Non-Profit Award

Sponsored by DaimlerChrysler & DaimlerChrysler Services
Janet McPeek/Crossroads for Youth

The mission of Crossroads for Youth is to provide every child, every youth who is entrusted to them with the support, direction, education and guidance they need for a fresh start or a second chance in life.  Since 1951 Crossroads (formerly Camp Oakland) has been making a positive difference in the lives of youth in need of a second chance.   Crossroads has also been a site for leadership development for members of Leadership Oakland and many businesses and community members visiting their beautiful grounds.  In 1995, Janet McPeek was appointed to the leadership role at Crossroads and has been recognized with numerous awards including the Michigan Nonprofit Association Luminary Award.  She serves on many community boards including the Leadership Oakland Board where she is currently Secretary and Cornerstone Program Chair.  Each year the current Leadership Oakland class visits Crossroads for their “Shaping the Future” Session. And each year the most powerful takeaway is the inspiration that comes to class members from the Crossroads students that come in to talk to them.  The students are all leaders in their own way and through their Crossroads experience learn to apply their leadership skills in constructive and positive ways.  Through their impressive work, Crossroads for Youth is truly helping “Shape the Future of Leadership.” 

Corporate Leadership Award

Sponsored by Corp!

Comcast

Comcast has a long standing commitment to Michigan and the Southeast Michigan.  In addition to adding   500 new jobs in 2007, Comcast works diligently to improve the quality of life where their employees live and work.  Comcast is a visible and much appreciated supporter of many local organizations and generously uses their resources to support diversity and bring visibility to local issues. They currently invest up to $4 million annually offering services that support schools and lifelong learning.  This year they will award $135,000 to Michigan high school students through their “Leaders and Achievers” program. Comcast volunteers in Michigan contributed nearly 40,000 of community service in 2006.  Comcast has been a strong supporter of Leadership Oakland and our goal to develop civic minded leaders.  By serving on our board, sponsoring and providing coverage of key events, and producing and airing a public service announcement to promote our organization, Leadership Oakland has been better able to reach out to our region and grow our programs and services. 

Individual Award

Sponsored by Comcast

Pam Woodley, LOXIII

Pam Woodley was born and raised in Kansas City, MO by parents who taught her to give back.  Since graduation from college, Pam has been actively volunteering—often for charities that serve battered women and children and has pursued continuing education studies relating to domestic violence, incest and elder abuse.  In 1988, Pam came to the Detroit Area and landed a Producer position with WWJ where she advanced to News Director and is currently Director of Consumer Publications and Public Affairs.  She also volunteered early on for the Detroit Police Department helping rape victims through the legal process.  Pam’s list of volunteer activities is impressive and lengthy.  A few of her activities include: Volunteer Coach with the Art of Leadership (where she was recognized as mentor of the year); Board of Trustees in her church, American Red Cross, United Way, NAACP activities, Governor’s Art Awards, and a variety of activities for Leadership Oakland including the Media and Diversity committees.  She works tirelessly to build stronger, inclusive and safe communities.  

Ron May, LOVII

Ron May is  Senior Vice President of DTE Energy.  In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ron exemplifies the spirit of public leadership in his many volunteer roles.  May currently serves as chairman of the School of Engineering and computer Science Advisory Board at OU, on the Finance Committee of United Way 2-1-1, and the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the National Conference for Community and Justice.  He is on the board of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services. He is a past board member of Crossroads for Youth and Leadership Oakland.  He received the Diversity Champion Award from the Birmingham Bloomfield Task Force and the Detroit Chapter of the Association of Chinese Americans.  Those that work with Ron respectfully mention his open door availability in even the most busy and challenging situations.  He has been a strong supporter of Leadership Oakland and our mission to develop community minded leaders in the region.

Keith Cooley, LOIX

Keith W. Cooley was appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm as Department of Labor and Econmic Growth in March 5, 2007.  Known as an innovative problem solver, Keith Cooley was previously employed at Focus: HOPE since July 2002 where he melded his passion for community service with his corporate expertise.  He was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2006, after serving four years as Chief Operating Officer of Focus: HOPE. When announcing his appointment, Governor Granholm stated "Keith Cooley is an outstanding leader with an innovative spirit and is strongly committed to serving the people of Michigan. With his passion for connecting Michigan workers with higher education and good jobs, Keith will be instrumental in ensuring that we have a  21st century workforce to attract new jobs and employers.  He shares our commitment to see that every Michigan citizen has the tools they need to attain those jobs of the future."  Keith is on the board of Presbyterian Villages of Michigan and is a former board member of Leadership Oakland.

Future Leaders Awards

Jenna Dorrey, International Academy
Najah Hussein, International Academy
Emma Winnie, Clarkston High School
Michael Haynes, Oakland Technical Campus, Northwest
Aaron French, Oakland Technical Campus, Northeast
Matt Keagy, Clarkston High School

“We’re going global,”  was the theme of the 2007 competition at Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills.  134 students competed in the 9th annual Global Trade Mission. This regional event is designed to awaken student interest in international cultures and career opportunities. It is a partnership between Automation Alley, Oakland Schools, Oakland Community College, with support from DaimlerChrysler and Macomb Intermediate School District. This year’s students represented 16 area high schools across Oakland and Macomb counties. They learned from regional and global experts, with over 50 business and cultural coaches and four international video conferences. They also used identified internet sites and  lifelines to construct their team business plan for global competition to 36 business experts. 

One special highlight of the event is the Exportsmanship Award. This award recognizes the students’ ability to work as a team in solving problems drawing on diversity, and using all resources to overcome obstacles.  We congratulate the winning team!