Michigan Women Forward to Hold Resilience for the Future Panel Discussion Presented by Independent Bank

Expert panelists address how gender and racial equity will play a role in economic prosperity for years to come.

Michigan Women Forward will hold its Resilience for the Future panel discussion presented by Independent Bank at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23.

The free virtual event will feature experts in community development to address pathways for growth in the “new normal,” how gender and race will play a role in economic prosperity in the years to come, and how attendees can help build resilience for small businesses.

Resilience for the Future will be moderated by Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director at AARP Michigan, and will include the following panelists:

• Whitney Anderson-Herrell, chief community development officer at MSU Federal Credit Union and president of the Desk Drawer Fund
• Laura Sigmon, president and CEO of Best Practices Consulting Services
• Tony Willis, chief equity development officer at Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)

“With over 155 years of experience advising Michigan families, Independent Bank is proud to present the Resilience for the Future panel discussion and continue serving individuals and businesses across the state,” said Brad Kessel, President and CEO.“ The panel will serve as a resource and empower aspiring entrepreneurs to effect change within their communities.”

The event will also reflect on the resilience entrepreneurs exhibited the past year and the impact of the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund supported by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). At the onset of COVID-19, Michigan Women Forward partnered with MEDC to meet the ongoing needs of the most vulnerable entrepreneurs by creating the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund. With MEDC’s support, Michigan Women Forward provided immediate relief for nearly 200 entrepreneurs impacted by the pandemic, enabling them to purchase essential safety infrastructure, pay their staff until they were able to reopen and more.

“Michigan Women Forward is focused on building an inclusive economy of women entrepreneurs,” said Alexis Dishman, chief lending officer at Michigan Women Forward. “The Resilience for the Future panel discussion will educate and prepare attendees for the months and years to come in the post-COVID-19 economy.”

Resilience for the Future is proudly sponsored by Independent Bank, AARP Michigan, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, PNC Bank and Deloitte, and Davenport University.

Those interested in attending can register on Eventbrite.

About Michigan Women Forward

MWF was founded in 1986 by 20 extraordinary visionaries who conceived of an organization that would encourage women to play an active role in philanthropy and governance. MWF is a community development organization whose mission is to expand economic opportunity, empower the next generation, and celebrate and honor the accomplishments of Michigan women. For more information, visit www.miwf.org.