PLYMOUTH, Mich. ~ 760 WJR and the Detroit Economic Club celebrated the 2026 class of Rising Stars Thursday during a reception at Chicane in Plymouth. Presented with support from Awecomm and DFCU Financial, the program recognized 10 professionals under 40 who were featured throughout the summer on ‘JR Afternoon with Ryan Ermanni for their career accomplishments, leadership, and community involvement.
PODCASTS:
Sept. 17, 2026 ~ What drives successful leaders to invest so much time in mentoring others and giving back to their communities? Chris Michael and Ridha Al-Wishah discuss the lessons they learned from their fathers, the importance of keeping your word, and how involvement with the Detroit Economic Club and its Career Readiness Academy is helping them make a difference for the next generation of Southeast Michigan leaders.
Sept. 17, 2026 ~ How can relationships help accelerate both your career and personal growth? Stephanie Meiers of Albert Kahn Associates and Blake Allen of MKD Wealth and Bodmer Price discuss the value of networking, mentorship, and community involvement while sharing practical advice for young professionals entering the workforce and looking to build meaningful connections.
Sept. 17, 2026 ~ What makes Southeast Michigan a place where young professionals choose to build careers and futures? Rachel Wasserman of Michigan CFO Associates and Liam Walsh of The Martec Group discuss the opportunities, relationships, and sense of community that keep them invested in the region while sharing how the Detroit Economic Club has helped accelerate their professional growth.
Sept. 17, 2026 ~ How do successful leaders turn mentorship into action? Rich Booms of DFCU Financial and Alexis Byrd of Emergent Holdings share how guidance from others shaped their careers, why giving back matters, and what advice they have for young professionals trying to find their own path in today’s evolving job market.
Sept. 17, 2026 ~ What do this year’s Rising Stars all have in common? Steve Grigorian, CEO of the Detroit Economic Club, explains the qualities that set these emerging leaders apart and how mentorship, networking, and community involvement are helping shape the future of Southeast Michigan.
Sept. 17, 2026 ~ Will artificial intelligence replace jobs, or create new opportunities for those willing to learn it? Brent Yax, CEO of Awecomm, explains why AI skills are becoming a competitive advantage, how businesses can turn emerging technology into results, and what young professionals should do now to stay ahead of the curve.
Sept. 17, 2026 ~ What separates great financial institutions from the competition? Ryan Goldberg, President and CEO of DFCU Financial, explains why relationships remain the foundation of business success, discusses the outlook for interest rates, and shares how organizations can identify and develop the next generation of leaders.
(CONTINUED) The event included a live broadcast of ‘JR Afternoon with Ryan Ermanni,’ featuring several honorees discussing their careers, community service, and leadership experiences. The Rising Stars program highlights emerging leaders from a range of industries who share a commitment to mentorship, civic engagement, and strengthening Southeast Michigan’s future.
2026 Rising Stars Honorees
- Chris Michael | Senior Business Attraction Representative | Oakland County Economic Development
Helps attract new business investment while supporting mentorship and economic development initiatives. - Rachel Wasserman | Business Development Specialist | Michigan CFO Associates
Connects businesses with strategic financial resources and volunteers with children’s grief support programs. - Graeme Carlyle | Relationship Manager | Fifth Third Bank
Works closely with business clients while supporting leadership and career-readiness programs. - Rich Booms | Commercial Loan Officer | DFCU Financial
Helps local businesses secure capital and promotes professional development within the banking industry. - Brad Ekonen | Commercial Lines Marketing Coordinator | Korotkin Insurance Group
Combines business leadership with mentorship and community engagement efforts. - Stephanie Meiers | Director of Marketing and Public Relations | Albert Kahn Associates
Leads communications and marketing efforts while helping advance community and professional engagement. - Ridha Al-Wishah | Senior EDS Engineer | Ford Motor Company
Pairs engineering leadership with extensive volunteerism, mentorship, and community service. - Alexis Byrd | Talent Engagement Specialist | Emergent Holdings
Focuses on workforce development and guiding students and young professionals toward career opportunities. - Blake Allen | Associate Wealth Advisor | MKD Wealth and Bodmer Price
Supports clients while advancing community involvement and leadership development programs. - Liam Walsh | Senior Analyst | The Martec Group
Supports manufacturing and industrial growth while mentoring future leaders in Detroit
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