Community Candor Live Event Spotlights Women Leading with Authenticity in Detroit

November 13, 2025

Communities First, Inc. is hosting a "Community Candor Live" event on November 21 at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center, focusing on women's authentic leadership in Detroit. The morning panel discussion will feature four prominent female leaders from various sectors including philanthropy, energy, sports, and corporate development, moderated by Essence Wilson, the organization's Chief Strategy Officer.

Who is affected

Women leaders and community members across Detroit
Communities First, Inc. and its constituents (over 35,000 people served across Michigan and Indiana)
The four panelists: Linh Song (Song Foundation), Tonya Berry (CMS Energy/Consumers Energy), Melanie Harris (Detroit Pistons), and Vivian Pickard (The Pickard Group)
Event attendees including leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents
Corporate partners: Comerica Bank, Ford Motor Company, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the Detroit Pistons

What action is being taken

Communities First, Inc. is bringing its Community Candor Live series to the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center
Essence Wilson is moderating the panel discussion
The organization is expanding its footprint across Michigan and Indiana, serving over 35,000 people through various programs (economic development, affordable housing, education, environmental initiatives, and arts programming)

Why it matters

This event matters because it centers women's leadership in Detroit, acknowledging their generations-long role in supporting communities while providing a platform for honest dialogue about power, authenticity, and resilience. The conversation brings together diverse perspectives from philanthropy, corporate operations, sports, and community development, offering attendees insight into how women navigate leadership spaces where their presence wasn't always expected. The event also reflects the broader mission of Communities First, Inc. to build healthy communities through collaboration and intentional investment in people, demonstrating how cross-sector partnerships can fuel sustainable community growth.

What's next

The event will take place on November 21 from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Attendees can participate in a live Q&A session with the panelists
Registration is available at tinyurl.com/CCLiveDetroit for $25

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle