Michigan Central

Justine Johnson is on the front lines of the future of mobility in the State of Michigan. Her work as Chief Mobility Officer at the Michigan Office of Future Mobility & Electrification, she has the chance to envision a future that emphasizes the movement of people, goods, and information across land, water, and air. "Michigan's rich manufacturing heritage inspires me to consider both the current and future modes of transportation that will be developed in our state, utilized by everyday Michiganders, and to create transformative products that will revolutionize how humankind will move in the future, said Johnson. Her role demands critical thinking, a creative mindset, and the strategic decision-making necessary to support projects and programs that will drive Michigan forward into the future. Johnson also has advice for future generations of women. “Embrace who you are and lean into your experiences as a woman, as they provide a unique perspective,” she said. “If something doesn’t feel right, trust your intuition. Women excel at identifying problems and using creativity to find solutions. Every experience, whether good or bad, offers an opportunity to learn valuable lessons. It’s okay to feel scared; that’s the root of where growth and transformation live. Lean into the possibilities while embracing the journey.” #WomenPoweringInnovation

My passion for enabling and supporting women is evident -- so joining forces with Meagan Ward from Femology is a no-brainer. She is a force, and we at Michigan Central are a proud partner in supporting the next generation of women in tech! "Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, Michigan Central’s director of talent development and programming, played a key role in the partnership. Ward’s company is among the organizations that Michigan Central collaborates with to help underrepresented founders, including Newlab and Black Tech Saturdays, Barnett-Harrison said."

Caroline Del Giudice has spent her career helping people create and learn about art and artistic expression. As the Art and Product Realization Manager at Newlab, del Giudice facilitates prototyping for startup members and artist residents, leveraging her love for fabricating and designing metal sculptures. The Kenyon College and Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate has been welding for the last 10 years and picked up the skill in art school. “I am fascinated with the history of steel/metal fabrication in Detroit, developing technologies, and social dynamics, said del Giudice, who also works as an adjunct faculty member at the College for Creative Studies.“ I am incredibly fortunate to have two careers that inform each other so much and that permit me to grow as both an artist, fabricator, designer, and technologist.” Del Giudice has succeeded in metal fabrication, a field that has been traditionally dominated by men, and she has advice for women wanting to break into the field. “The world of metal fabrication needs more women! Don't be afraid to push the boundaries or go outside your comfort zone. Just because a field is male dominated, doesn't mean there isn't space for us–we just have to try a little harder to make it space we want.” Visit https://lnkd.in/gEpmY9da to see more of her work. #WomenPoweringInnovation

Last week, I had the joy of attending the Kintsugi Village Detroit groundbreaking, marking a new chapter for this historic space. Once St. Vincent’s School, it shaped generations of students. Later, it became a hub for civic engagement, home to initiatives like CitizenDetroit, which empowered the community through voter education. Now, with Kintsugi Village, it will once again serve Detroit—fostering creativity, learning, and connection. As Director of Community Engagement at Michigan Central, I’m inspired by projects that see not just a building, but its potential to uplift a community. Hamsa Yaqo, Paul Spiegelman, and the team—thank you for your vision and dedication. This work makes our city stronger, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/eUQSm35G

Last week, I had an incredible time participating in the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Leadership Detroit: Mobility and Talent panel. We dove into how our collective efforts are shaping Detroit’s economic future, with a spotlight on the talent development initiatives and Michigan Central’s pivotal role in connecting talent to opportunity. From offering transformative skills programs to robust startup support, Detroit is truly leading the charge in the future of innovation and mobility. A big thank you to my fellow panelists and everyone who joined the conversation. It's always a pleasure to host the organization that gave me an opportunity to be a part of the Best Class Ever -- LD XXXV!

We made it to the Fast Company Most Innovative Companies list for 2025! Recognized as one of the leading companies in the Economic Development category, we’re proud to be recognized for our efforts to create jobs and opportunities, drive investment and improve the overall economic landscape of Detroit. But we aren’t doing this alone. We have a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders that we catalyze and support who help drive innovation and economic growth. This approach to collaboration is with the goal to future-proof Michigan’s status as a mobility solutions epicenter and drive jobs and economic opportunities in the region. We’re approaching these goals, together. A big thank you to the team at Michigan Central and all our partners and members of our ecosystem including JustAir, a Newlab at Michigan Central member, who also made this year’s list. More exciting things to come from us in the innovation space and beyond! #FCMostInnovative

For Women's History Month, we're highlighting innovators in Michigan Central's ecosystem. Brittanie Dabney has turned a passion for environmental science and research into a business that not only finds new uses for organic waste, but creates the ability for systemic change. As the co-founder of Ecosphere Organics, Dabney and her team pursue the mission of reducing food waste, while also working to strengthen supply chains, reduce greenhouse gases and build economic opportunities for future generations in the city of Detroit. Her research includes discovering the effect microplastics, toxic chemicals and other contaminants have on aquatic life. “The idea that our work can help reshape industries and contribute to a more sustainable world is what keeps me motivated every day,” said Dabney. “What excites me most is that every day, we’re proving that organic waste isn’t just something to discard, it’s a valuable resource that can be reimagined into sustainable materials, products, and solutions.” Dabney also encourages the next generation of women to create their own path for success, trust their instincts and never be afraid to be different. She adds: “The world needs your ideas, your leadership, and your vision. You’ll face moments of doubt, but remember that resilience and adaptability are your greatest strengths. Surround yourself with a strong network of mentors and peers who uplift you, and always be willing to learn from every experience. And most importantly, define success on your own terms.”

Michigan Central member Femology is empowering female entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.    Femology founder Meagan Ward and Michigan Central’s Director of Talent Development, Clarinda Barnett-Harrison recently sat down with WDIV Local 4 News/ClickOnDetroit's Live in the D and April Morton to talk about how Femology, with support from Michigan Central and the State of Michigan, is helping female founders raise capital and run successful, sustainable businesses.    Check out the story here: https://lnkd.in/gkm6-jea

Femology is empowering female entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. Michigan Central, with support from the State of Michigan, provided Femology with grant funds to help female founders raise capital and run successful, sustainable businesses. Femology also launched a Female Founder School to give female entrepreneurs access to advisors, mentors, and investors. The program is tailored to founders who are just starting their businesses and those who are more well established. These weekly meetings help attendees learn about business models and sitting at the table with investors, as well as introducing founders to potential investors. A large hurdle Femology helps business owners with is the fact that less than 3% of women-led high growth ventures receive adequate capital. To learn more about Femology’s mission or the Female Founder School, visit femology.com

In honor of International Women's Day 2025, we're incredibly proud to celebrate the daily achievements of women at Michigan Central. More than 75% of the Michigan Central team are women, inspiring us with their commitment, strength, and impact in their jobs. And across our member community, more than 25% of startups within Newlab are female-founded, and 37 women are part of Femology's Female Founders School. At Michigan Central, we're building a culture that celebrates innovation and equity, which wouldn't be possible without talented women who build our ecosystem and create new growth opportunities for the city and beyond. #WomenofMichiganCentral #WomenPoweringInnovation