Events

Walking Lightly's founder, Tessa Benziger, is a social worker and mother of three who has always been sustainably-minded.  She couldn't find low-waste home and body goods conveniently in her community, so in 2019 she decided to create the solution in Walking Lightly, Metro Detroit's first zero waste refillery.

Business meeting and Endowment Fund review.

Maxwell McColl is an ambitious and energetic individual who embraces life to the fullest. Known for his compassion, charisma, and drive, Maxwell has excelled in his career while cherishing meaningful time with friends and family. Passionate about outdoor adventures and giving back to his community, he continues to be a source of positivity and encouragement to those around him. Maxwell McColl’s life took a devastating turn when a dirt bike accident left him with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The crash caused a brain bleed, lung damage, and multiple broken bones, leading to over 30 extensive surgeries. This life-altering event marked the beginning of a grueling recovery journey that required intense physical therapy, emotional resilience, and unwavering determination to regain his independence. Beyond his healing, Maxwell became increasingly focused on the systemic challenges that TBI survivors face. He recognized that there was a significant gap in the support available for individuals affected by brain injuries, particularly in terms of access to rehabilitation services, therapy, and assistive technology. His journey had made him aware of how overwhelming and isolating recovery could be without the proper resources, and he was determined to change that for others.

Learn more here: https://mcmbraininjuryfoundation.org/about-me/

Come One, Come All!  We're having a new member reception to celebrate all of our new members.  Please come out and show them some love!

Eric B. Larson has more than 35 years of experience in the field of real estate investment, development, asset management and leasing. Since 2014, Larson has served as CEO of The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders who develop and support programs to enhance Downtown Detroit. He is founder of Larson Realty Group, a privately owned company engaged in real estate investment, development, asset management and leasing.Eric B. Larson has more than 35 years of experience in the field of real estate investment, development, asset management and leasing. Since 2014, Larson has served as CEO of The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders who develop and support programs to enhance Downtown Detroit. He is founder of Larson Realty Group, a privately owned company engaged in real estate investment, development, asset management and leasing.

Jessica is a Firefighter/Paramedic with 11 years of experience in the fire service, including the past 7 years with the city of Birmingham. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Community Risk Reduction, where she leads initiatives focused on outreach, education, and safety awareness. She is passionate about building strong connections with the community, and is dedicated to reducing risk and improving public safety. Outside of duty, she enjoys spending time with her family, discovering great food, and golfing.

Third Thursday!

Come raise a glass, share an apetizer and enjoy some fellowship!

Rossana leads a boutique travel company based in the United States and Chile that specializes in slow, immersive journeys designed to disconnect to connect with nature, culture, and local landscapes. Drawing on her Mapuche heritage, experience traveling to over 30 countries, and expertise in botany and health, she personally guides small-group experiences that highlight Chile’s diverse ecosystems, traditions, and natural beauty, offering mindful adventures that allow participants to explore the world at a deeper, more intentional pace.

Maria Dismondy is the Executive Director of Making Spirits Bright: The Metro Detroit Book Bank.  Maria is a former teacher, children’s author, and publisher who now champions book access through her nonprofit. She lives a full life with her three kids, two dogs, sweet husband—and countless stacks of books. 

Maya Wolock is a research assistant working on Rx Kids, the nation's first community-wide, unconditional prenatal and infant cash prescription program. Rx Kids provides ALL moms in a geographically-defined community $1500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for 6-12 months after birth. Maya Wolock graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Public Health, and is a graduate of Birmingham Public Schools. 

John Maten is the president of The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial located in Memorial Park in Royal Oak.  He retired from General Motors after 42 years, his last position was as an Assistant Chief Engineer. John was the 2024 president of the Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham. He also volunteers as a coach and mentor for FIRST robotics at both the middle school and high school levels. He feels it is important to honor our vets not just on Veteran’s Day but every day as well as all of those that have supported them.

Dr Daniel Ryan is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and is medical director of the southeastern post-polio clinic.  He has treated thousands of patients who have survived polio and is a board member of Polio Health International.  Dan has been a member of the Birmingham Rotary Club for several years.

Dominic Vendittelli is a Certified Safety Professional with 10+ years working with various heavy industry manufacturing, construction, and warehouse companies. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University in Environmental Health and Safety, Dominic immediately got to work as an Environmental, Health and Safety Professional working for a company called HydroCorp, where he performed potable water safety inspections and cross-connection analysis. He now owns Shepherd Safety Consulting Services.