Speakers

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.

Dr Lee Halsted is originally from Farmington, MI - he has been an Optometrist for 45 years and a Rotarian for 33 years. Today he lives in Howell and is a member of the Highway M36 Rotary Club, Pinckney. He has served on eyecare missions in Kenya and Egypt. His passion is membership followed by Rotary Foundation. He is currently the District Governor.

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.