Detroit’s brightest and most talented professionals were honored at the Michigan Chronicle’s 40 under 40 award ceremony.
“We are honored to celebrate the lives and work of so many of Detroit’s successful young professionals,” said Cathy Nedd, associate publisher and chief operating officer of the Michigan Chronicle.
The event was emceed by local radio personality Lola George.
This year, four individuals – Laurie Underwood, David Woods, Sean Anderson and Kelly Carter – were awarded with distinguished trailblazer awards for their contribution to the community.
“I remember being 16 years old and it was in the Michigan Chronicle – it was the first time I was in any publication,” said Underwood. “I just want to thank the Chronicle and all of you for supporting me – recognizing my passion and talent will ultimately lead me to my purpose.”
Anderson, also known as award-winning rapper Big Sean, was the night’s special honoree. The Michigan Chronicle honored Anderson’s family foundation with a $5,000 check which was given to Anderson and his mom while on stage.
“I want to thank God and the Michigan Chronicle for this honor,” said Anderson. “We really control our own destinies and it is never too late to follow your dreams.”
Forty other individuals were awarded for their work in their respective industries.
City of Detroit councilwoman Mary Sheffield shared words with the attendees about the importance of their individual contribution to uplifting the Black community.
“I want to commend each awardee for the hard work they have put in to be recognized as distinguished role models for others,” said Sheffield, who is a former 40 under 40 award winner.
Each 40 under 40 winner were also awarded a Spirit of Detroit award from the council member.
The evening was sponsored by Humana, Remy Martin, Clora Funeral Home.
The complete list of this year’s winners can be read below:
Martell Anderson
Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch
Kyle Bartell
Co- Founder, Sit on it Detroit
Ron Bartell
Owner, Kuzzo’s Restaurant
Shawn Blanchard
Director of Youth Services, City of Detroit
Nikkiya Branch
Attorney, Perkins Law Group
Randal Brown
Chief Assistant, Wayne County Corporation Counsel
Major Clora
Founder & President, Clora Funeral Home
LaToya Cunningham
Founder & President, Posh PR & Events
Amina Daniels
Founder, Live Cycle Detroit
Lateshia Dowell
Founder, Flaky Bakes
Tesenga Sha’ Duncan Smith
Director of Diversity & Inclusion, University of Michigan
Bennie Jamal Earl Tolbert
Manager, City of Detroit’s Human Resources Department
Bryant L. George
Executive Director, Real Life 101 Scholarship Fund
Kyle Hall
Founder, Wild Oats Music
Jerrell Harris
Director of Restructuring and Transformation, City of Detroit
Sharon L. Harris
President and Founder, Lupus Detroit
LaToya Henry
Managing Partner, WardHill Omni Media
Sean Jackson
Founder/Chairman & CEO, Elderly Oral Health Care Consulting, Inc.
James Logan
CEO & Founder, Hire Level Coaching
Keiana Love
Manager of Field Mobility & Technology, Consumer’s Energy
Sheila Marable
Treasury Management Officer, PNC Bank
Michelle Matthews-Alexander
Diversity Marketing Team, General Motors
Collin Mays
District Director to Senator David Knezek, State of Michigan
Malcolm Miller
Energy Advisor, Walker Miller Energy Services
Matthew Miller
Marketing Manager, Walker Miller Energy Services
Dr. Cleamon Moorer Jr.
Dean of the School of Business, Madonna University
Loretta A. Morman
Author, Speaker & Therapist, Life Beyond the Norm
Erica Murphy
News Reporter and Anchor, WJR News Talk 760/WJBK Fox 2 News
Jackie Palmer
Founder, Goodlife Media
Monte Perkins
General Manager, Merollis Chevrolet Sales & Service
Ebony Rivers
Mobile Mammography Marketing Specialist, St. John Providence Health
Jasmen Sheffield-Sadler
Financial Analyst, Nissan
Andrea L. Smith
Clinical Practice Improvement Manager, Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority
Chanelle Smith
Founder, Pathway Living Network LLC
Lauren Stovall
Stylist and Owner, Hot Sam’s Clothier/Reminisce
Thomas Walker
Founder, Detroit vs. Everybody
Samantha White
Founder and Artistic Director, Shakespeare in Detroit
Doug Williams
Enterprise Account Technology Strategist, Microsoft Corporation
Essence Wilson
Co-Founder & Vice President, Communities First, Inc
Xavier A. Wilson
Director of Michigan League, University of Michigan
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