Upcoming Events
Stay connected and inspired with MERG-E's upcoming events! From professional development workshops and networking opportunities to cultural celebrations, community or school engagement initiatives, MERG-E is dedicated to creating spaces where Black employees and allies across Michigan can thrive. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, expand your network, or drive meaningful change, our events are designed to empower and unite.
Join us as we build a stronger, more inclusive future together. Be sure to check back regularly for updates and event details—you won’t want to miss what’s next!
MERG-E After 5
Unplugged Experience
About the Experience!
When the workday ends, the connection begins. MERG-E After 5: Unplugged is not your typical networking mixer — it’s an experience.
This after-hours series brings together Detroit’s most dynamic professionals, creatives, and changemakers from across companies and industries for one purpose: to unplug, unwind, and connect in real life.
Whether you’re coming straight from the office or stepping out for a night of intentional networking, MERG-E After 5 delivers the perfect mix of music, conversation, and community — with a vibe that feels authentic, inclusive, and energizing.
Why “Unplugged”?
Because sometimes, the best connections happen off the grid. No panels, no podiums — just genuine conversations that lead to collaborations, mentorships, and friendships.
This is your space to:
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Recharge and refocus with peers who get it
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Exchange ideas that spark growth
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Build your network in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
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Celebrate the brilliance that exists when we show up as ourselve
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Event Details
Date: Nov. 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: The Vinyl Society 1427 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226,
Free event - Register here
Coffee, Cupcakes & Currency
PART II: From Paycheck to Prosperity:
Craft Your Roadmap to Lasting Wealth
MERG-E in partnership with BEN wOmen presents a virtual fireside chat with: Financial Expert, Speaker and Author: Gail Perry-Mason!
​Monday, June 30, 2025 @ 7:30 AM EST - Virtual via Zoom
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How to Prepare
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Grab a copy of Girl, Make Your Money Grow! A Sister’s Guide to Protecting Your Future and Enriching Your Life by Glinda Bridgforth and Gail Perry-Mason—and give it a read beforehand!
What to Expect
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An intimate fireside chat and live Q&A with Gail Perry-Mason
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Candid conversations about building wealth, smart money moves, and financial empowerment
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A chance to connect virtually with like-minded women, learn practical tips, and elevate your money mindset
Don’t Forget
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Reminder: This event is completely free
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Order your copy of the book online beforehand
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Come prepared with your questions!
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Bring your favorite cup of coffee!
MERG-E MADNESS
Where Community Meets Competition!
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Get ready to lace up your sneakers for a great cause! We're thrilled to announce the MERG-E Madness Charity Basketball Game, a special basketball game designed to bring us together for some fun on the court while making a real difference for The Reggie Mckenzie Foundation.
We're currently looking for enthusiastic players – of all skill levels – to form our teams and compete in this friendly tournament. Whether you're a seasoned player or just love to shoot some hoops, your participation will directly help us raise vital funds for The Reggie McKenzie Foundation and support their incredible work providing positive sports and academic enrichment.
Event Details:
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Date: Friday, July 25, 2025
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Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Tip Off at 6:30 PM Networking & Fun during our pre-game and post-game socials in the beautiful Brinker Family Loft.
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Halftime and Post-Event Hustle - bring your flags (soft shoes only allowed on the floor)
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Elementary and Middles School students - free to attend!
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Location: Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, 6201 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI
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Benefiting: The Reggie McKenzie Foundation
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Women's History Month Event
"The State of Women in Corporate America"
Sponsored by Ford African Ancestry Network (FAAN) and Amazon
Friday, March 28, 2025
Navigating Challenges: Driving Change!
This second annual virtual summit sponsored by Ford African Ancestry Network (FAAN) and Amazon will bring together women professionals, allies, and thought leaders from Ford, Stellantis, GM, Amazon, Meta, Henry Ford Health Systems, Knight Foundation, Blue Origin, Capgemini, Trinity Health, and more to address these topics:
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Built to Lead – The Future of Women in Corporate America
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Navigating the Intersection – Women of Color Driving the Corporate Highway
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The Power of the Pause – Recharging for Peak Performance
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Powering Progress – The Role of Men in Advancing Women’s Success”
This event will feature expert panels focused on delivering actionable solutions to enhance resilience, career advancement, and long-term success for women in corporate spaces. Attendees will also gain practical tools to amplify their voices, overcome challenges, and drive meaningful change within their organizations and communities. ​
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Cost: $25 (A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to two non-profits:
Click here for session information
Click here to secure your seat!​​
PANELIST
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Past Events
MERG-E has a rich history of impactful events that have fostered innovation, collaboration, and community growth. From hosting interactive workshops that equip students with practical skills to organizing professional forums where thought leaders exchange ideas around the future of work, MERG-E consistently champions progress.
Each event serves as a testament to MERG-E's mission of empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Women's History Month Event
MERG-E Monday Morning Mixer
Monday, March 17, 2025
(7:30 - 9:00AM)
@The Southfield Chamber of Commerce
MERG-E presented an exclusive 4-part series designed for corporate professionals and business owners ready to take their financial literacy and wealth-building to the next level!
We kicked off our first series with Special Guest: Gail Perry Mason – renowned financial expert, speaker, and author!​
Each session will focus on a key aspect of financial empowerment, from personal wealth strategies to scaling business success. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow!
Black History Month Celebration
"The Black Carpet Experience"
Thursday, February 27, 2025 @
The Norwood​​​​
We experienced a day of empowerment and connection, split into two impactful events:
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Daytime: Building Dreams - The Black Carpet Experience for Students (presented by Powered to Dream)
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Evening: The Black Carpet Experience - Professional Mixer: An evening mixer uniting Black professionals across Detroit to celebrate Equity and Excellence. This celebration fosters meaningful connections while honoring the contributions and successes of our community.
Panelist and Speakers
Alexis
Kerr
Vice President of the Mahogany Brand at Hallmark Cards
Carla
Walker-Miller
President/CEO at Walker-Miller Energy Services
Marvin Washington
Vice President & Global Head of Mechatronics and Electronic Modules Purchasing, Stellantis
Stefen J.
Welch, MCD
Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Detroit Pistons
AJ
Williams
Managing Editor at Michigan Chronicle
Marlin
Williams
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coach and Strategist | 20+ year Global DEI & Tech Executive | Speaker, Author & Media Contributor
Stefanie
Quarles
Director, Azure Segment Go-to-Market Strategy and Ops, Microsoft
Vice Chair - Blacks @ Microsoft, Great Lakes chapter
Rhonda
Dalton-Green
Account Executive, Cisco Systems Cisco’s Advisory Council
Marquita T. Chamblee, Ph.D.
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Associate Provost Diversity & Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer, Wayne State University
Myaa Jones
Account Executive
Google
Nicole Simmons
Senior Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Communications
General Motors
Niambi Powell, Phd
Inclusion & Diversity Specialist
Ford Motor Company
Debra Williams
Chief Operating Officer Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO)
