People

Charlie Cavell is the founder of the Pay it Forward Initiative, a nonprofit that provides employment opportunities and job training to jobless Detroiters ages 18 to 24.

Jordi Carbonell is the owner of Café Con Leche, a café in Southwest Detroit. The business was founded on the belief that strong communities need a central gathering place that reflects the diversity of the neighborhood.

Yusef Bunchy Shakur is the founder of the Urban Network, a multi-purpose, community-centered business consisting of a bookstore, an entertainment company, and a publishing outfit. 

Amy Kaherl is the organizer of Detroit SOUP, a monthly fundraising dinner to support local projects. She also orchestrates "shenanigans" for the Detroit City Futbol League and the Marche du Nain Rouge. And she spins as DJ Amy Dreamcatcher.

Laura Hughes is the Executive Director of the Ruth Ellis Center, the only agency in the Midwest dedicated to at-risk lesbian, gay, bi-attractional, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

Jeff Sturges leads the Mount Elliott Makerspace, a community workshop that serves as an environment for knowledge exchange and entrepreneurial experimentation through “making.” He is also a member of OmniCorpDetroit, a group of designers, artists, engineers, musicians, thinkers, do-ers and makers who collaborate to build new things.

Jess Daniel is the founder of FoodLab Detroit, a group to support the development, growth, and cooperation of locally owned socially and environmentally responsible food enterprises.