Join us for the second annual NEXTUp, the first and only professional conference designed to connect young Jewish Detroiters to one another and to some of the biggest names in their respective industries. We’re bringing together executives and experts to share real game-changing, career-building advice that can be applied to any profession. If you’re looking for what’s NEXT in your professional journey, then it’s time to level up with NEXTUp.
Start the evening with Keynote Speaker Ned Staebler, Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and President and CEO of TechTown. Ned will kick us off with his presentation: Entrepreneurship and Resilience in an Ever-Evolving World. Then choose one of our six breakout session options to attend, followed by a strolling dinner and networking.
Event Schedule
| 5:30 PM | Doors Open. |
| 5:30 – 6:15 PM | Dinner is served. |
| 6:30 – 7:15 PM | Keynote Speaker Ned Staebler, Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and President and CEO of TechTown. |
| 7:30 – 8:15 PM | Breakout sessions: Details below. |
| 8:15 – 9 PM | Desert & Networking. Headshots photo opportunity |
About our Keynote Speaker, Ned Staebler
Ned Staebler is the Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and President and CEO of TechTown, Wayne State’s entrepreneurship. TechTown has helped more than 6000 businesses that have raised $400 million in startup and growth capital. He leads efforts to strengthen the Detroit region’s neighborhoods, businesses, and leaders, overseeing a range of activities around innovation and entrepreneurship, business development and attraction, talent retention, transit and mobility, and placemaking.
Staebler previously served as the Vice President for Entrepreneurial and Capital Services at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In this role, he was responsible for the 21st Century Jobs Fund, a $2 billion, 10-year initiative to transform Michigan’s economy through technology based economic development.
Prior to that, Staebler spent nearly a decade in the private sector, working in both startup and Fortune 150 environments in the U.S. and London. He has served on numerous local, state, and federal advisory boards and commissions. He graduated with honors from Harvard College and the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Breakout Sessions
Join marketing expert Kendra Corman as she unveils the power of AI in revolutionizing business communications. In this talk, Kendra introduces her innovative CREATE prompt framework, designed to help you harness the full potential of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude.ai and Perplexity.
Discover how to:
- Leverage the CREATE prompt framework
- Determine what and how to automate processes
- Identify ethics around how you leverage AI
- Watch real examples catered to your industry
Through real-world examples and practical demonstrations, Kendra illustrates how AI can save time, boost creativity, and elevate your marketing and communications efforts.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital marketing and business communication.
ABOUT KENDRA CORMAN
Kendra Corman, dynamic speaker and author, bringing over 20 years of marketing expertise with her. The former Jeep Advertising Manager founded H2H Consulting, a full-service marketing agency, and now leads KendraCorman.com. She specializes in email marketing, AI-driven productivity, and podcasting.
Author of “Mastering AI In Communications,” Kendra transforms complex concepts into actionable strategies. With degrees from Penn State, Oakland, and Michigan State Universities, she delivers practical insights through speaking engagements, online courses, and 1:1 strategy sessions.
Kendra’s engaging style blends professional acumen with relatable anecdotes, making her a sought-after voice in marketing and communications.
Understanding your nervous system and how to regulate when experiencing stress in the workplace can be a game changer.
Ever wonder why some days at work feel like a breeze and others like a storm? It’s all about your nervous system! In this interactive session, we’ll break down the essentials of Polyvagal Theory (don’t worry, no quiz at the end) and uncover how your body responds to stress in ways you might not even notice.
You’ll learn about the three key states of your nervous system, and together, we’ll explore how workplace stress can send you spiraling into fight-or-flight mode or leave you feeling stuck and shut down. Plus, we’ll identify common signs like irritability, fatigue, or disengagement—and how to flip the script.
But it’s not just about understanding stress; it’s about beating it! We’ll dive into practical tools like mindfulness, breathwork, and movement breaks to help you reset when things get overwhelming. You’ll also discover how creating connections with others (yes, chatting with your coworkers counts!) can bring a sense of calm and safety to your workday.
Walk away with actionable tips to build a more balanced, supportive environment for yourself and your team—and maybe even enjoy your workday a little more!
ABOUT MADISON MARCUS-PADDISON
Madison Marcus-Paddison, LMSW, is a Clinical Social Worker and Therapist based in Farmington Hills, Michigan. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Madison specializes in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and family conflict. Madison employs an eclectic therapeutic approach, integrating evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), along with bottom-up approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 2.0, Brain spotting, and Polyvagal Theory.
Madison earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2010. Before transitioning to private practice, she dedicated 11 years to working in the school setting, where she gained invaluable experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. Known for her practical, results-oriented, and compassionate style, Madison creates a non-judgmental environment to help clients find balance and confidence in overcoming life’s challenges.
Changing careers can be a significant and deeply personal journey. Whether you’re contemplating a shift out of necessity, curiosity, or a desire for greater fulfillment, the process often involves a mix of reflection, discovery, and action. This session is designed to explore the complexities and opportunities of career change in a way that encourages thoughtful exploration.
We’ll cover several facets of transitioning into a new professional direction, including understanding your motivations and identifying transferable skills. We will touch on common challenges such as uncertainty and fear of the unknown while highlighting strategies to approach them with resilience and adaptability.
ABOUT MARK CHAFETZ & PHYLLIS SCRIPSICK
Mark Chafetz is a Licensed Master Social Worker (Limited License) and earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. He became a career counselor after 25 years in in the supply chain industry. Mark is passionate about guiding individuals through the complexities of career transitions using a blend of strategic planning and practical expertise. His goal is to help empower every client to identify their goals, build confidence and achieve success in their professional journeys.
Phyllis Scripsick is a Licensed Professional Counselor and earned her master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. She has worked with employment seekers for the last 15 years either as a career counselor or employment specialist. Phyllis is committed to fostering resiliency and self-discovery with a holistic approach that considers the relationship between mental health and career success. In addition to her career counseling work, she maintains a private practice as a trauma therapist and a certified grief educator, providing compassionate support for those experiencing life’s challenges.
Bradley Gordon will share his journey to entrepreneurship, the many hurdles that were crossed, and all the help and guidance he received along the way from family, friends, and community. You will learn about the resources he used to get started and the tools that help him today. Salesman, Graphic Designer, Manager, HR, Maintenance, Accountant…you have to wear a lot of hats as a business owner, but it’s not as daunting as it seems. Bradley is ready to take questions and engage in a group discussion to share ideas and struggles. By the end of this session, you will be left feeling motivated to take the leap and begin making plans for your entrepreneurial future.
ABOUT BRADLEY GORDON
Bradley Gordon of Farmington Hills, MI, has been the owner and operator of Art + Frame for 6 years. Bradley has always had a passion for art. During his studies at Indiana University, he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree with a Major in Fine Arts and a Minor in Art History. While at school, Bradley served as an apprentice to an established wood furniture maker and designer which nurtured a passion for woodworking. After working in various careers both art and retail related, he purchased a thriving picture frame shop. Under his supervision the company has doubled its yearly gross profit over the course of the last six years and grew with the addition of a second location.
In a post October 7th world, being a Jew in a not predominantly Jewish workplace can feel challenging, isolating and even intimidating at times. But we know that now more than ever being proudly Jewish is incredibly important. So, how do you navigate and advocate while also maintaining professional boundaries and relationships? Hear from two community professionals who are well-versed in answering these types of questions, and are ready to answer yours.
ABOUT DAVID KURZMANN & DANIELLE DEPRIEST
David Kurzmann is Senior Director of Community Affairs at the Jewish Federation of Detroit. Serving in this role since 2019, David oversees community, government, and media relations. He is also responsible for governance and crisis management, and serves as liaison to Jewish Community Security, Inc.
Prior to joining Federation, David was Executive Director of JCRC/AJC: A Partnership for Community Relations and Jewish Advocacy. JCRC/AJC united the local community outreach work of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Metropolitan Detroit with the global advocacy resources of American Jewish Committee.
David also worked in the Chicago Jewish community. He was Assistant Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Midwest Office. David began his career at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie, IL.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Hebrew and Jewish Cultural Studies and Political Science from the University of Michigan. David is a graduate of the Mandel Executive Leadership Program and FBI Citizens Academy. He is the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honoree of the Frankel Jewish Academy. He serves on the board of Camp Ramah in Canada and is a past board member of the Interfaith Leadership Council and New Detroit.
Danielle DePriest grew up in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. She earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School and is now a Shareholder at Zausmer, P.C., where she has practiced commercial litigation for the past ten years.
Danielle is deeply involved in the Detroit Jewish community. She is a past President of NEXTGen Detroit and currently serves on the Executive Committee for Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit.
Drawing from her professional and personal experiences, Danielle has developed expertise in navigating the complexities of working within the legal system while honoring Jewish observances. She is well-versed in ensuring that court appearances are not scheduled on Jewish holidays and in respectfully educating judges and clients about Jewish practices that they may not be familiar with. Danielle approaches these conversations from an open and positive perspective, focusing on educating and fostering understanding across diverse settings.
This interactive workshop will dismantle common networking misconceptions and reveal essential strategies for building genuine connection. You’ll discover how to present your true self, engage meaningfully with others, and navigate networking events with ease. Join us for an enjoyable session that transforms the way you connect.
ABOUT PAUL BLATT
Paul J Blatt is the President and CEO of Gesher Human Services, where he is responsible for ensuring that the agency’s vision and strategic direction are meeting the needs of the community. He works with the Board of Directors and staff, serving as an ambassador of Gesher for prospective board and committee members, funding sources, and community leaders.
Paul is a strong advocate for equity amongst the people served by Gesher, addressing stereotypes of vulnerable populations in the areas of workforce development, special services to people with disabilities, mental health challenges, eldercare, youth services, and financial literacy.
Over the years, he has been involved with many community and professional organizations. Paul currently chairs the ExecNet Planning Committee, for the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, which links more than 140 health and human service organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Israel that provided a wide range of vocational and rehabilitation services. Locally, Paul is a founding member of Detroit Regional Workforce Alliance, a collaborative between various Detroit social service organizations focused on leveraging their combined strengths to better serve the community. He currently sits on the Incompass Board and also serves as Vice President on Congregation Shir Tikvah’s Board of Trustees. Paul has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and obtained his Master of Public Administration Degree from Oakland University. He has also earned certificates for Performance Measurement for Effective Management, and Strategic Perspective for Nonprofit Management from the Harvard Business School for Executive Education.
Register Here
NEXTWork is brought to you by the Hadas and Dennis Bernard NEXTWork Endowment Fund.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to our NEXTUp Conference Co-Chairs:
Steve Betel
Josh Borsen
Rachel Devries
Erica Dovitz
Taylor Weintraub
