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!

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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

How to Prepare

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

An intimate fireside chat and live Q&A with Gail Perry-Mason
Candid conversations about building wealth, smart money moves, and financial empowerment
A chance to connect virtually with like-minded women, learn practical tips, and elevate your money mindset

Don’t Forget

Reminder: This event is completely free
Order your copy of the book online beforehand
Come prepared with your questions!
Bring your favorite cup of coffee!

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MERG-E MADNESS

Where Community Meets Competition!

Get Your Ticket Now!

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:

Date: Friday, July 25, 2025
Time: 530 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.
Location: Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, 6201 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI
Benefiting: The Reggie McKenzie Foundation

Ready to lace up and play? Please complete our player registration form here by Sunday July 13th. Player spots are limited, so please sign up as soon as possible to secure your place on the court!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Kim Banguil (kbanguil@ford.com) or Jillian Blackwell (jillianblackwell@gmail.com).

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!

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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:

Built to Lead – The Future of Women in Corporate America
Navigating the Intersection – Women of Color Driving the Corporate Highway
The Power of the Pause – Recharging for Peak Performance
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.

Cost: $25 (A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to two non-profits:

BASICS International and United Negro College Fund

Click here for session information
Click here to secure your seat!

PANELIST

Executive Director, Global Supply Chain and Quality Finance, Ford Motor Company

Mae Smitherman-Smith, MBA

Vice President Human Resources
Amazon

Tonya White Hallett, SPHR

Program Director
Knight Foundation

LaTrice McClendon

Chief Executive Officer

JMA Solutions

Janice “Jan” M. Adams

Director Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA), Blue Origin

Skyra Rideaux

Senior Director, Automotive Go To Market Lead, Capgemini

Denise Reese

VP & Global Head of Mechatronics and Electronic Modules Purchasing

Stellantis

Marvin Washington

VP People Experience & Technology (PXT) - Global Operations - Amazon

J. Ofori Agboka

Chief Engineer Executive

Ford Motor Company

Dante Crockett

Senior Game Producer

Leon Pryor

Executive Director Global Body Manufacturing Engineering, GM

Telva M. McGruder

Senior Vice President, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Trinity Health

Laronda Haller

Global Inclusion, Organizational Excellence, and Leadership Development Consultant

Dr. Tiffany Bowden

CEO Essential Colors
Clinical Therapist

Dr. Sabrina Jackson

Sr. VP of Community Health & Equity and Chief Wellness & Diversity Officer
Henry Ford Health System

Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom

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:

Daytime: Building Dreams - The Black Carpet Experience for Students (presented by Powered to Dream)
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.