The May 28 panel at the Mackinac Island policy conference will showcase how industry-education partnerships are essential to build a solid pipeline of workforce-ready graduates.
The Schoolcraft College Foundation is leading the discussion at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference on Michigan’s workforce challenges. The Foundation has scheduled a panel discussion over breakfast May 28 with state leadership, education and industry/labor to showcase how industry-education partnerships are essential to build a solid pipeline of workforce-ready graduates. Interested parties can register here.
“Community colleges are an important part of Michigan’s workforce challenges solution,” says Dawn Dyer Magretta, Schoolcraft College Foundation Executive Director of Advancement. “We need to ensure community colleges are seen as a partner and relevant in today’s workforce as the continued evolution of technology, regulations and business models shift so we can prepare our students to fill talent gaps and be in demand for living wage-paying careers.”
The panel discussion will be moderated by Dan West, Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce President/CEO and feature:
Brett Gierak
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2 of Michigan President
Gierak serves as Bricklayers Allied Craftworkers Local 2 of Michigan President and Bricklayers Pension Fund Chairman. He is actively involved in a number of industry and benefit organizations, serving as Health and Welfare Trust Fund Chairman, Cement Masons Pension Fund Secretary, and Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee Security.
Susan Corbin
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity Director
Corbin has served as a Senior Advisor in the Office of Governor Whitmer, Director of Customer Assistance in the Michigan Public Service Commission, Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth where she had oversight responsibility for the Unemployment Insurance Agency, the Worker’s Compensation Agency and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Dr. Robert Leadley
Schoolcraft College, Chief, Workforce and Economic Development Office
Leadley has served at Schoolcraft College in several leadership roles, including Associate Dean of Science and Dean of Occupational Programs and Economic Development. In addition, Dr. Leadley is currently teaching Business courses and has taught courses in Biology and Physical Education.