We’re kicking off our first People First Reflections with a look at what the People First Economy team has accomplished in the community—highlighted through the Letter from the President in our 2024 Annual Report.
As I reflect on my first year as President of People First Economy, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a values-driven organization. 2024 was a year of deep listening and learning—a chance to explore the many communities, programs, and networks that make up the People First Economy ecosystem. I spent time on the ground with business owners, partners, and community members across the state, gaining a stronger understanding of how our work shows up in people’s lives and where we have opportunities to grow our impact.
This past year also marked an exciting period of expansion in Southeast Michigan. With the addition of Dr. Danielle Cato to our team, we’ve been able to deepen our relationships and better support entrepreneurs and organizations in metro Detroit. We also completed a strategic merger with the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, allowing us to further expand our presence and align with values-aligned efforts already underway in the region. These efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring our work is both community-rooted and accessible to more business leaders across the state.
Throughout 2024, we also focused on growing our partnerships and refining our role in Michigan’s entrepreneur support landscape. In some spaces, we recognized the need to step up and lead. In others, we learned to step back—offering support, resources, or strategy to amplify the work of aligned partners. This balance of leading and supporting has become a guiding principle for us, and I am excited about the continued evolution of our collective work to build a stakeholder economy where people and environmental wellbeing are essential.
With Purpose & Passion,
Carlos Martinez
President | People First Economy
