Advancing Macomb’s 2025 Community Engagement Summit
Inspires Collaboration and Action
The third annual Community Engagement Summit, hosted by Advancing Macomb on September 18, 2025, brought together nonprofit, business and civic leaders at Macomb Community College’s John Lewis Community Center. Presented by First State Bank, the half-day event focused on strengthening community engagement, collaboration and nonprofit support across Macomb County.
The morning kicked off with a surprise, high-energy performance by the Macombers, Macomb Community College’s show choir, which set an upbeat tone for the day’s conversations and connections.
After opening remarks from Phil Gilchrist, Executive Director of Advancing Macomb, and the event sponsors, attendees moved into a morning of networking and dialogue designed to spark new partnerships and turn ideas into action.
Nicole Sherard-Freeman, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, inspired the audience with a keynote focused on building a thriving region we can all call home. She underscored that complex challenges demand cross-sector solutions and urged leaders to step outside their usual circles to co-create better outcomes for residents.
Attendees also participated in a hands-on group activity, facilitated by Meghan Rutigliano, Program Manager of Advancing Macomb, designed to encourage collaboration and generate new ideas. In small groups, they discussed strategies related to youth programming, senior services, volunteerism, financial literacy, social media and cross-sector partnerships.
The morning concluded with a lively fireside chat featuring Salvador Salort-Pons, Mary Anne and Eugene A. Gargaro Jr., Director, President, and CEO of the Detroit Institute of Arts. The conversation was moderated by Brooke Allen, an award-winning broadcaster and host of “Caffeinated Conversations with Brooke Allen.”
During his remarks, Salort-Pons highlighted DIA programs, such as Inside|Out and community-co-created public murals, which bring art into neighborhoods, inviting residents to see themselves reflected and represented in the region’s cultural institutions.
This year’s Summit was made possible by the generous support of our community partners, including First State Bank, Macomb Community College, the Detroit Zoo, Advia Credit Union, Consumers Energy, Smart, OneMacomb and Gem HD Signs and Banners.
From a surprise performance and energizing conversations to concrete next steps, the day moved our community closer to practical, collaborative action. Attendees left with new insights, fresh inspiration and stronger connections to carry back to their organizations and communities.
