Tatiana Grant, 27

President, Infused PR & Events, LLC

Tatiana Grant is a metro-Detroit native, who has had an entrepreneurial spirit since a young age. This spirit started with a Kool-Aid stand and expanded to a home business of doing hair and nails, under the age of 10. Her family instilled hard work and education, which sparked her work ethic and academic performance while pursuing her undergraduate degree. Her past experience allowed her to gain positions at some of the nation and region’s leading companies. After working in the corporate world, she pondered the idea of starting her own Public Relations and Event Planning Company, and Infused PR & Events was formed. Luckily, Grant had built up a strong network of friends, family and acquaintances who supported her and her business ventures. Infused PR & Events offers premier public relations and event planning services to celebrities, small businesses, non-profits and corporations.

Under Grant’s influence and execution, Infused manages sponsorship relations for clients and has managed approximately $500,000 for clients (to date). The company has also grown its client base from professional athletes to small businesses, nonprofits and corporations.

Additionally, the Infused team has secured local and national media placement for clients. Media outlets include: CNN, ESPN, Mitch Albom Show, Wall Street Journal, Men’s Health, New York Daily News, Essence Magazine, BET News, Fox Sports, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Oakland Press, Channels 2, 4, 7, Ambassador Magazine, Crain’s Detroit, and Hour Detroit.

Infused has done work for the following entities:
• Braylon Edwards/Braylon Edwards Foundation
• Charles H. Wright Museum-Dance Theatre of Harlem Gala
• 4th Marketing “Bowling Spook-Tacular Fundraiser: Louis Delmas Foundation (Detroit Lions) and Charlie Villanueva Foundation (Detroit Pistons)
• Chris Bonatz/Christian Dior-Masquerade Ball Beauty Bash (at The Townsend)
• National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
• Sommer Solutions: Hob Nobble Gobble-Parade Company, National Summit-Detroit Economic Club)

A few years after launching Infused PR & Events, Grant decided to pursue another entrepreneurial venture called Your Date Your Way (YDYW). YDYW (to launch in Fall 2012) is a full-service event planning and date concierge company that specializes in arranging the logistical components for dates and/or special evenings on behalf of individuals or couples. Its mission is to provide affordable assistance in planning meaningful and relationship-building dates for singles and married couples. YDYW will provide a wide variety of packages encompassing activities for every date and every wallet. The service is perfect for those in the early stages of dating, newlywed couples, long-time couples and those who generally don’t know what options are available other than “dinner and a movie”.

Grant received media attention about her various business ventures, philanthropic efforts, love of Detroit, and overall ways of balancing personal and work life. She began receiving emails and messages on Facebook from men and women (however mostly young women) who were inspired by the work she was doing. Reflecting upon the women in her life that inspired and assisted her on the path to greatness, Grant created Business Divas Diaries (BDD). Business Divas Diaries is a blog that is a place for women to share their stories and ask questions about business and life.

Grant has unique experience doing event planning for the Braylon Edwards Foundation, Christian Dior, Dwight Smith Foundation, Detroit Economic Club, Michigan State Fair, Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the Parade Company; media relations for the North American International Auto Show, public relations for retail developer, The Taubman Company, The Palace Sports & Entertainment and Court TV; community relations for WJBK-TV Fox 2; marketing research and development for automotive supplier, Reynolds & Reynolds; and external relations for the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee. The skills she has perfected while working at these various companies will be instrumental in the company’s success.

Tatiana graduated cum laude and holds a Master’s in Public Relations from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s of Science (with honors) in Public Relations from Eastern Michigan University. She was also awarded the Michigan State University Graduate Scholar Award, Michigan Front Page’s “30 Under 40″, National Golden Key Award, Eastern Michigan University Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, Eastern Michigan University Campus Leader Award and Ullrich Honor’s College Award and Scholarship.

She holds the following leadership positions with non-profit groups:
• Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit – Public Relations Chair
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Detroit – Mentor
• Detroit Opera House – BravoBravo! Host Committee Member
• THAW Detroit – Night of Warm Hearts Host Committee Member

Tatiana enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and taking weekend trips to various cities. More importantly, she enjoys food… fine dining, fast food, slow food, whatever kind of food. She has a long-haired Chihuahua named Chase, who is such a joy!

Due to her unique career and success at such a young age, Tatiana has been asked to speak to numerous high school, college and professional groups. Some of these include: Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, Upward Bound, Inkster School District and the Kaufman Foundation’s FastTrac (Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center network).

Steve Minella, 38

President/Special Operations & Marine Division Director, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324

Steve Minella has progressed on an executive leadership fast-track through his combined service in the Armed Services and Operating Engineers, Local 324.

A four year (1994-98) tenure in the United States Coast Guard provided Steve’s foundation for structured leadership. He excelled in leadership positions which centered on understanding and executing command protocols and working in stressful, life-changing situations. Steve was recognized for his leadership as an instructor for junior Coast Guard personnel as well as his tenure as a coordinator of Search and Rescue Teams and as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer. He culminated his Armed Services career as a Machinery Technician 3rd Class (E-4).

Steve’s post armed services career has excelled throughout his nearly fifteen (15) year as a member and leader of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 324. Starting as a Field Service Mechanic and Shop Steward for United Rentals, Steve moved to the “business side” of Local 324 where he successfully restructured the enterprises’ Fringe Benefits Collections Division (Field Coordinator, 2005-2008).

Mr. Minella progressed through the executive leadership of the IUOE, Local 324 with his 2008-09 tenure as the Local’s Recording Corresponding Secretary and Shop Business Representative. His Constitutional Officer duties were combined with responsibilities for thirty-five (35) Shop employers’ employees-and all attendant collective bargaining and employee (member) representation duties. He was also responsible for exploring emerging market opportunities for Local 324.
Working in concert with the Local 324 Business Manager and other Executive Board members, Steve’s team-building skills culminated in his appointment to the position of President of Local 324 and Director of Special Operations and the Marine Division (2009-Present). During his tenure as a leader, organic growth and successful mergers have accounted for Local 324’s membership growing from 10,000 to nearly 17.000 members present day.

Steve has completed advanced education coursework at the University of Phoenix, Henry Ford Community College and Wayne State University. He resides in Southgate with his wife Melissa and children Vanessa, Veronica and Charlie.

Silvano Restiotto, 39

Global Director Corporate Quality, TI Automotive

In his political work Rights of Man, patriot and political philosopher Thomas Paine (1737-1809) is credited for stating “My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.” Like Paine, Silvano Restiotto considers himself as a “citizen of the world”. Having lived and worked in culturally diverse countries such as Canada, the United States, China, and Germany, Silvano has capitalized on his vast international experience to establish lasting legacies.

Silvano’s scholastic endeavors in International Business (St. Clair College), Industrial Management (Lawrence Technological University), and MBA (Lawrence Technological University) provided a strong foundation for his professional career. In each of the three companies in which Silvano held global positions, the systems he implemented continue to be utilized to benefit the growth and productivity of each company long after his departure. This can be attributed to his core team global approach, as Silvano firmly believes that focus should always be placed on the system rather than the individual. In addition to integrity and honesty, Silvano Restiotto values the importance of diversity in all facets of life as he encourages respect for individual differences and leverages the experiences and backgrounds of his team toward a common objective.

His respect for education and diversity is also evident in his most recent position at TI Automotive. As Global Quality Director of Corporate Quality, Silvano has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and is proving instrumental in forging a connection between business and schools. As a strong sponsor for effective intern involvement, Silvano fosters relationships that provide a strong foundation and experience for students, while simultaneously generating an environment where fresh ideas and innovation can be introduced into an organization. Silvano also promotes the importance of a collaborative environment, as he is a strong advocate in the philosophy that more can be gained through group effort than individual undertakings.

However, there is more to Silvano Restiotto than professional and academic accomplishments, as he actively pursues a work-life balance with healthy physical activity. He enjoys playing soccer and golf, as well as running half marathons (an activity in which he motivates others to partake). While biased to Italian dining, his global experience has instilled an enjoyment of all types of ethnic cuisine, and his optimistic “glass half full” attitude is perfectly complimentary to his motivational ventures.
Silvano Restiotto has recently returned to Lake Orion from a three year German delegation, and he anxiously anticipates getting involved locally. His extensive international experience and solid background in the automotive industry has impressed upon him that “Life is an 8D”; in other words, his cultural awareness and collaborative approach to problem solving will be a welcome addition to the continued growth and development of the local community. As a “citizen of the world”, Silvano Restiotto is enthusiastically creating opportunities to establish lasting legacies.

Shane Pliska, 31

President, Planterra Corporaation

Shane Pliska is the President of Planterra Corporation a leading interior landscape firm which provides businesses, hospitals and hotels with tropical plants and maintenance service locally and nationwide. Known for taking-on highly specialized horticultural installations that involve living walls, unusual plants and large-scale horticultural displays; Shane has built a national reputation. He operates Planterra inside the newly constructed Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield, a botanical garden style facility which serves as a corporate headquarters, retail shop and event venue. Under Shane’s leadership, the conservatory has become a popular destination for weddings and corporate functions. Shane is also an active member of the community serving on the Board of Directors of the West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, is a founding member of the Botanical Glass Exhibition and serves as a committee volunteer for the Michigan Humane Society. He is a graduate of Emerson College.

Scott Brills, 29

President, mSeven Media, Inc.

Scott is a serial entrepreneur and world traveler, having traveled to forty countries on six continents (all seven as of 2012 with the inclusion of Australia). Besides travel, his passion is in creating businesses, helping others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, and giving back to those less fortunate whenever the chance arises.

In 2009 Scott and a friend drove a beat-up Geo Metro 10,000 miles from Detroit to Mongolia to raise money to assist in building a kindergarten. Well, that was the plan at least. After numerous breakdowns and much bad luck, they broke down next to the Afghan border and had to hitchhike eight hours back the way they came. They then had to take a twenty hour taxi ride back to the capital, Dushanbe. Then they waited a week for a plane out of the country, only to get stuck in Kazakhstan for another week. Scott continued on alone through Russia on the Trans-Siberian Express, eventually reaching his destination of Ulan Bator, Mongolia. Shortly thereafter he ran an impromptu marathon in the Gobi Desert with zero training or experience. The highlights were captured in an 18-page cover story in Rotarian magazine in May 2010.
Two years later Scott and a different friend drove a broken auto-rickshaw 2,000 miles across India and Nepal, again for charitable purposes. More about that particular adventure here.

2012 finds Scott and a few others, including some other Detroit-area entrepreneurs, supporting an HIV/AIDS orphanage in Ethiopia by raising donations before driving 15,000 miles from London to Cape Town, South Africa. Stayed tuned for more details as summer approaches…

Scott finances his wanderlust by developing web sites and consulting on a wide range of Internet and technology-related topics through his company, mSeven, which he founded in 2002. He has been a member of Rotary International since 2008, and is currently president of the West Bloomfield club. In 2010 he was named Outstanding Michigander of the Year by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Scott is also currently working on starting a sustainable safari company in Tanzania, Pamoja Safaris.

Salina Washington, 38

President/CEO, Miyan Media LLC

Salina possesses a wide and diverse range of educational and work experience in government, community affairs and business. Mrs. Washington earned a B.A. in Marketing from Oakland University, an M.B.A. from Walsh College and two advanced certificates from the University of San Francisco and Harvard Business School.

This ambitious woman has parlayed her well rounded education, steadfast commitment, keen business acumen and International Relations expertise from living/working in Japan and Mexico for seven years into a proven record of success. For over twelve years, Salina has served as Lead Marketing Strategist for Oakland County, MI where she has used her skills to transform and manage thriving Michigan eGovernment conversion; Gov-to-Gov Cloud Solutions Programs; Marketing Collateral Design and Development Creation, Sales Strategy and related Public Relations projects.

Furthermore, she is founder of MIYAN media, a premier full service marketing agency, and was recently named as one of Oakland County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson’s “Elite 40 Under 40,” a program which recognizes young professional and executive leaders who have achieved success and excellence in their field.

Salina currently resides in Northville, MI with her husband, Virgil Washington, and children, Michael and Marianna who are the light of her life.

Ryan Maibach, 37

President, Barton Malow

Ryan Maibach was appointed to President of Barton Malow Company on April 26, 2011. A fourth generation builder, he is responsible for the operation of the company and its work throughout the country. Growing up in the construction business, Ryan began his career with Barton Malow in 1997 upon graduation from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction engineering. Since that time, Ryan has brought energy and innovation to Barton Malow.

Prior to becoming president, Ryan served as Operations Vice President of Barton Malow’s Industrial Group with oversight in all strategic planning and operations management for four years. Under his leadership the group’s revenues increased by 100% and the scope of services offered grew. At this time Ryan was also responsible for the management and talent development for 750+ craft personnel and 80 management employees.

Throughout his career, Ryan has sought out challenging projects that have expanded his knowledge of the construction industry – and how to successfully function within it. He specializes in projects where a focus on quality and detail is very high and he maintains outstanding working relationships with owners, contractors, trades and architects long after the project is over. Ryan’s portfolio of work includes numerous high profile projects: Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center; Barton Malow corporate headquarters; Capital One Richmond West Creek Campus; University of Maryland Dental School; University of Michigan Palmer Drive Development; the preconstruction for the $226 million University of Michigan Stadium Expansion; Severstal Mill Modernization Program; and DTE Monroe Environmental Upgrades.

In addition to his responsibilities in the Industrial Group, Ryan was the operations lead for Barton Malow’s internship program – Learning Practicum for Students (LEAPS) – for seven years. Barton Malow began the LEAPS program in 1984 to give architectural and engineering students a competitive edge in the job market. Ryan’s passion for this program stemmed from his own internship experiences in college and his work with the program has broadened its curriculum and the student’s overall experience, providing a realistic view of working the construction industry. On average Barton Malow hosts 30+ participants each year in the LEAPS program throughout the country. They work on a project site or with in-house staff according to their individual interests and goals and take part in such activities as project site tours, officer interviews and community service.

Beyond Barton Malow, Ryan is involved in numerous community organizations including: Habitat for Humanity, Paint-the-Town, and Future City programs. In 2009, Ryan was a member of the NCAA Final Four Detroit Organization Committee and had the honor of introducing Mayor David Bing at the Opening Ceremonies for the NCAA Final Four Championship. Since 2008, Ryan has been an active board member of The Parade Company which hosts America’s Thanksgiving Parade, the Target Fireworks, and other community events each year.

Ryan has received the honors of 2010 ESD Young Engineer of the Year and 2009 Building Design & Construction’s 40 Under 40. Ryan’s numerous professional and community activities include the Young Presidents Organization; Purdue University, Department of Construction Management Advisory Committee; Leadership Detroit Class XXXI; The Parade Company, Board of Directors; and Building Connections, Great Lakes Council of Boy Scouts Executive Committee Co-Chair.

Rick Van House, 32

President, Know Advertising

Richard Earl Van House II leads a growing, full-service advertising agency in Royal Oak, Michigan. His son, who was just 8 years old at the time, originally suggested the name of the agency, and in May of 2005, Know Advertising was born.

Since then, Van House has tirelessly taken on the challenges of the ever-changing ad world.

More than six years later, Know Advertising has comfortably found its niche in the realm of small agencies and has amassed multiple major clients, including Yaldo Eye Center, Holiday Market and MST Seamless Tube and Pipe. Yaldo specializes in ophthalmology and advanced vision correction and has several Midwest locations. Holiday, a specialty market with many amenities, is a shining star in a city of affluent youth and trendy tastes. MST is a leading manufacturer of carbon and alloy seamless cold-drawn pipe and tube.

In addition to those key multi-million dollar clients, Know Ad continues to develop strategic campaigns and myriad marketing tactics for many other distinguished clients, including LaBelle Electric; CarPlug, an electric vehicle charging station installer; Brooklyn Pizza, a growing local chain; and Michigan Legal Team, a well-established law practice.

Van House and Know Advertising have also been advocates for education in the field of advertising. Each year, the agency welcomes a steady flow of interns looking for valuable experience as designer, copywriters and account executives. The Know Ad internship program has grown into an exciting learning experience for students from all over Southeastern Michigan. Drawing from schools like MSU, U-M, Wayne State and CCS, Know Advertising leads the effort to help position youth for greatness in the “real world” of advertising. To learn more about the program visit www.knowad.com/Internship-Program

To feed his entrepreneurial appetite, Van House is a member of The Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global network of more than 8,000 business owners in 40 countries. And as an active member of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, Van House served a term on the board and as chair of the Marketing Committee, where he was instrumental in the 2011 rebranding of the Chamber and launch of its website.

Recently, Van House founded a non-profit entity designed to utilize his advertising acumen in ways that benefit other non-profits. The Van House Foundation was created to help health-related organizations reach out to the younger generation (25-40) in order to educate them about health issues that could potentially affect them personally or affect the well-being of the older persons they love such as parents or grandparents. For more information, visit www.thevanhousefoundation.com.

Van House’s agency is an extension of his personality, and that perfectionism and attention to detail make him a rare find in the advertising business. Know Advertising is well known locally for its innovative creative work, smart business mentality and the ever-present goal of keeping a brand at the forefront of every initiative. To learn more visit www.knowad.com.

Richard Bernstein, 37

Senior Partner/Public Service Litigator/Pro Bono Attorney, The Sam Bernstein Law Firm

Richard Bernstein is a tireless advocate for disabled rights and providing a voice to those who would otherwise be forced to be silent.

Blind since birth, Richard is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Northwestern University School of Law. He is an attorney with The Sam Bernstein Law Firm in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Richard is committed to taking action to help clients who need him. He successfully partnered with the United States Department of Justice to force the City of Detroit to fix broken wheelchair lifts on its buses. In a landmark settlement against Delta Airlines and Detroit Metro Airport, Richard gained accessibility for disabled fliers and set the precedent for airlines and airports to be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. He fought the State of Michigan and won to preserve special education funding throughout the state.

Further, Richard represented the Paralyzed Veterans of America in an action against the University of Michigan’s plans for disabled seating in Michigan Stadium with the United States Department of Justice and represented disabled residents who sued the Oakland County (Michigan) Road Commission after “roundabout” traffic circles were built without disabled access. Richard’s latest casework includes a federal suit against the American Bar Association to put an end to its discriminatory practices toward blind students via requirement of the Law School Admissions Test, which requires individuals to draw diagrams to pass.

Richard teaches a political science course in social activism at the University of Michigan and served an eight-year term on the Board of Governors at Wayne State University in Michigan, elected by voters statewide, serving as Chair from 2009-2010.

Honors Richard has received include “Michiganian of the Year” by the Detroit News and recognition on worldwide television by CNN as a leader in keeping government honest. He is the recipient of the 2008 John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award from the State Bar of Michigan and was selected by The Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Michigan as the 2003– 2004 Regeana Myrick Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recipient for outstanding commitment to public service. Richard also was named a 2009 Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly and received the Tony Fillipis Award in 2010.

In his spare time, Richard is an avid runner, completing 15 marathons – including seven New York City marathons – the Ironman triathlon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 2008 and the Israman triathlon in Eilat, Israel in 2011. He also co-hosts a one-hour legal radio show called “Fighting for Justice” with Pulitzer Prize winner Angelo Henderson on WCHB-AM (1200) in Metro Detroit.

Rebecca McGovern, 31

Vice President, Clarkston State Bank

Rebecca McGovern is well versed and highly experienced in commercial lending with expertise in real estate transactions, manufacturing and service industries and SBA lending. Having managed a $140 million loan portfolio she has the ability recognize the needs of clients and assists them in preparing for financial needs. She has been with Clarkston State Bank since 2005 and currently serves as Vice President of Commercial Lending. She has held numerous positions in Commercial Banking including; Commercial Credit Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Commercial Loan Officer and Assistant Vice President. Rebecca is actively involved in the community and holds various Board positions. She is the President of the Clarkston Coalition for Youth, Treasurer of Christmas In Action of Oakland County-Clarkston Area, Executive Board member of Automation Alley Finance Committee and is a member of the Lighthouse of Clarkston Open Your Heart Committee, Rainbow Connection Dobson Committee, and the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce. Rebecca obtained her Bachelor of Science in Finance from Oakland University and her Masters of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Rebecca can be reached directly at 248-922-6965 or rmcgovern@clarkstonstatebank.com.

Please view her LinkedIn profile and her company website at the following links:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcgovern

http://www.clarkstonstatebank.com/1467/mirror/