This year’s cohort includes 12 fellows representing a range of academic backgrounds and professional experiences—including urban planning, engineering, sustainability, public policy, public health, transportation, communications, and economic development. Several fellows are originally from Michigan and returning to the state, while others are relocating to launch careers in Michigan’s rapidly evolving mobility ecosystem. 

Fellowship Experience

Throughout the fellowship, participants will work full‑time with their host organizations while engaging in a robust professional development curriculum featuring leadership training, mentorship, networking, and exposure to mobility leaders across the state.

The program builds on the success of the inaugural cohort, which concluded in December 2025. Half of the fellows from that cohort received full‑time job offers from their host organizations, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness as a workforce development and talent retention strategy.

“Programs like the MI Mobility Fellows Program ensure that emerging professionals can build meaningful careers while contributing to Michigan’s leadership in mobility innovation,” said Melvin Henley, MI Mobility Fellows Program Manager. “By connecting fellows with organizations tackling real‑world challenges, we are strengthening both the mobility workforce and the communities these organizations serve.”

The fellowship begins with a multi‑day orientation, introducing the Fellows to Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, building cohort connections, and preparing them for their placements. Over the next 15 months, the fellows will collaborate across sectors to support projects that improve how people, goods, and services move throughout the state.

For more information about the MI Mobility Fellows Program, visit https://cedamichigan.org/programs/mi-mobility-fellows-program/.

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About Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification

The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification builds on Michigan’s robust mobility legacy and leadership to develop people-centric and community-oriented solutions. Through public and private partnerships, OFME works to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, enriching lives, creating equitable opportunities, while connecting Michiganders to a brighter future. Michigan’s competitive advantage across land, sea, and sky makes it the ultimate destination for mobility innovation, where companies of all sizes will find long-term support and success. Learn more at michiganbusiness.com/ofme

About CEDAM
CEDAM is a nonprofit membership association building vibrant communities across Michigan. Our capacity building programs, policy advocacy, and training events emphasize supporting communities in affordable housing, economic growth, and wealth-building at both the federal and state levels. Through engagement and collaboration with CEDAM members, policymakers, state departments, and other partners, we sustain a thriving and equitable community economic development sector across the state. Learn more at https://cedamichigan.org/

About Michigan Central

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, groundbreaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of more than 600 employees from over 100 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society. Learn more at michigancentral.com

About Wayne State University 

Wayne State University works to expand the impact and network of diverse leaders committed to driving positive systemic change within the civic, community, and economic development landscapes in Detroit. Wayne State University’s Division of Entrepreneurship & Economic Development operates in close alignment with TechTown Detroit, the university’s entrepreneurship hub and home of the Mobility Accelerator Innovation Network (MAIN).