Recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid benefits threaten the stability that students and residents rely on.

These changes heighten the risk of diminished access to fundamental resources, potentially impeding progress toward the Chamber’s and State of Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal, which aims for 60% of residents in the Detroit Region to achieve post-high school educational attainment by 2030, and to reduce the racial equity attainment gap in half in the same time period.

Don’t miss Amy Peterson, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rebel Nell, at the Chamber’s 2026 Detroit Policy Conference on Jan. 29.

Fresh off a July 2025 feature on “Good Morning America,” Peterson will share the inspiring story behind Rebel Nell and her mission to empower women in the Region. Get ready for her powerful insights on community, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Despite progress towards gender parity, the numbers remain lopsided: by 2025, over 70% of expert media quotes still go to men. 

Some data suggests it is even worse, closer to an 80/20 split favoring men. Despite women making up nearly 60% of college graduates, 50% of the workforce, and starting businesses faster than men, public conversations through quotes, panels, and podcasts are still dominated by men.

Left to right: Paul W. Smith, Megan Spanitz, Luanne Thomas Ewald

Congratulations to Megan Spanitz, the Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, who was recently honored at WJR 760 AM’s “Women Who Lead” event.

Last month, TechTown Detroit and the Gilbert Family Foundation celebrated the conclusion of Detroit Elevate, their new growth-stage business program.

Operated in partnership with Black Leaders Detroit and QT Business Solutions, the program’s inaugural cohort featured 44 regional entrepreneurs who received the support and knowledge necessary to scale their businesses.

Fresh Flavor Resurging in Detroit: Investment and Diverse Consumers Provide Produce Opportunities

ICYMI: Chamber Celebrates Mayor Mike Duggan’s 12 Years of Transformative Leadership

Strategies: How Women Can Position Themselves for Board Roles Amid a Shifting DEI Landscape

Kick off 2026 with the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at its first networking event of the year, Jan. 15. Spark meaningful connections and set the tone for a successful year.

Enjoy exclusive business and personal savings as a Chamber member through the no-cost Hub-365 program.