Twenty years ago, I moved to Lansing from Norfolk, Virginia. I arrived during the coldest February I can remember — the same weekend Detroit hosted the Super Bowl. And in those first few below-freezing weeks, I fell in love with Lansing.
I loved my job in the Legislature, the close-knit group of co-workers who quickly became friends, and the restaurants and bars that became our gathering spots. I lived in downtown Grand Ledge in a gorgeous, spacious apartment that cost far less than anything back in Virginia. My 13-mile commute to work took less time than my old 2-mile slog in Norfolk. I was smitten from the very beginning.
I moved to Lansing without knowing a single soul. Lansing embraced me, because that’s what we do. We welcome everyone — no matter who you are, what you look like or how you identify. We’re quirky. We’re irreverent. And, of course, we’re so much fun.
Fast forward two decades, and I am all in on the Lansing region. Today, I live in downtown Lansing and am raising my 10-year-old son to be a community lover. I’m even more confident that Lansing is the perfect place to be.
When the opportunity arose to be Lansing 5:01’s first full-time CEO, I leapt at it. I’ve long been a super fan of the organization, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Our mission is simple but vital: To retain and attract young professionals to the Lansing region by connecting them with local opportunities, culture and community.
Lansing 5:01’s work is all about showcasing what makes this region unique and vibrant:
- Placemaking events that highlight Lansing’s creativity and spirit.
- Curated networking opportunities like our monthly Grand River Connection.
- Employer partnerships that connect talent to meaningful opportunities.
- A growing collaboration with Michigan State University to inspire students to love Lansing and to consider making it home.
We’ve also launched Lansing: Be Our Neighbor, a community-funded talent attraction campaign. Its purpose is simple: To invite people from around the country to join us here. We’re especially focused on MSU graduates, encouraging them to come home to the region that raised them.
Why is this work critical? Lansing is at a crossroads and needs to be vigilant to prevent population decline. Our work is powered by employer partners across the region who understand just how vital talent attraction and retention is for our future. And every day, I get to lead my cheerleading squad in celebrating Lansing.
So, shout it with me: L-A-N-S-I-N-G. Gooooo Lansing!
