FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2025

Media Contact:

Global Detroit: Julién Godman, julien@globaldetroitmi.org

Amidst Tenuous Immigration Landscape Global Detroit Celebrates 15 Years of Immigrant Economic Inclusion

Nonprofit started in Detroit calls for pro-immigration collaboration as key for stronger economy

DETROIT, MI – 15 years ago we set out on a journey to build an immigrant-inclusive regional economy. We began as a rag-tag research study and today are arguably the leader of a national movement–the creation of an entire field of practice around immigrant-inclusive economic development. This year, we reconginze our challenges and triumphs these past 15 years, and collectively come together with partners and community members in recognizing 6 changemakers awardees, of whom exemplify why Michigan Prospers with Immigrants.

We are a nation of immigrants. And the intentional inclusion of immigrants in our economic development strategies, policies, practices and programs will produce robust economic growth and shared prosperity in ways that benefit disinvested neighborhoods in Detroit, rural communities that have lost population and industries that must innovate to compete in the global economy. At this year’s annual fundraising event, Tapestry, on November 13, we invite our supporters to come together and help us move the work forward.

Global Detroit’s Executive Director Steve Tobocman said: “Global Detroit’s work feels more important at this moment than any time in Global Detroit’s 15 years history. Of course, immigration policy is dominating national headlines, but it’s essential to remember that immigration policy is economic policy and for Michigan to succeed economically, we will need immigration. Tapestry is an incredible opportunity to celebrate immigrant and corporate leaders who exemplify what it looks like to build an immigrant-inclusive and prosperous economy.“

We are super excited to not only celebrate this milestone event, honor some incredible changemakers, enjoy great Middle Eastern food and music, and celebrate, but we also have an incredible keynote speaker, Eva Millona, who is our newest Global Detroit board member. Eva is the former longtime director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, former co-chair of the National Partnership for New Americans (the national coalition of state immigrant rights groups that produces the NIIC conference) and former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under President Biden where she led the White House Task Force on New Americans. Eva is an Albanian immigrant, an attorney, and a fighter for immigrant rights who is joining our board and keynoting our event because of her strong belief that the economic messaging and work is critical to the future of immigration in America.

Steve Tobocman added: “Eva Millona is a national leader with decades of work advocating for immigrants. Having this former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security keynote the event and join the Global Detroit signals that Global Detroit’s national work is valued by leading experts in the immigration field.”

Global Detroit Changemaker Awardees:

• Karen Phillippi (Welcoming America), Global Detroit Champion
  • This award goes to a mainstream institution or individual that exhibits inclusive practices or has championed immigrant inclusion.
• Star Crawford (Bank of America), Corporate Leadership
  • This award goes to a corporate entity or individual that exhibits inclusive practices or has championed immigrant inclusion.
• Adnan Gobah (Hamtramck Hardware), Community Entrepreneur
  • This award highlights an establishment or individual that has had significant impact on Main Street where entrepreneurs are having a positive impact on a neighborhood.
• Shiva Sundaram (USAMR), Emerging Talent
  • This award is a significant way to highlight our GTRI and/or GEIR programs and the importance of its contribution to the growth of the economy.
• Seydi Sarr (ABISA), Immigrant Impact
  • This award honors an established immigrant/ethnic entrepreneur.
• Christine Sauvé (MIRC), Immigrant Advocacy
  • This award goes to an individual who is a leader in immigrant advocacy.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at: https://tapestry-2025.eventbrite.com.

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About Global Detroit

Global Detroit is a community and economic development organization. With a focus on immigrants and global talent, Global Detroit develops and implements inclusive strategies to drive the growth, revitalization and broadly shared prosperity of Detroit, Southeast Michigan and Michigan. To learn more about Global Detroit, visit globaldetroitmi.org