Debbie Stabenow
U.S. Senator of Michigan

"Made in Michigan" through and through, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow has blazed trails, transformed public policy and made history as the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from the State of Michigan. She is widely respected for her unrivaled work ethic, ability to build bipartisan coalitions to get things done and commitment to public service. After 50 years of public service as a County Commissioner, State Legislator, Congresswoman, and U.S. Senator, Senator Stabenow proudly passed the torch in 2025 to a new generation of leaders, beginning a new chapter in her life that includes serving the State of Michigan outside of elected office.

Charlie Cavell, MSW
Oakland County Commissioner, District 19

A native Michigander, Charlie Cavell graduated from Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor and then attended Wayne State University. While at WSU, Cavell earned a BSW and founded an innovative non-profit called the Pay it Forward Initiative, which reinvented the way job training programs are administered. Cavell went on to earn his MSW from the University of Michigan and work internationally in community development. When he returned home to Detroit, Cavell brought his experience to New Detroit, a nonprofit focused on racial justice. During this time, he also worked on economic policy with the City of Detroit. Cavell currently works in administration at a nonprofit and is proud to represent the 18th District on the Oakland County Commission. 

Stephenie Chang, MPP, MSW
Michigan State Senator

Opportunity, access, equity, justice and service are the core values driving Senator Stephanie Chang, the first Asian American woman elected to the Michigan legislature. She worked as a community organizer in Detroit for nearly a decade before serving two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and then as the Democratic Floor Leader for her first term in the Senate. She is currently serving her second term in the Michigan Senate and is the Senate Democratic Policy and Steering Chair. Chang earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degrees in public policy and social work from the University of Michigan. 

Saunteel Jenkins, MSW
Current Mayoral Candidate for the City of Detroit

Saunteel Jenkins is a lifelong Detroiter, social worker, and public servant dedicated to community empowerment. Before serving as the CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), she is a former member and former President of Detroit City Council and Residential Treatment Program Director at Mariners Inn. In addition to her service on Wayne State University’s (WSU) School of Social Work Board of Visitors, Jenkins serves on the Kresge Foundation Board of Trustees and Henry Ford Hospital & Health Network Board of Trustees. A proud Detroiter, Jenkins received both her Bachelors and Master of Social Work from WSU. Jenkins continues her commitment to Detroit’s well-being, officially announcing her candidacy for Mayor in 2025. 

Gabriela Santiago-Romero, MSW
Detroit City Council Member, District 6

Gabriela Santiago-Romero (she/her) is the Detroit City Council Member for District 6. She currently serves on the Budget, Finance & Audit Standing Committee, and is the first Latina to ever chair a standing committee, Public Health & Safety. Santiago-Romero is an immigrant from Mexico and a Southwest Detroit native. She’s the former Policy and Research Director at We The People Michigan based in Detroit. She earned her Master of Social Work studying Social Policy and Evaluation with a focus on Community and Social Systems from the University of Michigan. She has made history by becoming the first out female LGBTQ Detroit council member. She’s a community activist and organizer who has extensive experience working for Detroit nonprofits and local government. Love and food fuel her work.