PRESENTING SPONSOR
2026 JA Inspiration Awards Signature Event
featuring
LEGENDS AMONG US
Presented by Delta Air Lines
April 30, 2026 @The Detroit Golf Club
The JA Inspiration Awards is our premiere fundraising event and gala designed to showcase the Legends Among Us that reside within our community. Dollars raised at this signature event help further JA’s mission to inspire and prepare young people with career-connected learning and career pathways.
ADVOCATE AWARD
Gail Perry-Mason
VP, Oppenheimer Founder
Money Matters for Youth
ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Sylvester Hester
CEO
LM Manufacturing
CORPORATE PARTNER AWARD
Star Crawford SVP, Bank of America
VOLUNTEER AWARD
Matthew Mondoux
Partner & Senior Financial Advisor,
Blue Chip Partners
EDUCATOR AWARD
Megan DeHate Hanley International Academy
2026 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Delta Air Lines
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Ally Financial
PVS Chemicals
Iron Sponsors
Bank of America
Independent Bank
RSM US LLP
Supporting Sponsors
CFOx
First Independence Bank
Mercantile Bank
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
It was our pleasure to honor:
2025 JA Inspiration Awards Honorees
Advocate: Nolan Finley, The Detroit News
Educator: Stacey Cauley, Madison High School
Entrepreneur: Deana Neely, Detroit Voltage
Volunteer: Brian Bartlett
Corporate Supporter: Delta Air Lines
Youth Champion: Barry Hubbard
2024 JA Inspiration Awards Honorees
Advocate: Lisa L. Howze, Author/CPA/ Career Strategist
Educator: Lawrence Greer, David Ellis Academy West
Entrepreneur: Akil Alvin, Detroit Digital Media
Volunteer: Nanette DePriest, DTE Retiree
Corporate Supporter: Edw. C. Levy Co.
2023 JA Inspiration Awards Honorees
Outstanding Advocate Jim Nicholson, PVS Chemicals
Outstanding Corporate Supporter Amerisure Insurance
Outstanding Educators Laurel Hess and Tyrone Spencer
Outstanding Entrepreneur Shahida Mausi, The Right Productions
Outstanding Volunteer Blake Woods, Community Financial Credit Union
Watch Recording of 2023 JA Inspiration Awards:
2022 JA Inspiration Awards Honorees
Outstanding Advocate Byna Elliott
Outstanding Corporate Supporter GM Financial
Outstanding Educators Ranesa Reese and Bret Woodley
Outstanding Entrepreneur Todd Sachse
Outstanding Volunteer Scott Sandler