Pictured: The 2025 Harvard Business School’s Detroit’s Young American Leaders Program (YALP) cohort
The Detroit Regional Chamber has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the next generation of regional leaders through its continued partnership with Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program (YALP), sending a group of nine diverse executive-level business and community leaders to participate in the program.
Founded in 2015, YALP brings together cohorts of 10 leaders from 14 cities across the U.S. for an immersive academic and collaborative experience at Harvard Business School. Participants engage in case studies, faculty-led discussions, and interactive problem-solving sessions designed to address real-world challenges facing their home cities. As a founding member, the Chamber plays a key role in identifying and preparing professionals in the Detroit Region to cultivate a pipeline of forward-thinking leaders equipped to address the Region’s most pressing challenges.
YALP is part of Harvard Business School’s U.S. Competitiveness Project, which focuses on strengthening economic opportunity and growth in communities nationwide. Through this experience, participants are encouraged to think beyond traditional boundaries and work collaboratively across business, government, and nonprofit sectors to develop innovative solutions.
By bringing YALP’s influence to the Region, the Chamber continues to empower emerging leaders to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and take action. These efforts not only strengthen individual leadership capabilities but also foster a network of committed professionals working to advance the Region’s future.
Congratulations to the 2026 YALP Participants:
- Clare Braun, Director, Strategy and Integration, Michigan Central
- Jennifer Stallings Dewey, Counsel, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, General Motors
- Marty Dobek, Executive Director, Detroit Sports Commission
- Tatiana Grant, Principal, 2050 Partners, Inc.
- Kevin Heard, Senior Manager, Engagement Programs and Partnerships, USA Today Co.
- Almir Karamovic, Advisor, Strategic Planning, Corewell Health
- Morgan Knies, Group Practice Operations Director, Cancer Service Line, Henry Ford Health
- Bruno Olvera, Director, Head of North America Diversity Supplier Development, Stellantis
- Brian J. Shoaf, Vice President, Public Policy and Business Advocacy, Detroit Regional Chamber