Local Change-makers Deliver Impactful Power Perspectives at the 2025 Detroit Policy Conference

Throughout the 2025 Detroit Policy Conference, six local change-makers took the stage to deliver TEDx Talk-style impact stories that highlighted industry-specific calls to action to foster innovation throughout the Detroit Region, particularly between Detroit and Ann Arbor. 

Darren Riley is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of JustAir, a Detroit-based environmental tech company focused on creating cleaner air and healthier communities in Wayne County with plans to scale state- and nationwide. His Power Perspective discussed what is still needed for companies like JustAir to truly scale and thrive in Michigan.

“Before you put something in that community, you have to get permission from the community … so they have fewer anxieties of that device and what you’re doing,” he said.

Over his time in Michigan, Groe has observed significant opportunities within the region, particularly around 2014. However, current circumstances have evolved once more, and he focused on how to focus on local presence for investment purposes. His Power Perspective also points out that venture capital faces challenges in Michigan, emphasizing the importance of funding university pipelines and enhancing the venture capital environment.  

“40% of the top computer science programs are within a 6-hour drive,” he said. “We have the people; we have the ideas. $2.3 billion [from current statewide innovation funding] is not enough money.” 

Michael Healander, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-founder of Airspace Link, has been instrumental in the company’s development, which began, grew, and remains in Detroit. His Power Perspective focused on how Michigan is poised to build a strong drone sector, which in return, attracts businesses that require such services. 

“There are few test sites around the country, but they’re often in the middle of nowhere in an airport,” he said. “No commerce can be done there.” 

Lisa McLaughlin, Co-founder of WorkitHealth, advocates for Michigan to expand beyond the automotive sector and become a hub for the medical industry, especially digital health. Her Power Perspective focused on social entrepreneurship and triple-bottom-line practices, offering innovative solutions to social issues. 

“We have the skilled workforce; we have the cost of living advantages …[and] already have a number of exited founders from other states coming to Michigan,” she said. “I think we’re in a killer position, and I’m really excited to see where we go from here.” 

TechTown President and Chief Executive Officer Ned Staebler warned Conference attendees that the data shows Michigan lagging behind other states in the country. In his Power Perspective, he echoed the need for more investment in Michigan’s innovation infrastructure. 

“We are going to invest $450 million over the next three years … and we expect a direct return,” he said. “If we do this right, we are going to create thousands of good-paying, high-wage jobs, and we’re going to make money doing it.” 

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), Johnson leads economic development efforts, including business attraction, retention, neighborhood small-business growth, and international investment. During his Power Perspective, Johnson discussed his experiences in Atlanta and why he chose Detroit for his career, highlighting the city’s changes. He also emphasized DEGC’s focus on small business development, political impacts, the benefits of Homecoming events, and the evolving automotive heritage driven by innovation while preserving the city’s essence.  

“We’re supporting Detroit’s future,” he said. “We believe in it…policy and sole policy of momentum don’t rest on who’s in those spaces. We got the momentum; we want to maintain the momentum.”