Honorees

The 2009 Honorees

The third annual Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards ceremony recognized three regional heroes:

Brittany Galisdorfer
Brittany Galisdorfer is the 2009 Dave Bing Future Leader Award winner. She was Program Director at the Michigan Suburbs Alliance and was honored for her efforts to promote intergovernmental cooperation and innovation. Her mission is to unite us as one region with a strong Detroit at its core. Examples of her professional accomplishments include creation of UniverCities Connection, a unique government internship program; work with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to craft and manage their Cool Cities Internship Program; and serving as the driving force behind the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office, pulling communities together to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. She is also pursuing an advanced degree in Public Policy at the University of Michigan and serves an elected post on the Downtown Detroit Citizens District Council. Brittany’s energy and dynamic leadership made her an excellent candidate for this award.

Mariam C. Noland
Mariam Noland was honored with the Eleanor Josaitis “Unsung Hero” Award for her inspirational and visionary leadership. As founding president of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Mariam has been quietly committed to improving the quality of life of our region for 25 years. During that time, the Community Foundation has granted more than $360 million to charitable causes. Mariam has been a guiding force behind many major projects in our region, including the Detroit RiverWalk, which draws scores of people daily to enjoy the riverfront; the Greenways Initiative, which created more than 100 miles of trails and pathways linking communities and providing access to recreation and the region’s natural beauty; the New Economy Initiative, which is helping to propel the region’s transformation to an innovation-based economy through $100 million in funding from 10 major foundations; the Community Foundation Challenge, in partnership with the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan, which raised $4.8 million in less than 12 hours for arts and culture organizations; and recently, surprising 25 area non-profit agencies with special $25,000 grants to commemorate the Community Foundation’s 25th anniversary. Mariam’s leadership, and the strength of the Community Foundation which she built, continue to have a profound impact on individuals and organizations throughout our region.

The Honorable Damon J. Keith
The Honorable Damon J. Keith, United States Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, was the recipient of the third annual Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership. He was honored for his lifelong commitment to the constitutional and civil rights of all people, which he embraces on the bench and in his efforts on behalf of our community. Judge Keith is a giant in our country’s judicial system. He has issued more than 600 rulings, many of them landmark status, most notably in the areas of employment, education, and open government. He is known as a champion for justice and social change, and an inspirational standard bearer for everyone who believes in the future of our City and region. His many community efforts include helping to launch the NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner; serving on the Michigan Civil Rights and Detroit Housing Commissions; leading the effort to keep the doors open at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History; and helping to raise a $2.1 million endowment and donating his legal papers and records to the Damon J. Keith Law Collection of African-American Legal History at Wayne State University Law School. These, and many other significant contributions, epitomize Judge Keith’s dedication to breaking down barriers and working for understanding, cooperation and fairness.

View the Shining Light Awards Videos
The Detroit Free Press produced a series of videos for the 2009 Shining Light Awards. Please view them here.

More information on this year’s honorees is featured here:
The Honorable Judge Damon Keith
Mariam C. Noland
Brittany Galisdorfer

For more information on the 2007 and 2008 honorees, please click here.