The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Kara Wood, Executive Director, Grand Action 2.0

We join Grand Action 2.0’s Executive Director, Kara Wood, as she discusses plans for Grand Rapids. Grand Action 2.0 is a powerhouse not-for-profit economic development organization. Through bold leadership and public-private partnerships, they are actively identifying and funding the next wave of downtown building and transformational projects that make the city of Grand Rapids unique.

Ned Staebler, Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and President and CEO of TechTown

From supporting startups and emerging companies, to establishing firms, TechTown Detroit is Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub helping entrepreneurs develop, launch, and grow. Ned Staebler, Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and President and CEO of TechTown, talks with us about how this incubator and accelerator offers a full suite of programs for tech ventures and neighborhood small businesses.

Trevor Friedeberg, President & CEO, Greater Muskegon Economic Development

Hear Trevor Friedeberg describe the rich Muskegon community and history on the east side of Lake Michigan, as he breaks down the tools and resources the Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) offers. Founded in 1999, the GMED is a county-wide economic development agency dedicated to supporting local business. Their focus is to leverage public and private investment to accelerate business growth and the creation of high-quality employment opportunities in Muskegon County.

Alison Todak, VP of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, MEDC and Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management, MSU Research Foundation

Join our two startup experts — Alison Todak of MEDC and Pete Martin of the MSU Research Foundation — as they share how their organizations are helping to drive Michigan’s startup momentum. They give us insight into their collaboration on the PitchMI startup competition, highlight the four winning innovations for 2025 including: smarter hospital beds, powered campsites, satellite tech, and in-game ads. We also explore the state’s thriving entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

Matthew Warnick, Chief Executive Officer, American Rheinmetall

Matthew Warnick serves as Chief Executive Officer of American Rheinmetall, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. He has been with Rheinmetall for more than twelve years, guiding its U.S. operations since the establishment of American Rheinmetall (formerly American Rheinmetall Vehicles) in 2019. The company supports Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division with sales, engineering, and program management for defense and commercial markets.

Jessica Nabongo, Author, Entrepreneur, Photographer, Travel Expert

As the first Black woman to visit every country in the world, Jessica Nabongo is the author of the #1 best seller — Catch Me If You Can and mastermind behind The Catch Me If You Can travel blog. In this episode she shares why she made Michigan her home, the socioeconomical work she does around the world and teases her upcoming book, Catch Me in the Kitchen, featuring one recipe from every country in the world. Jessica is also an entrepreneur with a background in working with the United Nations.

Meaghan Kennedy, Founder, Orange Sparkle Ball, Inc. & Bernard Sweicki, Vice President of Mobility and Research, Global Epicenter of Mobility

The Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) has partnered with Orange Sparkle Ball, Inc. to run a social network analysis, to try and gage GEM’s impact beyond their region and measure the relationship between organizations within their ecosystem. We talk with Meaghan Kennedy, Founder of Orange Sparkle Ball, Inc. and Bernard Swiecki, Vice President of Mobility and Research at GEM about their partnership and findings of their analysis.

Dr. Arthur Lupia, Vice President of Research and Innovation, University of Michigan

Dr. Arthur Lupia is the Vice President of Research and Innovation at the University of Michigan, where he is responsible for fostering the excellence and integrity of research across all three campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint). The Office of the Vice President for Research is driving the mission to catalyze, support and safeguard U-M research from private sector, to government, to non-profit and more. Lupia’s vast experience as a researcher, administrator and educator, also includes federal service which spans two U.S. presidential administrations.

Alison Watson, Director, Michigan Arts and Culture Council

In our next segment of Around Michigan in 30 Minutes we talk with Alison Watson, Director of the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. From the Upper Peninsula to our southern border, Alison takes us on a journey through the people, places, and stories that showcase Michigan’s cultural heartbeat.  Since 1966, the State of Michigan has recognized the vital role vibrant arts and cultural sectors play in shaping our communities.

Alex Tank and Michael Lehnert of the International Affairs Forum - Traverse City

We sit down with Alex Tank, Director at Northwestern Michigan College and Michael Lehnert, retired Major General, to learn about the International Affairs Forum - Traverse City (IAF). The mission of IAF is to advance the understanding of the world and its critical issues through education and public dialogue. Alex and Michael describe the unique relationship between IAF and the college, the various events and opportunities IAF offers, and more.