Years in the making, the new YMCA in Downtown Flint has finally opened its doors!

Last November, Mary Alyce Hood was elected to a six-year term on the bench in the 7th Circuit Court in Genesee County. The seat was vacated by Judge Celeste Bell due to Michigan’s constitutionally imposed age limits for judicial officeholders.

If one word could accurately describe a caring, nurturing woman who has dedicated much of her life to the welfare of children, that word might be “Mom.” Although she really is a dedicated mother, Amy Anderson is also the chief operating officer (COO) at Whaley Children’s Center in Flint.

Last month, students in the Mott Community College (MCC) Institute of Culinary Arts program were treated to a unique culinary and learning experience. Chef Andre Rush, a celebrity chef who worked at the White House under four Presidential administrations and is a military veteran, was the featured chef in the school’s Distinguished Chef Series. On April 2-3, the school hosted a two-day event that included a “Future Chef’s Lunch,” a lecture presentation and book-signing, and a “Hands That Feed the Future Gala.”

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes exceptional nurses who provide skillful and compassionate care – those who go above and beyond for their patients and families. Hurley Nurse Heather Minor, RN BSA embodies everything this award symbolizes. Her nomination reads:

Claudnyse Holloman is reminded daily how vital a role her organization plays in uplifting young victims of unspeakable crimes.

For 25 years, Jeff Wright has served as the Genesee County Drain Commissioner, overseeing critical water infrastructure that affects every resident – from ensuring clean drinking water to maintaining wastewater treatment systems that protect public health. A lifelong Genesee County resident from the Atherton/Bentley area, Jeff’s dedication to his community runs deep. His career in public service spans nearly five decades, including 23 years working under Commissioner Anthony Ragnone before stepping into his current leadership role.

Born in Helena, AR and raised in Flint, Dr. Shan Jackson is a proud southern belle turned Flint trailblazer with a vast scope of speaking and teaching experiences across the globe. After earning dual master’s degrees in Social Sciences and Criminal Justice from Michigan State University, she was inspired to pursue and complete her PhD in 2023. Her groundbreaking research examined the impact of nutrition on criminal behavior, particularly among youth and adults in the Criminal Justice System. She is the CEO of Healthy Just Feels Right, recently opening an office in Downtown Flint.

The Law Enforcement Regional Training Academy (LERTA), formerly the Flint Police Training Academy, is an educational opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing law enforcement careers. Operating under the authority of Mott Community College Public Safety Chief Jamie Zecman, LERTA is located at the MCC Southern Lakes Branch Center in Fenton Township. The Academy moved to this location in 2011 and the first training session was held in 2012.

In November 2024, the Flint & Genesee Chamber honored Paula Nas with the prestigious Claire M. White Art of Achievement Award for her dedication to bettering the Greater Flint community through her career. In addition to her role as Director of the UM-Flint Office of Economic Development, Nas has been a lecturer of Economics at the University for 30 years, teaching thousands of students the power of economic thinking.

Dr. Tiffany Quinn was in high spirits as she eagerly made her way to the Genesys Conference and Banquet Center on March 23rd.