At the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), we believe strong communities grow when leaders invest in people, purpose, and partnerships. That belief guided our role as Presenting Sponsor of the recent All-In Workforce Development and Organizational Planning Program with special guest speaker Mike McFall, hosted by the A2Y Chamber.

This energizing event brought together nonprofit leaders, employers, and community partners for a shared conversation about leadership, well-being, and the long-term impact of the choices we make today.

Leadership That Puts People First

We were honored to welcome Mike McFall, Co-Founder and CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE, whose leadership journey exemplifies what it means to plant seeds for sustainable business & community growth.

Born and raised in Michigan, Mike began his career with BIGGBY® COFFEE in 1996 as a minimum-wage barista at the original East Lansing location. Over time, his commitment to people-centered leadership helped grow BIGGBY® COFFEE into a brand with more than 440 locations across 13 states, rooted in purpose, community, and connection.

During the event, Mike shared insights drawn from both his lived experience and his books, Grind and Grow. He emphasized that people are the most important ingredient in any successful organization, and that prioritizing well-being, trust, and belonging leads to stronger teams, improved retention, and healthier workplaces.

The Power of Collaboration in Our Community

This event reflected what we know to be true at AAACF: meaningful change happens through cross-sector collaboration. By partnering with the A2Y Chamber and engaging business leaders like Mike McFall, we helped create space for dialogue that bridges nonprofit work, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.

When organizations across sectors come together, ideas take root, relationships deepen, and collective impact becomes possible. These partnerships allow us to plant seeds that support not only individual organizations but the broader health and resilience of our communities.

Deepening our Roots & Continuing to Plant S.E.E.D.S.

This gathering also served as the first informal introduction of AAACF’s S.E.E.D.S. initiative, which reflects our commitment to nurturing long-term community impact through intentional investment, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

S.E.E.D.S. stands for:

• Strengthening community voices
• Equity at the center
• Expanding rural reach
• Developing youth
• Securing the future through impact investing

Like seeds planted in fertile ground, leadership development requires care, patience, and the right environment to flourish. Through S.E.E.D.S, we are focused on supporting leaders, learners, and organizations at every stage of growth, helping create conditions where people and communities can thrive.

We were grateful for time with Melvin Parson, Founder & Executive Director of We the People Opportunity Farm and Good Soil Café Ypsi. His leadership continues to expand access to community-driven economic opportunity in Ypsilanti - setting a powerful example of ideas taking root and thriving close to home.

Leadership, Literacy, and Lifelong Learning

We also recognize that leadership is deeply connected to learning. Mike’s work as an author reinforced the power of reading, reflection, and storytelling as tools for personal and professional growth.

These themes align with our broader commitment to youth literacy and lifelong learning, recognizing that access to books, mentorship, and shared knowledge helps shape confident leaders and engaged community members, today and for generations to come.

Gratitude for Dedicated Community Builders

Events like this do not happen without thoughtful planning and dedicated service.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the A2Y Chamber team - including Diane Keller, Andy LaBarre, Barbara Davenport, Rosalind Vaughn, Harriet Hughes, and Julanne Williams - for their leadership, coordination, and commitment to creating meaningful spaces for connection across our region.

We are also grateful to the BIGGBY team members who served attendees with warmth and hospitality, and to the venue staff whose attention to detail helped make the experience seamless and welcoming.

When people work behind the scenes with care and professionalism, it allows conversations like this to flourish.

Looking Ahead

Our President & CEO, Rev. Dr. Shannon Polk, welcomed attendees and reinforced our belief that investing in leadership is an investment in the future of our community.

We are grateful to our partners, speakers, and community members who joined us in this conversation. Together, we are planting seeds that will continue to grow, strengthening leadership, deepening collaboration, and creating lasting impact across Washtenaw County.