To create platforms for professional and personal growth, connectivity, and service for our regional young leader community.
A Young Leader (YL) membership has so much to offer in addition to regular member benefits. YLs have exclusive access to:
Learn more about membership!
Questions? Email Joanie Wiggins at jwiggins@econclub.org
This speaker series offers exclusive access to some of the region’s most prominent business leaders and CEOs and is open exclusively to DEC Young Leader (YL) members.
The CEO Series meetings are often held at unique locations and attendance is capped at 50 in order to maintain an intimate dialogue between attendees and the featured speaker.
Previous CEO Series Meetings:
Check out our Speaker Archive for more meeting photos.
DEC Young Leaders (YL) are encouraged to sharpen their professional skills and build their member network with exclusive Professional Development Seminars throughout the year.
Previous Professional Development Topics:
While networking happens at every DEC event, Young Leader members have access to exclusive networking-focused social events throughout the year.
Previous Networking Events:
DEC Young Leaders (YL) have many unique volunteer opportunities for service.
For more information or to become a volunteer, please email Joanie Wiggins at jwiggins@econclub.org.
Career Readiness Academy (CRA): YLs can volunteer to mentor high school students in the DEC’s Career Readiness Academy.
CRA is a six-month program where teams of DEC Young Leaders provide career mentorship to the same students at Southeast Michigan high schools.
“Day of” Volunteer: YLs can volunteer to assist DEC staff with set-up, registration, directing guests, etc. at regular DEC meetings.
Volunteers receive a complimentary ticket to the meeting.
DEC Young Leaders (YL) can participate in the annual YL Conference, which is held in the fall in Detroit and aims to develop, inspire, and connect.
This one-day professional development conference created and programmed by YLs, allows attendees to:
This is one conference you won’t want to miss!
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, September 25, 2025 in Detroit, MI.
Sam Klemet - Co-Executive Director, Detroit Auto Dealers & Detroit Auto Show
The purpose is to support the Detroit Economic Club’s initiatives by engaging professionals under 40 years of age through educational events that offer Young Leaders exposure to the insight and expertise of the DEC’s distinguished members and engaging Young Leaders in vital discussions with the region’s prominent leaders and other professionals, and conducting such other activities to support and further the goals and purposes of the DEC.
Brooke Adams – YLC Chair
Life Remodeled
Kirsten Adgate
Vista Maria
Blake Allen – YLC Event Experience Chair
Bodmer Price
Megan Bowels – PD Chair
PwC
Jaylen Bradley
City of Detroit’s Mayor’s Office
Marcus Brooks
EY
Graeme Carlyle
Comerica Bank
Abigail Chapman
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
Kayla Defoe
SpaceX
Drew Dobbs – Networking Chair
ALUDYNE
Brad Ekonen
KIG Insurance
Kylie Grinwald
Accenture
Autumn Hegner
USI Insurance Services
Dorian Hooker – CRA Chair
AAA-The Auto Club Group
Almir Karamovic – Board Chair
Jack Kronner
Morgan Stanley
John Laman
Bank of Ann Arbor
Dan Murray
General Motors Company
Emily Niewolak
NBS Commercial Interiors
Mariam Ouazar
EY-Parthenon
Angie Perkins
PNC Financial Services Group
Megan Robinson – YLC Speaker Chair
NBS Commercial Interiors
Griffin Schuch
Comerica Bank
Derek Shinska
Hylant
Cezara Siotean
Health Alliance Plan
Aaron Sohaski – Governance/Nominations Chair
Henry Ford Health
Madeline Wyatt – YLC Vice Chair
Genna Young – Membership Chair
General Motors Company