Speakers

Judge Michael Warren has served on the Oakland County Circuit Court since 2002, earning a reputation as one of Michigan’s most accomplished and respected jurists. He has presided over more than 400 jury trials and 1,000 days of trial proceedings — more trial experience than the entire current Michigan Supreme Court combined — while faithfully interpreting the law as written, not legislating from the bench.  A cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and honors graduate of Wayne State University, Judge Warren brings legal rigor, historical depth, and constitutional fidelity to the bench. Beyond the courtroom, he teaches business law at Wayne State University and has taught constitutional law at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, inspiring future legal and business leaders. A former member of the Michigan State Board of Education, Judge Warren has also championed civic literacy, American history, and constitutional principles across Michigan.  He is currently a candidate fro the Michigan Supreme Court.
 

Patrick Smith, is the Chief Program Officer for North Star Reach - he has been helping create life-changing camp experiences for children with serious health challenges for over 3 decades. He is passionate about the power of play, the importance of community, and developing leaders who positively influence those around them. Patrick enjoys designing creative and engaging staff training experiences that inspire growth, build confidence, and empower camp professionals to lead with authenticity and purpose.

Ashtyn Hare, is a Certified Child Life Specialist and Program Director at North Star Reach, where she creates inclusive, developmentally appropriate camp experiences for children with serious health challenges and their families. With a background spanning pediatric healthcare, child life services, and recreation, she is passionate about fostering belonging, resilience, and personal growth through intentional programming and meaningful camp traditions.

Robert Simon is a licensed acupuncturist, Brennan Healing Science practitioner, clinical massage therapist, and tai chi/chigong instructor. He graduated with degrees in Asian Studies and Film studies from the University of Michigan and earned his doctorate in Chinese medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles, California. He specializes in the treatment of pain, migraines, neurological conditions including Parkinson's and stroke recovery, allergy elimination, and emotional trauma. His practice "Chigong Therapy" is based in downtown Franklin Village.

Appointed President and CEO of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in December 2021, Erik Rönmark has played an integral role in shaping the future of one of America’s great orchestras as a member of its administration since 2005. During his time with the DSO, he has helped lead some of the organization’s most significant artistic and institutional initiatives, including the Music Director search that culminated in the appointment of Jader Bignamini, the expansion of the DSO’s pioneering digital concert offerings, and efforts to bring the orchestra to new audiences locally and around the world. An accomplished saxophonist, Erik holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan and is co-founder and Executive Director of the contemporary music ensemble New Music Detroit. He lives in Troy with his wife, Adrienne Rönmark, a violinist with the DSO, and their three children.

Katie Bigelow is the mother of Bret Bigelow, whose extraordinary journey inspired the creation of the Bret Bigelow Foundation. Born critically ill and discharged from the NICU against the odds, Bret faced significant disabilities throughout his life, and his story became the driving force behind the Foundation's mission to bring comfort and dignity to chronically ill children through BRETS, specially designed adaptive pajamas. Katie draws on her own firsthand experience caring for Bret to guide the Foundation's work, ensuring that families facing similarly complex medical journeys feel supported and less alone. As CEO of Mettle Ops and a decorated Army Aviator, she brings the same discipline, compassion, and problem-solving instinct she developed in her career to her role as Bret's mother and as a leader within the Foundation. Her devotion to Bret's legacy continues to shape the Foundation's commitment to serving children and families navigating chronic illness.

Brigette Wright is the Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager at Michigan Humane, where she manages corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and event sponsorships for the region's oldest and largest animal welfare organization. Before joining Michigan Humane, Brigette worked in juvenile justice, community mental health, and education, including leading advances for a Detroit public charter school district.  Across every sector, her work has centered on building community partnerships and mission-driven fundraising strategy to support the people and causes that need it most. Brigette lives in Detroit and is passionate about community-centered work that supports both people and animals.

Cory Keller, President and CEO of Friends for Animals, joined the organization in March of 2023. He has spent two decades in the animal welfare field working at humane societies, rescues, and previously running the division of Animal Control for the City of Cleveland. His experience working in non-profit organizations and municipalities in animal welfare has given him a unique view and the knowledge of how animal welfare organizations could be effectively run while making a larger impact and saving more lives.