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Detroit Regional Chamber Sends 10 to Harvard’s 2025 Young American Leaders Program

June 25, 2025

The Detroit Regional Chamber is committed to creating opportunities for emerging leaders to collaborate with their peers to tackle key regional issues and create positive change. Each year, the Chamber liaises between these leaders and the Harvard Business School’s Detroit’s Young American Leaders Program (YALP). As a founding member, the Chamber works with local executives to select and recruit a diverse cohort, fundraises to cover the stipend for participants’ costs, and helps prepare participants for their experience.

By bringing programs like this to the Detroit Region, the Chamber empowers the next generation of leaders by encouraging them to connect across sectors and communities to increase collaboration and create innovative solutions to regional challenges. These experiences help foster a network of talented individuals committed to moving the Detroit Region forward today and in the decades to come.

What is YALP?

Started in 2015, YALP brings together 10 leaders annually, each from 14 cities across the country, immersing them in a Harvard Business School experience. This includes case studies, speaker presentations, and whiteboard sessions that challenge participants to work together to target an issue their city faces.  

The program is designed to inspire collaborative innovation in cities across the U.S. and jump-start the conversation about how business, civic, and nonprofit leaders can work together to bring shared prosperity to America’s communities. It is part of the Harvard Business School’s U.S. Competitiveness Project, on which Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah participates. 

This Year’s Cohort

2025 Detroit YALP cohort

This year’s cohort is comprised of the following individuals:

  • Jose L. Flores, Ancor Automotive
  • Dorian A. Grey, AAA (The Auto Club Group)
  • Evette Hollins, DTE Energy
  • Zaineb A. Hussein, City of Dearborn
  • Adam Majestic, Detroit Regional Chamber
  • Jim Martinez, Detroit Regional Chamber
  • David Merritt, Straight Gate Church
  • Shawn Mersino, Comerica Bank
  • Dan Ngoyi, Rocket Mortgage
  • Gino Roncelli, Roncelli Inc.

Jim Martinez headshot

“Coming back home, I’m beyond energized. Harvard reminded me that our country thrives when people are working together to strengthen their communities. In today’s polarized world, we need not forget that the greatest American economic advantage is giving people from all walks of life the opportunity to come together, pool their experiences, share their ideas, build businesses, and chart a course forward to overcome complex challenges through innovation. We do that best in places like Detroit and Harvard.”

– Jim Martinez, Vice President, Communications and Business Research, Detroit Regional Chamber

Zaineb Hussein headshot

“I’m incredibly grateful for my experience in the Young Harvard Leadership Program. Connecting with some of the brightest minds in our region has filled me with immense confidence – it’s clear we have an extraordinary pool of talent right here in our backyard. It simply reinforces my belief that with the right tools, collaborative environments, and challenging thought processes, these individuals will continue to drive remarkable progress. The Harvard Business School team and professors truly deserve commendation for curating such a comprehensive and impactful cohort. Their ability to bring together diverse thought partners from across sectors and the United States undeniably challenged and refined my perspective, ultimately building a truly transformative program.” 

– Zaineb Hussein, Chief of Staff, City of Dearborn

Shawn Mersino headshot

“Reflecting on the 10th annual HBS’s Young American Leaders Program (YALP) – rewarding and energizing. YALP moved at an intense pace with coursework, networking, city sessions and more, all on the prestigious HBS campus. Through engaging discussions anchored by real-world case studies, I was able to gain valuable insights and perspectives. It became clear that our country’s cities face similar hurdles but also, similar opportunities to drive positive change and impact in their city. This was a tremendous leadership development opportunity, and I will carry this experience and cohort connections with me. Thank you to the chamber for their commitment to the program and to Comerica for their support of my involvement.” 

– Shawn Mersino, Comerica Bank Vice President – Commercial Bank

Dan Ngoyi headshot

“Spending a week at HBS with leaders from Detroit and across the country reminded me of something both grounding and energizing: The challenges we face aren’t unique – and the answers don’t have to be either. YALP gave us all space to think bigger, build wider coalitions, and stretched my sense of what’s possible. From population growth and inclusive economies to education gaps and AI, every case study made it clear that meaningful change demands courageous collaboration. I came back home more inspired than ever to invest in the people and places that make Detroit great – and to keep showing up, sleeves rolled, ready to lead with purpose and do the work.”

– Dan Ngoyi, Senior Vice President, Client Experience, Rocket Pro

Jose L. Flores headshot

“YALP at Harvard Business School was one of the most powerful experiences I have had as a leader recently. Being there alongside 139 civic leaders from 14 cities reminded me that real progress takes grit, trust, and people ready to build it together. 

Sitting with Harvard faculty, tearing apart real cases that shape how cities work, and challenging each other in that room made one thing clear: Big problems get solved when you face them head on with people who are not afraid to do the hard work and stay rooted in what actually delivers. 

Our Detroit team showed up with that same energy. We pushed D313 forward, putting AI to work for Detroit as a call line that helps people navigate city resources, fill out forms, and break down the barriers that hold our elderly and underserved communities back. That is how Detroit moves toward true shared prosperity. 

I came home with sharper ideas, stronger bonds, and a reminder that when we lead with grit and collective action, we break limits and build legacies that last. I could not be prouder to have stood alongside a Detroit team that brought some of the boldest ideas and the deepest heart to Cambridge. We were one of the strongest cities in the room and it showed. Grateful to the Chamber for making this possible and for always pushing Detroit to think bigger and do better.” 

– Jose L. Flores, Chief Executive Officer, Ancor

View Last Year’s Cohort