Speakers

Dominic Vendittelli is a Certified Safety Professional with 10+ years working with various heavy industry manufacturing, construction, and warehouse companies. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University in Environmental Health and Safety, Dominic immediately got to work as an Environmental, Health and Safety Professional working for a company called HydroCorp, where he performed potable water safety inspections and cross-connection analysis. He now owns Shepherd Safety Consulting Services.

Najwa Sara Merchawi is a retired Software Engineering Manager and co-founder and board member of MUST University.  Sara was born and grew up in Tunisia, attended Penn State University for her bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees in Engineering.  She has held various positions in Software Development in Michigan and co-founded MUST University in Tunisia.  She volunteers as a speaker, mentor, coach, and teacher. 

Now that research has revealed that microplastics have crossed into the human brain, the alarming health risks of microplastics have been added to their increasing danger to the environment in general. It’s time to educate ourselves on this topic, so that we can act on a personal level regarding drinking water, clothing, gardening and food storage. 

Heather Sisto is a member of the Michigan Microplastics Coalition, participating in their Lansing lobbying and educational efforts. Her interest in plastic pollution began when she participated in the Flint River Watershed Coalition’s river clean-ups in the 1990s and expanded when she assigned drinking water research topics to her writing students at Mott Community College in Flint. As Honors Program Director, she was instrumental in establishing service learning at the college. Once retired, Heather became more engaged with the Nepessing Five Rivers Group of the Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter where she serves as a board member, secretary, and newsletter editor.

Ryan has served Metro Detroit’s homeless and human service sector for more than 15 years and led South Oakland Shelter (SOS) as CEO from 2010. Following the 2019 merger of SOS with Lighthouse, he assumed leadership of the combined organization, expanding services to include emergency shelter, food distribution, financial assistance, affordable housing, supportive services, and innovative crowdfunding solutions. Under his leadership, Lighthouse’s affordable housing portfolio has grown to more than 500 residential units, with over $100 million in multifamily developments underway across Metro Detroit. Ryan also serves in statewide and regional leadership roles, including a 2025 reappointment by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to Michigan’s Interagency Council on Homelessness, reflecting his commitment to connecting compassion with lasting impact.

Kim has over 20 years of experience in the special education field with local school districts, through teaching and job coaching individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities.  She joined the Dutton Farm administration team 5 years ago and has now been part of the Development Department for 3 1/2 years and is in charge of all their fundraising events from the Driving Fore Dutton golf outing to their High Hopes themed galas.  Kim plays an essential role in bringing their mission to life through her dedication, creativity and heart for the participants at Dutton Farm.  She leads the planning and execution of their major fundraising events, builds community awareness and coordinates third-party events that support their programs. Kim is also a proud member of the Rochester Rotary Club and this year’s Leadership Oakland XXXIV class, where she continues to grow as a community leader and is excited to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.