SCA at the Detroit Economic Club: January 2026

At St. Catherine of Siena Academy, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. This January, our students once again had the opportunity to engage with real-world leaders and ideas through the Detroit Economic Club (DEC), gaining firsthand insight into the economic forces shaping Michigan—and their own futures.

Learning Through the Detroit Economic Club

Throughout the year, SCA students are invited to attend monthly DEC meetings through a special student sponsorship program. In this model, a DEC member organization purchases a student table, and the DEC matches that sponsor with a school. This partnership opens the door for students to experience high-level conversations they might not otherwise encounter.

This year, our Stars were proudly sponsored by Michigan Women Forward. Students had the opportunity not only to attend the meeting, but also to meet Carolyn Cassin, President and CEO of Michigan Women Forward, and learn more about her leadership and mission to empower women-owned businesses.

Spotlight on Michigan’s 2026 Economic Outlook

On January 13, 2026, several SCA students participated in a special student-focused DEC session centered on Michigan’s 2026 Economic Outlook. The panel featured an impressive group of experts representing industry, research, and economic development:

• Mary Buchzeiger, Founder and CEO of Lucerne International (automotive supplier)
• Gabriel Ehrlich, University of Michigan Director of Research, Seminar in Quantitative Economics
• Quentin Messer, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan’s Chief Mobility Officer

Our students didn’t just listen, they led. Senior Lauren Heldke opened the Q&A by posing the first question to the panel, setting the tone for a thoughtful and engaging discussion. Students asked questions about workforce trends, innovation, and what the future economy may hold for young people preparing to enter college and careers.

Beyond the Classroom

Experiences like these are a powerful extension of an SCA education. By engaging directly with leaders and experts, our students gain confidence, perspective, and a deeper understanding of how economics, leadership, and decision-making impact the world around them.

We are grateful to the Detroit Economic Club and to Michigan Women Forward for investing in the next generation of female leaders—and for helping our students see themselves as active participants in shaping Michigan’s future.

To read about previous SCA experiences at the Detroit Economic Club, visit our blog archive.

‍

For more details on the Detroit Economic Club and how we connect our students with these incredible opportunities, visit the DEC website.