Global Detroit

❄️ Season's Greetings from Global Detroit! ❄️ As we close out 2024, we’re reflecting on an incredible year of progress: ✅ Launched the Michigan Global Talent Initiative (MGTI) website, connecting global talent with Michigan employers and programs. ✅ Supported over 200 small businesses through impactful partnerships. ✅ Advocated for immigrant-inclusive policies that foster innovation and opportunity. ✅ Introduced E Pluribus, our national program to amplify immigrant-inclusive development efforts. Looking ahead to 2025, our work continues with the second year of MGTI programming, expanded SEMIRC funding, and co-hosting Welcoming America's Interactive 2025 in Detroit, bringing national attention to Southeast Michigan’s immigrant-inclusive initiatives, and more. Immigration is not a threat—it’s a cornerstone of prosperity, innovation, and vibrant communities. Help us continue championing this vision for a thriving and inclusive future. Consider making an end of year donation to Global Detroit at buff.ly/3VQAArg 💙 Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a hopeful new year! #GlobalDetroit #LinkInBio #ImmigrantInclusion #SeasonsGreetings #InnovationThroughInclusion #MGTI #SEMIRC #Entrepreneurship #InternationalTalent #InclusiveEconomies #VibrantCommunities #InclusionAlwaysWins

Check out this week's op-ed from Steve Tobocman and Omar Cuevas in Bridge Michigan emphasizing the critical role of international students in strengthening Michigan’s workforce. Despite over 33,000 international students at Michigan colleges, retention rates fall far behind West Coast states due to hiring practices and workplace culture. The Michigan Global Talent Initiative (MGTI), the nation’s largest international student retention program, is addressing this gap by connecting employers with highly skilled STEM graduates. Successfully retaining this talent could add 36,000 skilled workers to Michigan’s economy, driving innovation in industries like mobility and technology. To stay competitive, Michigan must adopt more inclusive hiring practices. Read the full article below. https://lnkd.in/gA7zy77D

Meet Ernestine Lyons, Program Manager for Global Detroit’s Global Entrepreneur in Residence (Global EIR) program! Since joining the team in September 2021, Ernestine has empowered immigrant entrepreneurs by connecting them with the resources and pathways to succeed in Michigan’s startup ecosystem. With a background in economic development and entrepreneurship advocacy, Ernestine’s role includes founder mentorship, university recruitment, and managing advisory boards. Her global experiences—studying in China, South Africa, and Russia, speaking four languages, and traveling to 20+ countries—fuel her passion for fostering equity and inclusion. One of her proudest moments? Hosting a panel discussion at the National Peer Network Convening in March 2023, showcasing the GEIR program’s impact. "It’s inspiring to see entrepreneurs overcome challenges and contribute to their communities," Ernestine says. "Global Detroit creates opportunities that foster innovation and drive economic growth." Thank you, Ernestine, for your leadership and commitment to building a more inclusive and thriving Southeast Michigan! 💙 #StaffSpotlight #GlobalDetroit #ImmigrantEntrepreneurship #EconomicDevelopment #InclusionInnovation #Entrepreneurship #InternationalTalent #InternationalStudents #Tech #Detroit #Michigan #InclusiveEconomies #VibrantCommunities #InclusionAlwaysWins

Thank you to everyone who made Tapestry 2024 an incredible success! From our guests to our sponsors, your support helped us raise a record-breaking amount this year to fuel Global Detroit’s mission of building a more vibrant, inclusive Southeast Michigan—and to prepare for the road ahead. With the unwavering support of our partners and community—like those who joined us at Tapestry—we are ready to navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in immigration and inclusion work. Together, we are committed to driving this vital work forward and creating a brighter future for all. Special thanks to our amazing partners and contributors: XAVS CATERING, LLC, ByrdieBar, and Mexicantown Bakery for the delicious food, drinks, and desserts Grupo Escobar for the live entertainment Nandi Comer for an inspiring and uplifing special guest appearance Tati Amare for being our fantastic emcee 🏆 Our Changemaker Awardees: Manish S. Senta, Gracieuse 'Gracie' Xavier, Jeehan N. Nasir, and Rehab Alhajjar And, of course, a huge shoutout to Global Detroit’s staff, board, and volunteers, the team at The Jam Handy, and OM Media, LLC for capturing the magic of the evening in this incredible video reel. Together, we celebrated the cultures, talent, and stories that make our region stronger. Here's to a future of growth, resilience, and inclusivity—powered by all of you! 🧡 #Tapestry2024 #GlobalDetroit #Changemakers #InclusiveGrowth #DetroitEvents #ThankYou #Gratitude #JamHandy #InclusiveEconomies #VibrantCommunities #Inclusio

🚨 We're hiring! 🚨 The Southeast Michigan Refugee Collaborative (SEMIRC), facilitated by Global Detroit, has two opportunities available: - Internship - Special Projects Coordinator (part-time) If you're passionate about supporting refugee and immigrant communities, check out these positions and apply today. Learn more and apply at globaldetroitmi.org/jobs. #Hiring #JobOpportunities #GlobalDetroit #SEMIRC #RefugeeSupport #SEMichigan #Detroit #Jobs #NonprofitJobs #Welcoming #Belonging #ImmigrantInclusion #InclusiveEconomies #VibrantCommunities #InclusionAlwaysWins

"The future of American immigration policy is uncertain. But we don’t need to wait. We can prepare and we can organize. This means expanding and strengthening our research, our communications, and advocacy around the facts and economics around immigration." Every day is a day to be welcoming and inclusive. Please join us, and take a moment to read 'A Letter from Our Executive Director, Steve Tobocman.' 🙏 Letter: https://lnkd.in/gZgMg_8E

As Michigan’s Grand Traverse region grows, so does the demand for skilled talent. Cherry Republic, a beloved cherry retailer in Glen Arbor, found a game-changing solution to their talent shortage: hiring international students through the OPT program. 🍒🌎 International students bring technical expertise, fresh perspectives, and a drive to succeed—qualities that helped Cherry Republic tackle its hiring challenges and grow its business. With support from the Michigan Global Talent Initiative (MGTI), employers like Cherry Republic are discovering how international students can help address persistent workforce challenges. MGTI helps Michigan employers connect with talented international graduates, navigate the hiring process, and tap into the potential of over 33,000 international students in the state—who contribute $1.2 billion annually to Michigan’s economy. Read the full story, written by Petraq Kosho, on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gyVHi-89 #GlobalDetroit #CherryRepublic #MGTI #MichiganGlobalTalentInitiative #LinkInBio #InternationalTalent #TalentRetention #OPT #MichiganJobs #WorkforceInnovation #InclusiveEconomies #VibrantCommunities

Although we were supposed to accept our awards, take a photo, and return to our seats, I couldn’t help but take a moment to share a few words with the incredible team at Global Detroit. My tenure at GD inspired my journey and shaped the vision for D'ARTILLERY where we continue to champion inclusive economic mobility through creative enterprise and small batch manufacturing. I am deeply honored to have been recognized with the Immigrant Impact Award at Global Detroit’s Tapestry Fundraiser and Award Celebration, hosted by the incredible Tati Amare of Live in the D!! It was a privilege to stand alongside such outstanding honorees who are driving meaningful change in our community - Jeehan N. recognized with the Community Entrepreneur Award, Manish Senta, Ph.D honored for Corporate Leadership and Dr. Rehab Alhajjar honored as Emerging Talent. Congratulations to all the honorees, and thank you my Global Detroit family for hosting such an inspirational evening. Together, we are sewing seeds to a more vibrant and inclusive future for all!! #ImmigrantImpact #TapestryAwards #InclusiveEconomy #CommunityLeadership #GlobalChampions #DArtillery #SewingSeeds

Steve Tobocman joined Monday’s episode of The Startup Visa® Podcast with Tahmina Watson to discuss Michigan’s vision for leading in mobility and the vital role of a globally inclusive startup ecosystem. Hosted by immigration law expert and author Tahmina Watson, this podcast breaks down the complexities of U.S. immigration for startups and founders. Check out recent episodes, including a conversation with Craig Montuori of the Global Entrepreneur in Residence Coalition on policy advocacy for startups. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gUUfGrsf

🎉 The day is here! Join us tonight at the Jam Handy from 6-8 PM for our annual fundraising gala, Tapestry 2024—tickets are still available until this evening! We’re ready to celebrate this year’s Changemakers, enjoy amazing food from Xav’s Catering, live music from Grupo Escobar, and the inspiring words of Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer. Let’s come together to recognize the power of connection and community impact, and invest in what it means to be welcoming in Michigan. #Tapestry2024 #GlobalDetroit #InclusiveEconomies #VibrantCommunities #Changemakers #InclusionAlwaysWins #WelcomingMichigan #Detroit #Nonprofit #Events #Fundraiser