BLI Alumni Panel and Networking Session

Meet the Panelists:

Ethan Hopper is a 2019 graduate of the Ford School of Public Policy and a former Senior Fellow/Program Assistant with the BLI. He is currently a Senior Consultant and has served clients at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for over 5 years, working on policy, regulatory compliance, and analysis. Previously, Ethan worked in the US Senate, the US Department of State, and at SpaceX. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Micalah Webster earned her undergraduate degrees at the University of Michigan, double majoring in Psychology and Organizational Studies, with a minor in Community Action and Social Change, in 2016. She became a Barger Leadership Fellow in 2014. Driven by a passion for social justice and health equity, Micalah pursued a joint Master of Health Service Administration and Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan, graduating in 2019. Her studies focused on how social identity, power, and systematic oppression impact access to quality healthcare and overall well-being, as well as strategies to drive sustainable change through policy, programs, and leadership. Currently Micalah works with social services, hospitals, physician practices, and grassroots partners to create equitable systems of care.

Carlena Toombs is a passionate community leader and communications professional with a deep commitment to empowering Detroit. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Communications and Media, Carlena further developed her leadership skills through her participation in the Barger Leadership Institute (BLI) in 2017. In her current role, Carlena plays a key role in advancing neighborhood revitalization efforts and supporting homebuyers through strategic communication initiatives. She is also the co-founder of Hood Deeds, an organization focused on providing educational opportunities, connection, and mentorship to Detroit’s youth. Before assuming her current role, Carlena contributed to Detroit City Council - District 4’s community engagement and digital media efforts, building community through outreach and storytelling. For Carlena, Detroit is more than just a city—it is the core of both her professional and personal journey. Her work in local government and grassroots initiatives gives her a unique perspective on the city's needs, which she addresses with creative storytelling and a vision for lasting change.

Amy Saslekova is a Program Manager at a health tech company dedicated to making high-quality, affordable mental health care more accessible. She currently leads project management initiatives for the CX department, driving process improvements, streamlining workflows, and implementing strategic solutions to enhance customer experience operations. Prior to this, Amy spent over two years as a Success Manager, focusing on retention and engagement across the company's member base. She also has experience in consulting at Slalom, where she worked on business advisory initiatives within the life sciences industry. Before transitioning into consulting, Amy held roles in customer success and business development at CB Insights, helping companies leverage data-driven insights to navigate industry trends and competitive landscapes. Amy graduated from the University of Michigan in 2019 with a major in International Studies (Political Economy and Development) and a minor in Asian Languages and Cultures (Chinese Language and Culture). She was closely involved with the Barger Leadership Institute as a Peer Facilitator for U-M ALA 170, a participant in the 2017 BLI Denver Leadership Trip, and a BLI Fellow. Beyond BLI, she also served as a Coordinator for the U-M New Student Mentorship Program, an Ambassador for the U-M Opportunity Hub, and an undergraduate researcher. Additionally, she was active in several organizations across campus, including Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity, Sigma Iota Rho International Honors Society, and more. She also spent two summers teaching public speaking and English in Japan in 2018 and 2019. Since graduating, Amy has called New York, Chicago, and, most recently, Seattle home with her fiancé. During their time in Washington for her partner's ophthalmology residency, they have enjoyed exploring Seattle's coffee scene, beautiful nature, and vibrant food culture together.

Shekinah Singletery partners with hospital leaders, community-based organizations and other health care stakeholders to address social needs and social influencers of health for those experiencing poverty and other vulnerabilities. Shekinah has worked at the national, regional and local levels within her current role. She has experience leading initiatives related to process improvement, community coalition building, community health needs assessment, workforce development, Safety Net Health Centers, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Shekinah Singletery received both her undergraduate (2014) and graduate (2016) degrees from the University of Michigan. She obtained an undergraduate degree in Organizational Studies with a pathway in Health Management and Organizational Culture. During her undergraduate degree, she participated in the Barger Leadership Institute. She later pursued a Masters of Health Service Administration in the Health Management and Policy department. Shekinah is a Board Member of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber, Washtenaw County Board of Health and Washtenaw County Continuum of Care. She is the founder and co-lead of the Trinity Health Work Parent Colleague Resource Group. Personally, Shekinah has been married for over 9 years and is a mom to two beautiful young girls. 

Meet the Networking Alum:

Becky Woolf graduated from the University of Michigan in 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Community and Global Public Health and a Bachelor’s in Sociology of Health and Medicine. During her time at the BLI, Becky served as a Leadership Teaching Fellow from her second semester, eventually becoming a Lead Leadership Teaching Fellow throughout her sophomore, junior, and senior years. She also participated in the BLI Mindful Leadership Fellowship, Peace Leadership Fellowship, and Social Transformation Fellowship.

Currently, Becky is pursuing a Master’s of Public Health at George Washington University in Washington, DC. Becky has gained diverse experience in health policy as a former White House Intern and working with organizations such as the ImproveCareNow healthcare network, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Association for City and County Health Officials, and the Harris for President campaign.

Roderick Hopkins earned a B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience (BCN) with a minor in Gender and Health from the University of Michigan in 2018, followed by an MPH from Emory University in 2020. While involved in BLI, his project focused on enhancing student well-being by educating them on how their behaviors impact their health. Currently, he serves as a Project Officer and is also pursuing a doctorate in Healthcare Administration.

Ryan Rich graduated from the University of Michigan in 2021 majoring in Psychology, Sociology, and Organizational Studies. He is now the Research Coordinator for a Cognitive Neuroengineering and Wellbeing Laboratory and a Customer Support Consultant for neurotechnology startup. During his time with the Barger Leadership Institute, Ryan was a Leadership Fellow participating in the Mindful Leadership and Peace Leadership programs.

Alexander Jordan is a hardware engineer and graduated in 2021 with a bachelor's in mechanical engineering and participated in the mindful leadership program at the BLI.