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Upcoming Events

Stay connected and inspired with MERG-E's upcoming events! From professional development workshops and networking opportunities to cultural celebrations, community or school engagement initiatives, MERG-E is dedicated to creating spaces where Black employees and allies across Michigan can thrive. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, expand your network, or drive meaningful change, our events are designed to empower and unite.

 

Join us as we build a stronger, more inclusive future together. Be sure to check back regularly for updates and event details—you won’t want to miss what’s next!

Black History Month Celebration
"The Black Carpet Experience"

Friday, February 28, 2025

 A day of empowerment and connection, split into two impactful events:

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  1. Daytime: Building Dreams - The Black Carpet Experience for Students (presented by Powered to Dream)
    A transformative, full-day in-school conference designed to introduce underserved high school students to career pathways in STEM, Marketing, Leadership, and Communications. This in-school conference bridges the gap between education and opportunity, empowering students to envision brighter futures. 
     

  2. Evening: The Black Carpet Experience - Professional Mixer:  An evening mixer uniting Black professionals across Detroit to celebrate Equity and Excellence. This celebration fosters meaningful connections while honoring the contributions and successes of our community.  Cost:  $20  Attire: Cocktail. Registration Information:  Coming soon!

Women's History Month
"The State of Black Women in Corporate America"
Friday, March 28, 2025

Navigating Challenges: Driving Change!

This second annual virtual summit will bring together Black women professionals, allies, and thought leaders to address:
 

  • The Unique Challenges Black Women Face in Corporate America

  • Discuss the barriers and obstacles that impact Black women’s advancement and success in the workplace.

  • Strategies for Driving Change and Advancing Equity
    Explore actionable approaches to create more inclusive and equitable environments in corporate spaces.

  • Navigating the Backlash and Rollback of DEI Initiatives
    Analyze the current challenges posed by the rollback of DEI efforts and the impact this has on Black women’s professional, start-ups and entrepreneurial experiences and opportunities
     

Through keynotes, expert panels, and collaborative discussions, this event will spotlight actionable solutions for fostering resilience, inclusion, and equity. Attendees will gain tools to amplify their voices, navigate adversity, and drive change within organizations and communities. Keynote speakers, panelist and registration information coming soon.

Past Events

MERG-E has a rich history of impactful events that have fostered innovation, collaboration, and community growth. From hosting interactive workshops that equip students with practical skills to organizing professional forums where thought leaders exchange ideas around the future of work, MERG-E consistently champions progress.

Each event serves as a testament to MERG-E's mission of empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

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Panelist and Speakers

Alexis
Kerr

Vice President of the Mahogany Brand at Hallmark Cards

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Carla
Walker-Miller

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President/CEO at Walker-Miller Energy Services

Marvin Washington

Vice President & Global Head of Mechatronics and Electronic Modules Purchasing, Stellantis

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Stefen J.
Welch, MCD

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Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Detroit Pistons

AJ
Williams

Managing Editor at Michigan Chronicle

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Marlin
Williams

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coach and Strategist | 20+ year Global DEI & Tech Executive | Speaker, Author & Media Contributor

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Stefanie
Quarles

Director, Azure Segment Go-to-Market Strategy and Ops, Microsoft

Vice Chair - Blacks @ Microsoft, Great Lakes chapter

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Rhonda
Dalton-Green 

Account Executive, Cisco Systems  Cisco’s Advisory Council

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Marquita T. Chamblee, Ph.D.

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Associate Provost Diversity & Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer, Wayne State University

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Myaa Jones

Account Executive
Google

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Nicole Simmons

Senior Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Communications

General Motors

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Niambi Powell, Phd

Inclusion & Diversity Specialist  

Ford Motor Company

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Debra Williams

Chief Operating Officer Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO)

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