DETROIT – Sept. 16, 2025 – United Way for Southeastern Michigan announced Walker-Miller Energy Services, a leading Detroit-based, minority-owned energy efficiency firm, as the Presenting Sponsor of the 10th Annual Women of Influence Summit, taking place on March 13, 2026, at Ford Field. The event, led by United Way’s Women United affinity group, will bring together business owners, executives, thought leaders, and community and corporate partners from across the region to honor a decade of impact.
From its beginnings, the Women of Influence Summit has raised more than $2 million for local children and families while empowering thousands of women through high-impact networking, inspiring keynote speakers, and opportunities to Give, Advocate, and Volunteer. The 2026 summit, themed “A Decade of Impact,” will spotlight influential women making a real difference in southeast Michigan and showcase the power of coming together to support women and families.
Why This Matters
- Walker-Miller Energy Services reinforces its commitment to people in the communities it serves as the event’s Presenting Sponsor.
- Ford Field, an iconic Detroit venue, underscores the event’s growing reach and prestige.
- In its 10th year, the summit will provide continued support at a time when the need is increasing among families across the region.
“We are thrilled to celebrate ten years of the Women of Influence Summit, an event dedicated to recognizing incredible women creating change across our region and the amazing impact we can have when we come together,” says Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Carla Walker-Miller has been instrumental in this journey; first as a passionate supporter and participant, and now in her third year as our Presenting Sponsor. A trailblazing business leader, Carla leads by example, and her vision and influence have expanded opportunities for countless others. Her leadership and the reputation of Walker-Miller Energy Services is magnetic, drawing high-profile attendees, sponsors, and partners. We are deeply grateful for her partnership, which ensures this year’s event will build on our tradition of celebrating the successes of women while driving the mission forward.”
Throughout my business journey, I’ve experienced challenges that many women know all too well—being overlooked and underestimated, navigating male-dominated spaces, and fighting for a seat at the table. Like the women before me, every barrier broken creates space for others,” says Carla Walker-Miller, Founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services. “That’s why we are so proud to step up as presenting sponsor of this summit—because when women have a platform, resources, and unwavering support, we don’t just succeed, we redefine what’s possible. This event isn’t just a celebration; it’s an investment in the women who will lead the next decade of change.”
Event Highlights:
- Keynote speeches from top-tier industry leaders
- Exclusive networking with influential professionals and change agents from across the region
- Recognition of outstanding women driving change in Southeast Michigan
Registration opens in October 2025. Visit the Women of Influence Summit page on our website. Sponsorship opportunities for the tenth annual event are still available. To learn more about sponsorships, contact Tina Kafantaris, tina.kafantaris@unitedwaysem.org.
Media Contact:
Jerome Espy | United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Jerome.Espy@LiveUnitedSEM.org | 248-417-9567
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to helping households achieve stability and ensuring that children have the resources they need to thrive. For over 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable, and sustainable change in communities throughout Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties The organization collaborates with donors, agencies, corporations, and municipal partners to support essential services such as housing, food security, healthcare, and education. To give, advocate, volunteer, or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
About Walker-Miller Energy Services
Walker-Miller Energy Services is one of the largest African American and woman-owned Energy Efficiency Services companies in the United States. With offices in 6 states, the Detroit, MI headquartered company designs and implements decarbonization and beneficial electrification strategies that accelerate the deployment of clean energy solutions. As part of its longstanding commitment to catalyzing equity in the clean energy economy, Walker-Miller is the convener of the annual Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS), also known as the National Black and Brown Clean Energy Conference, which intentionally invites all communities to participate to the fullest extent in the unprecedented investment in the clean energy transition. For more information, please contact us at www.wmenergy.com.