MEDA Emerging Leaders Network

The Michigan Economic Developers Association Emerging Leaders Network is a member-driven organization that supports early-career economic developers and helps them to excel in their field by providing them with the tools and opportunities to be successful through training, mentoring, networking and outreach.

Recognizing the need for a conduit to connect young professionals in economic development, MEDAYP was established nearly 10 years ago. Over time, the group began to show a stronger presence of early-career professionals rather than those fitting within a specific age range. It was also recognized that the economic development community seemed to form relationships despite age. Therefore, MEDAYP morphed into Emerging Leaders in order to meet the needs of the MEDA membership.

MEDA Members

• Join the Emerging Leaders Group now and be the first to receive notice of training, networking events and other opportunities!
• Make a bigger investment in your MEDA Membership by joining the Emerging Leaders Committee to plan events and engagement. TIP: Commitment is rewarding, builds your network, and increases your chances of receiving scholarships.
• Consider yourself an established leader and want to help others? Volunteer to be a mentor!

Non-MEDA Members

• Join the Emerging Leaders Group mailing list by contacting Cassandra at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We invite anyone with an active interest in economic development to participate. There may be an increased fee for some activities.

All Emerging Leaders

• Meet Other Emerging Leaders by joining the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Participate in the MEDA Mentorship Connection program. It’s absolutely free!

 

MEDA Emerging Leaders Spring Training

The Emerging Leaders Spring Training is a half-day program with topics that focus on the needs of early-career economic developers.

Attendees are able to learn from experienced leaders as well as build lasting relationships through networking.

The 2023 Training is scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the offices of the Michigan Municipal League in downtown Lansing. Visit this page to learn more.

 

MEDA Mentorship Connection

The MEDA Emerging Leaders Network is pleased to offer the MEDA Mentorship Connection program, a volunteer program that allows emerging leaders in economic development the opportunity to spend time with a mentor to learn what to expect from this rewarding career choice! This is an ongoing program, so you can participate at any time. Everyone who participates will receive a coupon to attend a MEDA program.

 

 

 

Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship

The Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship is to increase women and minority participation in economic development in a way that supports MEDA’s membership, its committees, and the organization as a whole, by increasing opportunities for the education needed to build each recipient’s skills and abilities in economic development.

Visit this page to learn more about the Fellowship, as well as how to contribute to the endowment and support women and minorities in building their careers in economic development well into the future.