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Welcome to The Shining Light Awards

To nurture a sense of regional community, the Detroit Free Press and Metropolitan Affairs Coalition have partnered to create the Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards, which honor individuals who are making important contributions to regional cooperation, progress, and understanding in Metropolitan Detroit.

Shining Light Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, October 7
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
MotorCity Casino Hotel

Register Here
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2026 Shining Light Honorees

Recognize inspiring leaders and support the mission of the Shining Light Awards

Sponsor Packet

Help us celebrate the individuals who build bridges and foster collaboration across Southeast Michigan. Nominate deserving leaders for future Shining Light Awards and learn about the qualities we honor. You can also make a vital impact by becoming a sponsor. Your support helps us elevate these important stories and demonstrates your commitment to our region’s progress and well-being.

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  • Award ceremony for the Shining Light Award featuring diverse leaders recognizing excellence and inspiring leadership.
  • Award ceremony, Shining Light Regional Collaboration Awards, diverse group holding award plaque, professional event highlighting community achievements, recognition, leadership, and teamwork in a formal setting.
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  • Shanese Marshall smiles while holding her Shining Light Regional Cooperation Award plaque in front of a blue awards backdrop.
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  • Jazzmine Dancel smiles while holding her Shining Light Regional Cooperation Award plaque in front of a blue awards backdrop.
  • Ashley Williams smiles while holding her Shining Light Regional Cooperation Award plaque in front of a blue awards backdrop.
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    Shining Light Gallery

    CBS News Michigan Matters: Shining a light on community champions

    The 2026 Shining Light Award honorees on Michigan Matters as Bob Riney, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health, Laura Grannemann, executive director of the Rocket Community Fund and Gilbert Family Foundation, Jeremiah Steen of Steen Foundation and Dan Austin of historicDetroit.org, talk about issues before the region, their impact on the community and the road ahead for Metro Detroit.

    Michigan Matters
    Four individuals stand together on a television studio set in front of Michigan Matters program display screens.
    Logo of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition MAC featuring the letters MAC in blue with gold and blue vertical bars on the left.
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    Become a Shining Light Sponsor in 2026!

    Vibrant image from the Shining Light Awards showcasing the celebration of excellence and community impact, highlighting the prestigious event hosted by Barton Malow.
    DTE logo featuring bold blue capital letters “DTE” centered on a light gray background with a simple design.
    Henry Ford Health logo featuring stacked blue lettering with the words Henry Ford Health on a white background.
    ITC Holdings representative presenting during a community program event, standing beside a display board with branding and informational materials.
    Official logo of the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters featuring a blue shield with a gold carpenter's square and red center panel displaying the number '1.' The words “Labor Omnia Vincit” appear within the emblem, with a red banner below reading “Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters.” The design uses blue, gold, red, and white colors and represents the regional carpenters' union organization.
    Shining Light Awards logo featuring LiUNA! Local 1191 and LECET with slogan Feel the Power.
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    Shining Light Award Sponsors

    Light shining through stained glass window at Shining Light.
    Official logo of Wayne County Community College District, featuring stylized initials 'WCCCD' and a graphic element representing education and community.
    All white logo for oakland community college in all white letters
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    Brightly lit church interior with stained glass windows for spiritual healing and community support.
    Detroit Regional Chamber logo featuring blue italicized text reading “Detroit Regional Chamber.” A large stylized circular blue graphic surrounds part of the wordmark, creating a bold and recognizable regional business organization logo.
    Plunkett Cooney logo featuring the firm name in black serif lettering with a red and black abstract figure symbol centered between the words. The tagline “Attorneys & Counselors at Law” appears below in uppercase letters with gray horizontal accent lines.
    Walbridge logo featuring a stylized black stacked stone or layered geometric icon positioned to the left of the word “Walbridge” in bold black lettering. The simple, modern design represents the construction and engineering company’s brand identity.
    Innovative healthcare awards event featuring healthcare professionals and community leaders celebrating excellence at the Shining Light Awards by Corewell Health.
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    Logo of Consumers Energy with a white swoosh around the company name and the tagline Count on Us on an orange background.