Detroit is experiencing a renaissance, but its revival is still unfolding. Leaders like Portia Roberson, CEO of Focus: HOPE, are committed to ensuring that this transformation is inclusive and benefits all communities. As new industries take root and technology reshapes the workforce, Detroit must prioritize equitable access to opportunities. With initiatives like Black Tech Saturdays attracting over 1,200 attendees weekly, the push to bridge economic gaps and uplift the city’s deep-rooted communities has never been more urgent.

How can Detroit build long-term economic resilience while fostering opportunities for all communities?

In the second episode of this two-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski continues his conversation with Roberson to explore Detroit’s evolving workforce, its growing tech ecosystem, and the role of organizations in fostering inclusive economic growth. They discuss how the city’s history informs its future, the power of community-driven innovation, and the need for strategic investment in Black and brown entrepreneurs.

Key takeaways from the episode:

Detroit’s Workforce Evolution – As traditional manufacturing jobs decline, new industries such as tech and clean energy are emerging, requiring upskilling and training to prepare Detroiters for the future.

The Role of Community-Driven Initiatives – Initiatives like Black Tech Saturdays and New Lab are reshaping Detroit’s job market by creating networking, funding, and mentorship opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Investment in Sustainable Growth – Economic development must be inclusive, ensuring that Black and brown entrepreneurs have access to capital and resources to build businesses that contribute to Detroit’s long-term success.

Portia Roberson is the CEO of Focus: HOPE, where she has led workforce development, education, and community empowerment initiatives since 2018. With extensive experience in public service, she previously served as Group Executive for Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity for the City of Detroit and as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice. A trained attorney, she has also worked as Corporation Counsel for the City of Detroit, Associate General Counsel at Detroit Medical Center, and Assistant Prosecutor for Wayne County.

Detroit has long been a city of resilience, innovation, and reinvention. Once the heart of American industry, its rebirth has been marked by waves of economic and social transformation. But as new developments reshape the city, the question remains: who gets to be part of this transformation, and how can Black leadership play a central role? Black entrepreneurs and leaders often face systemic challenges in accessing capital, despite their deep roots and contributions to the city. In fact, research shows that nonprofits led by people of color receive less funding than their white-led counterparts.

So how do we ensure that Detroit’s renaissance is truly inclusive? How can Black entrepreneurs and organizations access the resources they need to thrive? In the first episode of this two-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski sits down with Dwan Dandridge, the CEO and co-founder of Black Leaders Detroit, to explore how his organization is working to create equitable opportunities for Black businesses and nonprofits in the city. The episode highlights the role of Black leadership in shaping Detroit’s future.

The two discuss…

The legacy of Black Bottom and Detroit’s history of Black entrepreneurship – and how systemic barriers continue to shape economic opportunities today.

How Black Leaders Detroit is addressing funding disparities by creating a financial resource pool controlled by and for Black Detroiters.

The importance of self-determination in economic development and how communities can take control of their own financial futures.

Dwan Dandridge is a Detroit native and the CEO of Black Leaders Detroit, an organization dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs and leaders through equitable funding solutions. With a background spanning skilled trades, business ownership, and community activism, Dandridge’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence and self-determination. His work aims to bridge the gap in funding for Black-led organizations and ensure that Detroit’s economic resurgence benefits all its residents.

Detroit’s comeback is defined by perseverance, creativity, and inclusivity—but who is ensuring that all Detroiters benefit from the city’s economic revival? Black Leaders Detroit, under the leadership of CEO Dwan Dandridge, is addressing this challenge head-on by providing capital and support to Black entrepreneurs in the city. Since its founding in 2019, the organization has deployed over $4 million through grants and no-interest loans, helping businesses grow and communities thrive.

How can Black entrepreneurs in Detroit access the capital they need to scale their businesses and contribute to the city’s redevelopment?

In the second episode of this two-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski continues his conversation with Dwan Dandridge. Together, they discuss how Black Leaders Detroit is making a lasting impact on the city’s economic landscape. From overcoming financial barriers to launching initiatives that empower the next generation, Dandridge shares his vision for a more inclusive Detroit.

Key takeaways from this episode:

The importance of community-driven economic initiatives in creating sustainable opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

The upcoming expansion of funding for real estate development, with loans reaching up to $150,000.

How Black Leaders Detroit is fostering local job creation and economic independence through strategic investment in Black-owned businesses.

Dwan Dandridge is the CEO of Black Leaders Detroit, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing capital and resources to Black entrepreneurs. With a deep understanding of Detroit’s economic and social landscape, Dandridge has championed innovative solutions to break down barriers for business owners of African descent. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a key player in Detroit’s redevelopment efforts.

Detroit’s resurgence has been a story of resilience, but the city still grapples with deep economic and social disparities. Once one of the most prosperous cities in America, Detroit faced bankruptcy just over a decade ago. Today, the city is bouncing back, but the gap between progress and community well-being remains significant. With organizations like Focus: HOPE leading the charge, how can Detroit bridge the divide between economic growth and inclusive opportunities for all?

How can Detroit ensure that its comeback benefits all residents?

In the first episode of this two-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski sits down with Portia Roberson, CEO of Focus: HOPE, to discuss the pivotal role nonprofits play in addressing workforce development, education, and community empowerment. They explore the organization’s history, its impact, and the challenges that still need to be overcome as Detroit continues its transformation.

Key takeaways from the episode:

The Evolution of Focus: HOPE – Born out of the 1967 Detroit rebellion, Focus: HOPE was founded to combat racism, poverty, and inequality through practical action, such as workforce training, early education, and food assistance.

Bridging the Workforce Gap – Detroit’s job market is changing rapidly, with shifts towards electric vehicles and technology-based industries. Focus: HOPE is ensuring that underrepresented communities have access to training and education for these evolving opportunities.

Investing in Community and Education – The city’s long-term success hinges on improving public education and increasing investments in Black and women-owned businesses to create sustainable economic growth.

Portia Roberson is the CEO of Focus: HOPE, a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to social justice and economic empowerment. A trained lawyer, she has extensive experience in public service, having worked as a criminal defense attorney, a Wayne County prosecutor, and in the Obama administration. Under her leadership, Focus: HOPE continues to serve thousands of Detroiters through education, workforce development, and community programs.

Marketing is at a crossroads. Traditional advertising channels are losing their impact as audiences become increasingly desensitized to repetitive messaging. Creativity has a crucial role in modern marketing, with consumers on the search for fresh content that can capture their attention. So, how can brands do this in a meaningful way?

In the second episode of this three-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski continues his conversation with marketing innovator Ivonne Kinser to explore how creativity, technology, and illusion can transform brand engagement. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Hoplark, the founder of Vantage Creative Group and the mastermind behind the Vantage Innovation Lab, Kinser shares how her latest partnership with Amaze—a company founded by world-class magicians—is redefining marketing through high-tech storytelling.

Key takeaways from the conversation:

Creativity as a Business Tool – Kinser emphasizes that creativity isn’t just for artists; it’s a fundamental tool for problem-solving and brand differentiation.

Magic Meets Marketing – Through her partnership with Amaze, Kinser is leveraging illusion and technology to create immersive brand experiences that captivate audiences.

The Coca-Cola Case Study – A groundbreaking campaign with Coca-Cola demonstrated the power of organic amplification, delivering 5 million views from an initial goal of just 10,000.

Ivonne Kinser is an award-winning marketing leader and the bestselling author of THINK: The Manifesto for Creative and Critical Thinkers. With a career spanning digital innovation, she previously led marketing at Avocados From Mexico, where she built an award-winning digital strategy and positioned the brand as a top innovator. She has been recognized with the Marketing Lifetime Achievement Award and named one of the 100 Most Influential Latinas in the U.S.

In an era where marketing is constantly reinventing itself, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just keeping up with the latest technology—it demands a new way of thinking. With over 14,000 marketing tools available today, the landscape is more complex than ever. As AI accelerates change and traditional tactics lose their impact, how can brands truly differentiate themselves? Research shows that originality and adaptability are key drivers of success, yet many marketers struggle to navigate this ever-evolving ecosystem.

So, what does it take to stay relevant in marketing today? How can brands leverage creativity and technology to solve problems in a disruptive way?

In the final episode of this three-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski and marketing thought leader Ivonne Kinser explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and strategic problem-solving. Kinser, the best-selling author of THINK: The Manifesto for Creative and Critical Thinkers, shares her insights on how marketers must adapt their mindset to succeed in an AI-driven world.

Key takeaways from the conversation:

Marketing is no longer about mastering a single technology – With new tools emerging daily, marketers must shift their focus from expertise in specific platforms to a broader, creative approach to problem-solving.

Originality is the key to differentiation – The most successful brands don’t just follow trends; they combine technology and creativity in unique ways to stand out in a crowded market.

Adaptability is essential – The only constant in marketing today is change, and brands that embrace experimentation and learning will be the ones to lead the industry forward.

Ivonne Kinser is a marketing innovator and thought leader, currently serving as the Chief Marketing Officer at Hoplark and CEO of Vantage Creative & Bridge. During her decade-long tenure at Avocados From Mexico, she led the brand’s award-winning digital marketing strategy, earning it recognition as one of the world's most innovative brands. A recipient of the Marketing Lifetime Achievement Award and an ADWEEK 2024 CMO Mentor, she is also a best-selling author and keynote speaker specializing in creativity, disruption, and the evolving role of technology in marketing.

The world of marketing is evolving rapidly, demanding creative resilience and innovative strategies to stay ahead. Ivonne Kinser, a trailblazing marketing leader, exemplifies this approach through her work in digital innovation and brand transformation. As artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and shifting consumer behaviors disrupt traditional marketing paradigms, the ability to think critically and creatively has never been more crucial. Research indicates that businesses that emphasize creativity are more likely to establish a strong market presence and attain higher market share. In fact, among companies leading in market share, creative firms were found to surpass their less creative competitors by a ratio of 1.5.

How can marketers harness their creative potential to drive meaningful impact? And what are the tools and mindsets required to foster innovation in an increasingly complex landscape?

In the first episode of this three-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski sits down with marketing thought leader Ivonne Kinser to explore the intersection of creativity, critical thinking, and brand innovation. Kinser, the Chief Marketing Officer of Hoplark, shares insights from her bestselling book THINK: The Manifesto for Creative and Critical Thinkers, offering a roadmap for unlocking creative potential and navigating the ever-changing marketing industry. From her early days pioneering digital efforts for American Airlines to leading the groundbreaking marketing strategies at Avocados from Mexico, Kinser's career is a testament to the power of creative disruption.

Key takeaways from the episode:

The Science of Creativity: Kinser delves into how the brain forms creative ideas, emphasizing the role of cross-industry experiences and continuous learning.

Overcoming Creative Blocks: She shares actionable strategies for unlocking creative potential, including the importance of reflection, curiosity, and critical thinking.

The Future of Marketing Innovation: Insights into her work with Hoplark and the Vantage Innovation Lab, where she experiments with cutting-edge marketing techniques and digital transformation.

Ivonne Kinser is a visionary marketing leader with extensive experience in digital innovation, brand strategy, and creative disruption. As the former Head of Marketing at Avocados From Mexico, she built the brand’s award-winning digital practice and led its innovation agenda, securing its spot as Fast Company’s most innovative brand in 2021. Now the Chief Marketing Officer at Hoplark Brands and CEO of Vantage Creative & Bridge, she continues to redefine marketing while sharing her insights through global keynote speeches. She is also the bestselling author of THINK, a book that delves into the philosophical and practical aspects of creativity and critical thinking.

Chris Dargin, tech CEO and CRO, talks the changing landscape of tech careers, and how unconventional routes can lead to industry leadership.

Chris Dargin, tech CEO and CRO, discusses how tech is opening doors for Detroit and entrepreneurs interested in a career path in the field.

Sean Michael Brehm, co-founder of CrowdPoint Technologies, discusses how businesses can prepare for a quantum computing revolution.