A Decade of Impact: 10th Annual Women of Influence Summit - United Way for Southeastern Michigan

On 313 Day, over 900 women and supporters gathered at Ford Field to celebrate United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 10th annual Women of Influence Summit, presented by Walker-Miller Energy Services. Commemorating a decade of impact, Women United’s network of philanthropic leaders have raised over $510,000 through this year’s summit, adding to the more than $2 million total raised to support local women and children since the event’s inception.

“Ten years of Women of Influence is not just a celebration, it’s proof,” said LaTrice McClendon, Detroit program director at Knight Foundation, the Empower Hour sponsor. “Proof that when women are resourced, ecosystems strengthen. Proof that when local leaders are supported, cities rise. Proof that empowerment is not just a buzzword. It’s a blueprint.”

Normally Honolulu Blue, Ford Field’s Concourse was awash in pink and purple as 14 women-owned businesses set up shop for the renowned Women-Owned Business Marketplace, thanks to the Empower Hour Sponsor, The Knight Foundation, and the Economic Mobility Sponsors: Bosch USA, Danialle + Peter Karmanos Jr., The Kresge Foundation, MadDog Technology, PwC and Stellantis.

First-time attendee, Detroiter Nyah Hodges loved celebrating 313 Day surrounded by the region’s most influential women.

“I had to come to the big 10, and this is really setting the bar,” said Nyah, program specialist in Education at Ford Philanthropy. “Ten years from now, we’ll be out there on the field, filling up the entire stadium with local businesses and all of southeast Michigan.”

With a long history of impact and a future brimming with possibilities, this year’s summit was situated at a crucial moment to reflect and inspire. WDIV Reporter Karen Drew emceed the event for the sixth consecutive year, bringing her trademark energy– weaving effortlessly between speakers and awardees.

“I emcee a variety of events and I always say this is my favorite, because the women and the men in this room are encouraging, uplifting and I’ve made so many great connections,” said Karen. “We are going to walk out not only inspired but empowered.”

Dignitaries in attendance included Governor Gretchen Whitmer, awarded Women of the Decade, and Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, honored as 2026 Woman of Influence. Congresswoman Debbie Dingle also attended to offer congressional recognition of Women of Influence’s 10th year.

Former CEO of Black Family Development Inc (BFDI) and CEO of BFDI Educational Services Inc. Alice Thompson received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Co-founder of HGTV, Susan Packard delivered a keynote speech on cultivating a sense of home within our communities and ourselves.

Read on for three key takeaways from this milestone event.

1. MICHIGAN WOMEN CAN

Through a decorated lineup of awardees, attendees learned that Michigan women are limitless.

“As the first woman mayor in 324 years, I am deeply proud to continue the strong legacy of the women who have shaped the fabric of our city,” said Mayor Sheffield. “Here in Detroit, women have long been the bedrock of our neighborhoods and the driving force behind the greatest movements for social change.

“We build, we nurture, we organize, we advocate, and we lift one another up along the way.”

Woman of the Decade Governor Gretchen Whitmer echoed this message. For the last several years, her influence has touched every corner of our state, and she’s found creating change requires collective effort.

“I’m so grateful for the work that you all do every single day all across the state of Michigan, it makes me proud to be one of those women from Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “As I look around this room I see so many strong, intelligent, inspiring women— Michigan women are tough.

“We speak up when something needs to change and our state’s future is bright because of that.”

While receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Alice Thompson reminded us to support one another when the work gets tough.

“Achieving something in life is never a standalone ceremony, I have been blessed to be surrounded by gifted and talented colleagues and coworkers who have shared a vision,” said Alice. “When these arms got heavy, they held up these arms, and we always won the battle.”

2. ENJOY THE WHIMSY

The Marketplace creates a space where connection comes first- where local businesses can build meaningful relationships without the pressure to sell. Since 2023, the summit has invested $120,000 directly into 40 small, women-owned businesses, amplifying not only their visibility but their growth.

This year’s Marketplace space was magical with brilliant displays from 14 women-owned businesses on the cobblestone concourse. Attendees were able to shop freely at August Ave., B’ Jeweled Jewelry & Accessories, Cass Natural’s, D’Marie Inspirational Designs, Gift Box Detroit, Inkcourage, Lotusbtr., Mend on the Move, NOGI RASMI, P.U.R.E. Lip, Q’s Corner, Rugged Beauty, The Coloring Museum and Wildewood Botanicals.

The Coloring Museum owner Sherrie Savage unveiled a Coloring Wall, encouraging attendees to get creative. Although a first timer at the summit, Cierra Mengal was a longtime fan of The Coloring Museum and immediately began to make her mark.

“This is my favorite thing— when I heard they were coming, I came straight back here,” said Cierra, a freelance marketing consultant. “Life is extremely stressful right now, and it’s experiences like this that remind you to slow down, enjoy the whimsy and remember when life was much more simple.”

Karen Palka, co-founder of the nonprofit, A Beautiful Me, which helps girls with self-esteem, shared that she would love to collaborate with The Coloring Museum in the future. “Everything about this, I can see that the girls would love it.”

By making room for whimsy, we open the door to increased confidence and imaginative self care. During the keynote, Susan Packard encouraged attendees to embrace the extraordinary within themselves.

“Do you feel home sweet home in you? Do you see the best in you?” asked Susan. “There is a Serbian proverb; be humble because you are made of the earth, be noble because you are made of the stars.”

3. GIVE TO GAIN

In honor of International Women’s Day, 900 guests held up purple lights symbolizing their individual and collective power to create positive change.

“My mother does it all— I’m so grateful for her strong example of being a leader, a devoted wife of 55 years and loving mother and grandmother,” said Dr. Hudson. “She taught me something that I carry to this day: Giving doesn’t drain you, giving sustains you.”

Attendees were reminded of the growing need in the community and the difficult times we find ourselves in but noted we are not without hope when we give to gain.

“This is another year where we get to wake up in the morning and say, ‘What the actual hell is happening in this world?’” said Carla. “After that, we can calm ourselves and be here— what an honor to be here.”

“I want every woman in this room to say to yourself you are a woman of influence,” continued Carla. “The world may tell you are not, but you are, and women are going to save this world.”