BY SLOAN HERRICK

Fifteen years ago, a ragtag team of dreamers in Detroit laid the foundation for what would become Global Detroit, aiming to shift the conversation about immigration and its essential role in creating vibrant, resilient communities. Back then, we started from scratch with a big goal: to chart a fresh approach and strategy for sparking systemic culture change that could help Southeast Michigan thrive through immigrant inclusion.

In those early days, the energy was contagious—a hopeful drive to build something new, something impactful. We believed that welcoming immigrants could do more than just bring people together; it could strengthen neighborhoods, revitalize our workforce, and make businesses more competitive. But turning these beliefs into concrete actions wasn’t straightforward. The key was in asking the right questions and tapping into collective wisdom.

So, we went to the source. We talked to people. We sat with community members, business owners, and local leaders. We listened to employers struggling with talent shortages and spoke with policymakers about the promise of immigrant-driven growth. Through these conversations, we began to map out the steps—building routes and bridges that could lead to a more inclusive, diverse economy.

At the same time, we shared what we learned with others around the country who were also exploring immigrant-inclusive economic development strategies. Connecting with peers was always grounding; it reminded us of what was truly possible. Seeing their successes gave us the confidence to pursue similar goals—if they could make it work in Philadelphia, we knew it could work in Detroit.

A Theory of Change

Over the years, Global Detroit has launched programs to strengthen neighborhoods, diversify our economy, and attract talent in STEM fields. These efforts have been crucial for helping business owners, students, and professionals put down roots here, which, in turn, strengthens our entire community.

Our strategic approach to shifting systems and culture made Global Detroit genuinely unique. By tuning into local organizations’ and immigrant communities’ aspirations and needs, we built a strong case for immigrant inclusion that highlighted real opportunities. By creating programs informed by the people they were meant to support, we demonstrated the impact of connecting immigrants to valuable resources and opportunities while showing how inclusive practices benefit everyone involved.

We worked alongside employers, nonprofits, and other organizations to help them develop inclusive policies and practices. Then, we shared their stories, showing how inclusion became a powerful tool for achieving their goals. For immigrants, this meant a greater sense of belonging and more opportunities to pursue their dreams for themselves and their families.

This approach—this theory of change—became the guiding force behind Global Detroit’s work for years to come.

A New Chapter

After ten years of this important work, I took a step back for a personal adventure with my family. We sailed through the Caribbean, discovering the art of navigation and embracing new horizons. When I returned, I found Global Detroit thriving, with fresh ideas and exciting opportunities on the horizon.

Today, I am thrilled to see us break new ground once again with Global Detroit’s launch of E Pluribus, a national initiative dedicated to advancing immigrant-inclusive economic development at the state and local levels. From the start, we have championed the power of peer connections—bringing together leaders from across the country to exchange ideas and seize opportunities. Now, more than ever, it is essential to provide a space where local programs can learn from one another, navigate shifting policies, and strategize for the future.

By working with national think tanks and policy advisors, we aim to elevate immigrant-inclusive economic development as a critical driver of local and regional prosperity. Drawing on everything we’ve learned, we are bringing together local and statewide organizations and practitioners to harness the power of collaboration. With the right tools and resources, we are positioning E Pluribus to support the practitioners with boots on the ground to strengthen their economies and build more inclusive communities nationwide.

As it has been, Global Detroit’s mission is not just about creating strategies or engaging stakeholders—it’s bigger, it’s about building a future where inclusivity is at the core of our social and economic fabric. By supporting our efforts, you are investing in a vision not just for real economic strength, but of prosperity for everyone– an egalitarian vision that moves people.

Thank you for being part of the Global Detroit story these past fifteen years, for supporting us, partnering with us—and showing up. Together, we’ve made real progress, real impact for Detroit and Southeast Michigan. As we grow our programs, widen our geographic footprint, and deepen our partnerships over the next decade, we are ready to meet whatever challenge comes.