Behind Mt. Pleasant’s development is city planner Manuela Powidayko, whose career has taken her from Brazil to NYC to mid Michigan. Her mission: create public spaces that bring people together and support a thriving, adaptable community. Learn more about this recent 40 Under 40 awardee.
Aimed at celebrating and recognizing young professionals under the age of 40, the Middle Michigan Development Corporation and Greater Gratiot Development Inc. announce the 2025 40 Under 40 Awardees.
The seventh annual Coming Home Middle Michigan event connected over 80 career seekers with more than 20 local employers from across the region, strengthening the local talent pipeline in mid Michigan.
As part of our Emerging Leaders series featuring 40 Under 40 Award recipients, Brittany Milan—CMU’s director of alumni and donor engagement—is strengthening bonds between Central Michigan University and the Mt. Pleasant community through alumni connection, mentorship, and partnerships that foster pride and shared success across Michigan.
Claire Doty has mastered the art of balance—between her professional role at CMU and her extensive community service in Mt. Pleasant. Her story shows how patience, passion, and even the smallest acts of service can create lasting impact in the community she calls home.
Michigan’s rural residents face different challenges when accessing mental health care than residents of urban areas. Transportation issues, loneliness, and limited group therapy options can compound their mental health needs. To address these challenges, community mental health (CMH) agencies like Sanilac County Community Mental Health innovate community-based solutions that meet their populations where they are at.
Christian Driessnack of Align Digital turned a high school hobby into a career capturing Mt. Pleasant’s stories and weddings. Learn how this Emerging Leader balances business, creativity, and family—while giving back to the community he calls home.
Tiffany Eisenberger, resource development manager at United Way of Greater Central Michigan, helps ensure community resources reach those who need them most. Learn how this 40 Under 40 emerging leader stepped out of her comfort zone to become a behind-the-scenes changemaker—and why she believes it’s the small moments that build a more resilient community.
Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are expanding their reach through partnerships with local organizations that address housing, transportation, and other barriers to care. These collaborations aim to create a more coordinated and accessible mental health system, particularly for individuals with complex needs.
Pete Johnston, an Alma native and 2007 Alma College graduate, is set to appear on the iconic quiz show Jeopardy! on Tuesday, July 15. Inspired by years of family trivia nights, a high school Quiz Bowl run, and Alma College’s liberal arts approach, Johnston shares what it felt like to stand on stage—and how host, Ken Jennings, helped calm the nerves.
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