For Women and Minorities to Build Their Career in Economic Development
The Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship aims 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.
About Birgit M. Klohs
Birgit Klohs first joined MEDA in 1977 when she worked for the Berrien County Economic Development Corporation and was one of MEDA’s first three female members. Birgit retired in early 2021 after 33 years of leadership at The Right Place, Inc., the premier economic development entity in West Michigan. An August 6 press release from The Right Place, Inc., says “During her 33 years with The Right Place, Inc. the organization collaborated with state and local leaders and business executives to create more than $5 billion in economic investment in the region and generate more than 46,000 jobs.”
She remained active on MEDA's 2021 Annual Meeting Committee and is the first female Lifetime Member.
Making A Difference
"As the recipient of the Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship Award for 2024, I had the invaluable opportunity to attend Michigan's Economic Development Basic Course offered by MEDA, in partnership with the International Economic Development Council. This course equipped me with foundational knowledge and skills essential for advancing my career in economic development. The fellowship also enabled me to participate in a local women’s leadership cohort, where I built meaningful relationships with other professionals committed to making a difference in their communities. These experiences have strengthened my ability to contribute to the economic growth of my region, connect with key stakeholders, and advocate for initiatives that drive sustainable development. This fellowship has been instrumental in my professional journey, and I am deeply grateful for the investment in my growth as a leader in economic development." Niki Schultz, Executive Director of Alliance for Economic Success, 2024 Fellowship Recipient |
About the Fellowship
The fellowship can be utilized for training and professional development including, but not limited to:
- Education: MEDA Programs, IEDC Programs, NDC Programs, Regional EDO Programs, MEDC/RRC Programs, MML Programs, ISM Programs
- Staff Development: Planning, Board Development, Program Development, Communications, Policy, and Research
- Networking: MEDA Programs, Regional EDO Programs, Expos related to economic development, ISM Programs
Qualifications
The appropriate candidate will be a woman or minority who is looking to actively participate in economic development and needs assistance with the monetary aspect.
The highest consideration for candidates applying for the fellowship will be given to early-career economic development professionals as demonstrated through a review of each candidate's resume and professional letters of support.
Compensation
The awardee will receive a monetary amount that the MEDA subcommittee deems fit in response to the awardee’s application not to exceed $2,000. The awardee will receive the monetary award via expense reimbursement once the event/training/etc. is purchased. The Fellowship subcommittee will require the awardee to send in receipts and any other documents they deem fit to reimburse the awardee.
Apply for the Fellowship
We are currently accepting applications for the 2025 Fellowship.
Donate to the Fellowship
Fellowship Founders
Fellowship Founders are those who donate/pledge $5,000 or more.
Serving West Michigan since 1985, The Right Place, Inc. is a regional economic development organization funded through investments from the private and public sectors. The Right Place drives regional economic development initiatives to stimulate economic growth, wealth creation, and operational excellence by focusing on productivity, innovation, and the retention, expansion, and creation of quality employment and companies in the Greater Grand Rapids region.
The Right Place has assisted thousands of West Michigan companies to invest more than $5.1 billion and 47,000 new jobs throughout the region.
Donors
- 42 North Partners
- Ann Arbor SPARK
- Birgit Klohs
- Carolyn Bennett
- Cornerstone Alliance
- Detroit Regional Partnership Foundation
- DTE Energy Foundation
- Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County
- Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce
- ITC
- JoAnn Crary
- Lakeshore Advantage
- Lansing Economic Area Partnership
- Middle Michigan Development Corporation
- Monroe County Business Development Corporation
- Southwest Michigan First
- Traverse Connect
Become a Founder or Donor Today
You or your organization can contribute to the Fellowship using this form. Contact Meghan at meghan@medaweb.org if you have any questions about donations.