Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Regional Chamber is actively involved in fostering opportunities for emerging leaders to address regional issues through collaboration. Each year, the Chamber partners with Harvard Business School's Young American Leaders Program (YALP) to facilitate this mission. As a founding member, the Chamber assists in selecting and recruiting a diverse group of participants, raises funds to cover stipends, and prepares individuals for their involvement in the program.

By hosting such programs in the Detroit Region, the Chamber aims to empower future leaders by promoting cross-sector connections and innovative solutions to local challenges. These initiatives are designed to build a network of committed individuals who will contribute to the region's progress both now and in the future.

YALP was established in 2015 and annually gathers ten leaders from each of 14 cities across the United States. Participants engage in a Harvard Business School experience that includes case studies, speaker presentations, and collaborative sessions aimed at addressing specific city issues.

The program seeks to inspire cooperative innovation among business, civic, and nonprofit leaders across U.S. cities as part of Harvard Business School’s U.S. Competitiveness Project. Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, is involved with this project.

This year's cohort includes Jose L. Flores from Ancor Automotive; Dorian A. Grey from AAA (The Auto Club Group); Evette Griffie from DTE Energy; Zaineb A. Hussein from City of Dearborn; Adam Majestic and Jim Martinez from Detroit Regional Chamber; David Merrit from Straight Gate Church; Shawn Mersino from Comerica Bank; Dan Ngoyi from Rocket Mortgage; and Gino Roncelli from Roncelli Inc.