The JA Inspiration Awards is our premiere fundraising event, celebrating the remarkable leaders and legends whose achievements, leadership, and impact have helped light the way in our community.
This year, we invite you to join us at Detroit’s iconic Masonic Temple for an unforgettable evening dedicated to honoring achievement and inspiring the future. Together, we will celebrate the individuals whose legacies continue to shine while empowering the next generation to dream boldly, discover their potential, and create legacies of their own.
Proceeds from the JA Inspiration Awards support Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan’s mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
It was a pleasure to honor our 2026 JA Inspiration Awards Honorees:
Advocate: Gail Perry-Mason, Oppenheimer/Money Matters for Youth
Educator: Megan DeHate, Hanley International Academy
Entrepreneur: Sylvester Hester, LM Manufacturing
Volunteer: Matthew Mondoux, Blue Chip Partners
Corporate Supporter: Bank of America
2026 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Delta Air Lines
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Ally Financial
PVS Chemicals
MSX International
Iron Sponsors
AAA - The Auto Club Group
Bank of America
Independent Bank
KeyBank
RSM US LLP
Zurich
Supporting Sponsors
Blue Chip Partners
CFOx
Detroit Chassis
First Independence Bank
Mercantile Bank
Priority Health
Pure Leadership Consulting
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