member of the Wolverine Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan. In 2019, Charity was appointed by Governor Whitmer to the Michigan Women's Commission. She also serves on Oakland University Alumni Association Board and on the board of Neighborhood Legal Services of Michigan. Charity was named Crain's Detroit 40 under 40 in 2020 for her role in leading the City of Detroit's small business response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Charity earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science from Oakland University and her juris doctorate from The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where she also currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law. A lifelong Detroiter, Charity lives in the city with her husband Erik Dean and her children Elijah and Lauren.
Former Director of Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity for the City of Detroit
CHARITY DEAN
President & CEO, MDBBA
RYAN FRIEDRICHS
VP of Development, Related Companies
MYLES HAMBY
Senior Development Manager, The Platform
Deputy Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District
ALYCIA MERIWEATHER
Deputy Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools
RICK SNYDER
Michigan’s 48th Governor
CHRIS JACKSON
Partner, Queen Lillian Development
A nationally recognized award-winning entrepreneur and industry trailblazer, Deana Neely is a force to be reckoned with. Possessing over ten years of construction experience, Deana is founder and CEO of Detroit Voltage; Detroit Michigan’s fastest growing 100% black woman owned electrical contracting firm. Detroit Voltage is leading the charge along with other partners by supporting renewable energy projects and electric vehicle infrastructure to reduce the carbon footprint.
A certified Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), Deana is passionate about serving the underserved city of Detroit as well as creating opportunities for training and employment to the community that raised her. She also supports women through the process of launching a construction company.
Due to her industry expertise and service excellence, Deana has been featured and recognized by companies such as the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, Google, Essence, DTE Energy and Forbes Next 1000 awardees for entrepreneurship. In addition to her professional accolades, Deana serves on the board of the US Minority Contractor Association (USMCA Michigan Chapter) and The National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWICDetroit).
Deana is a dedicated mom to two amazing children who are ready to make their own mark in the construction world. Together they are creating their future and making Detroit a brighter place to live.
DEANA NEELY
Founder & CEO, Detroit Voltage
MARLOWE STOUDAMIRE
Social Capital Expert, Butterfly Effect Detroit
Executive Director, Detroit College Access Network (DCAN)
ASHLEY JOHNSON
Executive Director, DCAN
Beth O’Connor is the VP of Programs at Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. As a member of the senior leadership team, she will work closely with the President to develop and implement the organization’s programming and volunteer engagement strategies. Prior to JA, Beth worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit for 18 years, last serving as the VP of Program Operations. Beth is licensed in Restorative Practices with demonstrated leadership in program management, youth development and DEI.
BETH O’CONNOR
VP of Programs, JA Southeastern Michigan
James Van Dyke joined the Roxbury Group in 2006 and currently serves as its President, overseeing the firm's development and asset management activity. In this capacity, he plays a key role in identifying, analyzing and implementing new projects as well as manages asset strategy for the company's growing portfolio. James is particularly adept at finding creative solutions to financing urban redevelopment projects. In recent years, he has focused on promoting Roxbury's commitment to local workforce development and mixed-income housing solutions. James earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Michigan, is a member of the Leadership Detroit XXIX and DBusiness' 2013 30 in Their 30s.
JAMES VAN DYKE
President, The Roxbury Group
CAMILLE MARTIN
Precon Manager, Sachse Construction
JOHN PERKINS, JR.
Founder, Legacy Development Foundation
Dana L. Williams is Chief of Staff & Director of Employer Engagement for Detroit @ Work in the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development as a part of the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) team. She is responsible for leading strategic partnerships with employers while also serving as an advisor to the Executive Director in executing the vision of the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board to build talent pipelines of Detroiters for key industries.
Prior to this role, Dana had a progressive career at DTE Energy serving in various leadership roles in Human Resources and Public Affairs. She designed people strategies and programming in areas such as talent management, diversity marketing, customer advocacy, community outreach, and charitable contribution programs drawing alignment across corporate social responsibility platforms. Specific duties included maintaining and growing corporate sponsorships and grant awards, coordinating placement of DTE personnel in organizational leadership positions and at events to maximize DTE's visibility in the community, operationalizing corporate outreach, designing crisis management processes, executing company annual meetings, managing neighborhood engagement programs, deploying legislative advocacy campaigns, and serving as an internal consultant to DTE leadership on community involvement. Dana has also had successful experiences in various industries such as aerospace & defense and professional services in human resources operations, workforce development, sales & marketing, and public education.
Dana is a graduate of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Leadership Detroit XLI class and an active member of the Renaissance Chapter of The Links, Inc. She has served on multiple nonprofit committees and boards and is currently on the City of Detroit Civil Service Commission and the United Way of Southeast Michigan’s Governance & Nominating Committee and 2020-2021 Campaign Cabinet. She was a member of the New Paradigm Loving Glazer Academies Charter School Board and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Young Professionals Committee. She has served as president of both the Michigan Diversity Council and the Detroit Society of Human Resource Management. She earned a Corp! Magazine Salute to Diversity Award in 2010, received the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award in 2013, and was named one of the “40 Under 40” by the Michigan Chronicle that same year.
Dana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Spanish and a secondary teaching certificate from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She has a Master of Management degree with a concentration in Marketing from Walsh College.
DANA L. WILLIAMS
President & CEO, Detroit at Work