Local Change-Makers Deliver Impactful Power Perspectives at the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference

Throughout the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference, four local change-makers took the stage to deliver TEDx Talk-style impact stories that highlighted industry-specific calls to action to foster a more prosperous Detroit Region. 

Since 2014, Life Remodeled has invested $73 million in the community, serving 23,000 Detroiters annually and renovating and repurposing five schools. 

Diallo Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Life Remodeled, posed the question of whether Detroit neighborhoods are “movin’ on up,” emphasizing that “they can and they should if we are serious about the economic mobility in the Detroit Region.” 

“The future of the Detroit Region is fundamentally connected to the future of Detroit neighborhoods,” said Smith. 

Jeff Donofrio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Business Leaders For Michigan, proposed a new era for Michigan, one where leaders focus on activating Michigan’s economic potential, making Michigan the easiest state to build and grow, and transforming education as Michigan’s defining mission. 

Donofrio highlighted four key goals that must be common amongst educators, leaders, and lawmakers: 

1. Create a high standard for high school diplomas 
2. Tackle chronic absenteeism 
3. Seamlessly connect students to apprenticeships, colleges, and careers 
4. Ensure every child can read by third grade 

“For our economic future and our kids, let’s make this year about fixing our schools,” said Donofrio. 

Ellen Gilchrist, Chief Executive Officer of BasBlue, said she “never wanted to be a CEO,” sharing that she wanted to be the very best teacher possible growing up, a goal she accomplished by learning about the profession’s high expectations and the importance of community building. 

When asked to serve as BasBlue’s Chief Executive Officer, she discovered she was well-equipped to lead the organization, using the same, unique measure of success she used as a teacher: she was only successful if all her students were.  

“How do we build a space where nobody is left behind?” she asked. “For me, that answer is fairly simple: Build spaces that are accepting, create a community, and lead like a teacher.” 

Although Rebel Nell, a Detroit-based small business, has become the go-to for preserving memories through sustainable jewelry practices, it’s best known for providing employment and quality support to women navigating barriers to work, such as homelessness and incarceration. Through its workforce development program, Rebel Nell has hired its 50th woman experiencing homelessness.

In 2025, Rebell Nell was featured on Good Morning America, a feat that prompted many to ask Amy Peterson, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rebel Nell, for the “secret sauce” to making it on the coveted talk show. She emphasized that the key to being featured was serving her community and listening to its wants and needs.

“It was pure luck. A lot of hard work, grounding it out in the quiet hours,” Peterson noted. “I always say ‘just keep swimming.’”

These sessions were sponsored by the University of Michigan.