The Leadership Detroit 2025 Spring Soirée was held on April 10 at the historic Fair Lane: Home of Clara and Henry Ford. The event brought together Leadership Detroit alumni from 45 years of classes to reconnect, celebrate the program’s impact, and raise funds for future generations of leaders. In addition, it honored the distinguished alumnus Jeanette Pierce.
Generations of Leaders
Devon O’Reilly, Senior Director of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Community Engagement and Leadership Development, kicked off the evening, expressing his excitement about the inaugural sold-out event and its significance in reconnecting Leadership Detroit members while benefiting the program’s scholarship fund. Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, followed, praising O’Reilly’s leadership and the contributions of Leadership Detroit alumni to the Region.
Innovation and Leadership
Fair Lane’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Bob Bury, welcomed guests to the historic estate and drew parallels between the innovative spirit of Henry and Clara Ford and the core values of Leadership Detroit — taking leadership to the next level, challenging assumptions, and building relationships.
Honoring the Legacy of Leadership Detroit: Jeanette Pierce
The main highlight of the evening was the presentation of the first Leadership Detroit Legacy Award to Jeanette Pierce of class 32 at the 2025 spring soirée.
O’Reilly highlighted Pierce’s mentorship, deep knowledge of Detroit, and ongoing involvement in the Leadership Detroit program. She expressed her gratitude for the honor and reflected on the impact of Leadership Detroit on her life and career.
“Leadership Detroit has had such a big impact on my life that this is such a huge honor for me,” Pierce said, “but most importantly, I developed friendships and relationships that I still have to this day.”
She emphasized the importance of these relationships and friendships she has developed through the program and the developing leaders shaping the future of Detroit and the Region.