BY JULIEN GODMAN
Fourth in our Spring Giving campaign spotlight series is local advocate and former Canine to Five small business owner, Liz Blondy.
Where’d you grow up? And, what is your background here in Detroit?
“I’ve spent my entire life in Detroit. In 2005, I started Canine to Five, which became the first dog daycare and boarding company in the city of Detroit. Over 20 years, we grew across Metro Detroit and built a team made up of people from many different backgrounds and communities. Detroit has shaped a lot of who I am. It’s a city full of resilience, reinvention, and people trying to build something better for themselves and their families.”
What makes Global Detroit’s work unique? How do you relate to our work?
“What I appreciate about Global Detroit is that the work feels very real and practical. It’s not just talking about immigration — it’s helping people actually build lives, careers, businesses, and community here.“
How have you engaged with Global Detroit to-date?
“I participated in the Global Talent Accelerator program in the Winter of 2025. I also had the opportunity to return to the program as an alumna, and graduate of my PhD program, to volunteer this year and share my story with a new cohort of international students.“
Why do you believe pro-immigration policies and practices are the right choice for Michigan (and the country) right now?
“Michigan needs people. We need workers, business owners, caregivers, tradespeople, and families investing in communities long term. Immigration strengthens economies, fills important gaps, and brings new energy and ideas into places that need it. I also think most people coming here are doing something incredibly brave — leaving behind what’s familiar to build a better future. That kind of courage and determination benefits communities.“
In your own words, what does “welcoming” mean for you?
“To me, welcoming means making it easier for someone to belong. Not just being polite — actually helping people feel included, respected, and able to participate fully in a community. Everybody deserves to feel like they matter where they live.“
What do you wish more people knew about immigrants in Michigan?
“I wish more people understood how much immigrants already contribute to Michigan every day. They’re opening businesses, filling important jobs, supporting families, and helping communities grow. I also think people underestimate how hard the immigration process can be. Many families are navigating language barriers, financial stress, and complicated systems all at once — while still showing an incredible amount of resilience.”
For someone considering supporting Global Detroit for the first time, why should they donate and support our work?
“Supporting Global Detroit is really an investment in the future of Detroit and Michigan. Stronger communities, stronger local businesses, and more opportunity benefit everyone. At a time when it’s easy for people to become divided or isolated, I think creating connection and belonging matters more than ever.”
For ways to invest and engage in our work, consider sharing and donating to the annual Spring Giving campaign, and if you are an entity looking to uplift our work in a bigger way and would like greater exposure to likeminded audiences, consider becoming a sponsor of our fall fundraising dinner, Tapestry.
Julien Godman is a multi-medium storyteller and communications strategist. He has over 15 years experience working in the Detroit creative nonprofit and philanthropic industries, with focus on equitability and access. His work in communications, specifically public relations, brand development, and social media, is further enriched with a background in writing and journalism, with dozens of articles and print published over the years.