Meet the 2024 Future 15 Recipients!
Chamber Blog, Community News
|Aug 7, 2024|11 min read
The Future 15 Awards are an annual recognition from the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce in partnership with JCI Greater Muskegon and WGVU Public Media. This is the 10-year anniversary of the Future 15 Program, with over 150 leaders having been recognized in the last decade. These young professionals are making significant contributions to the growth and success of their companies as well as immense community volunteerism that is making a positive impact along the Muskegon Lakeshore.
Meet The Future 15
Andrea Copeland |
Lakeshore Flavor |
| Andrea Copeland, raised in Detroit and West Michigan, has a decade-long background in nonprofit and business operations, with leadership roles in program development, grant writing, and strategic planning. She holds a degree in Social Work from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Cornerstone University. In May 2020, Andrea founded Historia Group, a consulting firm specializing in branding development, communications strategy, and funding development across the United States. In 2023, Andrea secured a $1.57 million grant to expand programs for youth transitioning from the child welfare system in the Saginaw-Bay area. Passionate about food equity in Muskegon County, she launched Lakeshore Flavor, promoting economic opportunities for Muskegon-based food businesses. Andrea’s vision for a local food incubator in Muskegon Heights aims to revolutionize the local food industry, fostering economic and community growth for local food businesses. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Andrea serves as Vice Chair for the West Michigan BIPOC Chamber and on the board for Flavorful Futures in Grand Rapids. |
Brad Hastings |
Disability Network West Michigan |
| Brad Hastings grew up in Muskegon and graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School. He attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a minor in Philosophy and Law. Passionate about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, Brad is the Systems Advocacy Manager at Disability Network West Michigan, working to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in their five-county region. He is a certified ADA Coordinator, Co-Chair of the ADA Michigan Committee, a member of the Trainer Leadership Network for the ADA National Network, facilitates a statewide accessibility collaborative group for Disability Network/Michigan, is a steering committee member for the LEAD Muskegon Giving Circle, serves on Muskegon’s Downtown Development Authority Board, and is a member of Muskegon Rotary Club. In his personal time, Brad plays trombone in the local band Flexadecibel and enjoys reading, disc golfing, going to the beach, and traveling with his girlfriend, Ashley. |
Chelsea Kelley |
HealthWest |
| Chelsea Kelley was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan where the culture and community has shaped the core of who she is. In turn, she dedicates herself to showing up in various roles with kindness, tenacity, and grit. Chelsea is employed at HealthWest as a Masters Level Clinician assigned to the Infant Mental Health team as a therapist working with youth ages 0-6. Additionally, she serves on multiple boards including the Glenside Neighborhood Association, Junior Chamber International (Muskegon chapter), and the Michigan Sociological Association. Furthermore, Chelsea is a grantee for the Leading Efforts Against Discrimination giving circle through the Community Foundation. In previous years, Chelsea acted as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Child Abuse Council. As a foster youth, Chelsea values the intricacy of relationships and desire to navigate complex systems. It is in this perspective that she sees infinite possibilities and beauty in positive change. |
Daphne Meneses |
Five Star Real Estate |
| Daphne Meneses is an advocate for her Latin Community. She was born in Grand Rapids, raised most of her life in Muskegon, Michigan. She is dedicated to serving her community in all things Real Estate. Helping her clients dreams come true one home at a time. Daphne has always been passionate about making a positive impact in any way she can. Through it all she found herself forming a silent non profit organization called “Marvels of Muskegon”. This small yet powerful organization gives back to those in need. Daphne is a firm believer of “you get what you give”. When she is not out selling homes and running “Marvels of Muskegon”, you can typically find her giving out ‘blessing bags’ to those in need or spending quality time with her family. |
Emily Morgenstern |
City of Muskegon |
| Emily Morgenstern was born and raised in Muskegon, MI. Emily has a passion for connecting people and creating a positive impact both professionally and personally. In her role as the Police Community Coordinator for the City of Muskegon her job plays an important part in connecting the community with the police department and ensuring Muskegon continues to be a safe and thriving city. Her commitment to positively impacting the community includes being past president of JCI Greater Muskegon, board member of Parties in the Park and Mission for Area People, and a member of Muskegon Rotary, Muskegon L.E.A.D, Nelson Neighborhood Association, and a Loaned Executive for United Way of the Lakeshore. While Emily is not working or volunteering she can be found enjoying the great outdoors of the Muskegon Lakeshore with her family and friends. |
James Coffee |
Mirror Talk Vision |
| Clubhouse Middles Supervisor – Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore
James Coffee is a motivational speaker from West Michigan. He has a heart for people and has a strong desire to see unity not only created within his own community but all over the world. With his strong faith in God, he believes that unity, love, growth and positive change will be something that he will see in his lifetime in many different areas of the USA and even the world. His passion is to speak life and positivity into all people, especially youth and young adults, as they are the next generation. He has so much love for his family and friends as well as his church community and everyone he comes across and he is hopefully that he will be able to be a light wherever he goes. |
Jason Colella |
Michigan House of Representatives |
| Jason Colella is a lifelong resident of the Muskegon Area. He is passionate about fighting for his hometown and its people. Now in his role as Director of Policy for State Representative Will Snyder of Muskegon, he is able to take that passion to the state capitol, where under Rep. Snyder they have been able to deliver for Greater Muskegon. Additionally, he serves as Chair of the Muskegon County Democratic Party, having previously served as Chair of the 2nd Congressional District Party and Vice Chair of the Muskegon Democratic Party. A lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, Jason has served as his Church’s lay member to the Michigan Annual Conference since 2018. In his free time, you can find him enjoying our beautiful lakes. |
Jenna Lakos |
Read Muskegon |
| Jenna Lakos is a proud graduate of Grand Valley State University, where she majored in Social Justice and Critical Community Engagement. Deeply passionate about advocating for equitable opportunities, Jenna dedicates her career and personal time to creating positive social change. In her role as Development Coordinator at Read Muskegon, Jenna is part of an organization focused on breaking generational cycles of poverty through the power of literacy. Additionally, she is an active member of the LEAD (Leading Efforts Against Discrimination) giving circle, where she contributes to funding initiatives in Muskegon County that promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Bridging her profession with her personal interests, she is also an avid reader and book blogger with over 12,000 followers. |
Juwan Smith |
Muskegon Heights Public School Academy |
| Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Muskegon Heights, Juwan Smith embodies the spirit of Tiger pride from Muskegon Heights High School. Passionate about helping others succeed, he believes advocacy and transparency are essential tools for achieving success. A hardworking individual, Juwan enjoys tackling new challenges both personally and professionally. Since graduating from Michigan State University, Juwan has been actively involved in various community initiatives. He is a co-founding member and one of the longest-serving members of Muskegon Young Black Professionals. Additionally, he serves as the secretary for ETA Nu Lambda Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and the project advisor for Upward Bound. Currently, Juwan is the college advisor for Muskegon Heights Public School Academy, all while pursuing his studies as a full-time student. |
Lashae Simmons |
Northwestern Mutual |
| Lashae Simmons is a devoted mother to two beautiful children, Tristan (15) and Khamylle (14), and a passionate advocate for economic empowerment and community development in Muskegon County and beyond. As a Birth to 16 Family Engagement specialist, business owner, and mentor, Lashae is dedicated to ending entrepreneurial poverty and promoting shared prosperity.She founded Black Wall Street Muskegon with the mission to eliminate the racial wealth gap by enhancing the success of Black-owned businesses. Through her leadership, Lashae has created an incubator that fosters brand growth, economic stability, and the longevity of the African American dollar within the community. Her initiatives include comprehensive entrepreneurship training, impactful events, affordable marketing solutions, and a dynamic social networking platform.
Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration specializing in Advertising and Promotions from Western Michigan University, complemented by Series 7 and 63 licenses. Lashae is recognized for her strong community connections, leadership abilities, and talent for cultivating enduring relationships. Her ongoing dedication to empowering underserved populations and supporting small and mid-size business owners underscores her role as a driving force for positive change in her community. |
Lionel Alexander III |
The Cor3 |
| Lionel Alexander III was born In Killeen, TX and raised in Muskegon, Michigan. He is enthusiastic about building Kingdom in both his family and communities. Serving in the roles of husband, father, entrepreneur, and Process Manager for Public Health; he has been adamant about being a change agent and influencer. He believes that many answers to unresolved issues are within our communities, which is one of the reasons he participates in so many different events. When he isn’t working or volunteering you can find him spending time with his wife and two beautiful daughters who God has been so gracious to bless him with. |
Rachel Fawcett |
Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore |
| Rachel Fawcett moved her Family to Muskegon in 2016 to take on the role as Fitness Manager of the Lakeshore fitness center. During COVID 19 Rachel worked for Thrive Global as the Program Director focusing on national wellness programs as well as community wellness initiatives. In 2022 Rachel was excited to bring her strengths and skills to The Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore accepting the position as Chief Operating Officer. When she is not working Rachel loves to spend time with her Husband Alex and 3 kids enjoying the outdoors biking, fishing, and working in the Garden. |
Rory Charron |
Parkland Properties of Michigan |
| Rory Charron is Chief Operating Officer of Parkland Properties of Michigan, a real estate development and hospitality company specializing in urban and waterfront developments in West Michigan. In his role, Rory is involved in determining Parkland’s new projects and strategic objectives, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of Parkland’s portfolio of companies. Rory is also co-leading the redevelopment of two of the largest housing projects in Michigan at the former Shaw Walker Furniture Company and the former Sappi Paper Mill, which Parkland desires to turn into thousands of new housing units for the lakeshore community. |
Shonie Blake |
Access Health |
| Shonie Blake was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan. With over a decade of service as a Community Health Worker, Shonie remains dedicated to the health and well-being of her community. In her current role with a non-profit, she is a tireless advocate for health equity, actively supporting and highlighting Black-owned businesses. Her commitment to a better Muskegon is evident through her roles as a Board Member of Black Wall Street Muskegon and a member of the City of Muskegon Planning Commission.As a mother of an 11-year-old, Shonie aspires to travel and advance into management. When not working, she engages in community activities, volunteering, and spending quality time with her family. |
Stephanie Tushek |
Lamar Advertising |
| Stephanie Tushek, is an Account Executive with Lamar Advertising of Muskegon-Grand Rapids, the billboard company.
Stephanie is an active member of the Muskegon Rotary Club, where she serves on the New Generations Council as the Rotaract Chair and on staff for the Rotary Life Leadership Conference. She also serves on the board of directors for Muskegon’s Parties in the Park, volunteers her time as a Loaned Executive with United Way of the Lakeshore and as a Chamber Ambassador for the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. When she’s not working, Stephanie enjoys traveling with her husband and exploring new things right here in Muskegon! |