BY JULIEN GODMAN
This year as part of our Spring Giving campaign, we were able to sit down with a few of our key supporters and program audiences and see what motivates them to stay engaged. The second in our mini spotlight series is current Global Detroit Board Member, Luz Viviana Meza. As the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Michigan Department of State, Luz has long been a dedicated advocate for economic development, immigrant rights, and social justice, with a career rooted in community impact and public service.
What first connected you to Global Detroit and its mission? And what motivates you to stay involved?
“I first became aware of Global Detroit when it launched its founding research study highlighting the powerful impact immigrants have on our regional economy. At the time, I was a student studying economics and deeply engaged in immigrant rights, so that research immediately resonated with me. It validated something I both believed in and was beginning to understand more rigorously: that immigrants are not just part of our communities, but central to our economic growth, our labor force, and our entrepreneurial ecosystems.
As an immigrant myself, it also felt personal. The data reflected lived experiences I had seen growing up in Southwest Detroit. Families building businesses, contributing to local economies, and individuals increasingly shaping professional spaces, including STEM fields. What motivates me to stay involved is that Global Detroit didn’t stop at the research. It built a model around it, turning insight into action and creating real pathways for people to thrive. Being part of that work, especially now, feels both meaningful and necessary.“
Why do you believe Global Detroit’s work is important for Michigan (and the country) right now?
“It’s a critical moment for our communities and the country as a whole. We’re facing population challenges, workforce shortages, and the need to remain competitive in a global economy. Immigrants are not just part of the solution, they are essential to it. Global Detroit’s work is important because it connects that reality to real strategies. It helps ensure that people who are already here can fully contribute their skills and talents. At a time when conversations around immigration can be polarized, this work keeps the focus on growth, opportunity, and shared economic prosperity.“
What impact of Global Detroit’s work stands out to you the most, and why?
“What stands out most to me is the focus on economic inclusion—especially supporting immigrant entrepreneurs and professionals. When someone is able to start a business or re-enter their career, the impact goes far beyond that individual. Economic inclusion strengthens families, creates jobs, revitalizes neighborhoods, and contributes to long-term economic growth. That ripple effect is what makes the work so powerful. It’s not just about access, it’s about unlocking potential.“
In your own words, what does “welcoming” mean for Michigan?
“Welcoming means being intentional, not just friendly. It means building systems where people can navigate opportunities, have their skills recognized, and fully participate in economic and civic life. A truly welcoming Michigan is one where someone can arrive and not just feel accepted, but feel empowered to build something, contribute meaningfully, and belong.“
Why is it important to support organizations that help immigrant entrepreneurs and professionals succeed?
“Because talent is universal, but opportunity is not always equally accessible. Too often, highly skilled individuals face barriers that prevent them from contributing at their full potential. When we support immigrant entrepreneurs and professionals, we’re investing in innovation, job creation, and economic resilience. These are individuals who bring new ideas, global perspectives, and a strong drive to succeed and that benefits all of us.“
For someone considering supporting Global Detroit for the first time, what would you want them to know about the impact their support makes?
“I would want them to know that their support translates directly into impact. It helps connect people to careers, supports business creation, and builds pathways for long-term economic mobility. But beyond that, it helps shape the kind of Michigan we want to be. One that recognizes the value of all its residents and invests in their success. Supporting Global Detroit is not just giving back, it’s investing in a stronger, more inclusive future for our communities, our state and our country.“
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.