East LANSING, Mich., December 15, 2025 – The Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) has announced its incoming cohort of fellows for the 2026 calendar year. Twenty-four promising individuals from across the state make up the bipartisan class for the program, which will begin its 2026 session in February.
Founded in 1992, MPLP is managed by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) at Michigan State University (MSU). MPLP is intended to develop future political leaders here in Michigan. Over half of the program's graduates have gone on to be elected or appointed to positions in government. The program has been praised due to its bipartisan nature and was one of the first programs of its kind to train members of both political parties.
"IPPSR is proud to sponsor MPLP, which we believe helps to deepen Michigan's political bench by educating its future political leaders," said Corwin Smidt, Interim Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Smidt continued, "On behalf of MSU, I am happy to welcome our 2026 fellows."
Applicants to MPLP were reviewed by the program's co-directors, Former Republican State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker and Former Democratic State Representative Rudy Hobbs. In February, the twenty-four fellows will begin a tour of Michigan to discuss the state's significant issues and experience firsthand the diversity of Michigan's local communities.
More information on MPLP can be found here. A complete list of the incoming fellows can be found following this release.
MPLP Class of 2026
Jeannette Bradshaw (D), Ortonville (Oakland): Jeannette is the Recording Secretary and Political Registrar of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 58. She has built a career helping others build theirs. She currently serves as the President of the Michigan Maritime Trades Port Council, which advocates on behalf of the maritime industry and construction trades. Jeannette has been active in the labor movement for more than 20 years, focusing on protecting the rights of workers in all industries.
Emily Bauman (R), Westland (Wayne): Emily is currently elected to Westland City Council and is owner of Twelve Trees Coaching, LLC, a leadership development organization. In 2024, she founded Westland Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on the physical, mental and economic benefits of public, community art. Emily brings experience and understanding of the telecommunications, landscape, medical/dental, retail, restaurant, greeting card/gift, and nonprofit sectors. She is an Honors Scholar graduate of Schoolcraft College with a degree in Political Science. As part of her Capstone project, she earned the prestigious Service Endorsement. Emily and her husband Bill have resided in New York, Colorado, and Michigan, and with their 3 children, are active members of Peace Lutheran Church.
Seth Carlson (D), Mattawan (Van Buren): Seth supports strategic engagement for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Rural Prosperity, where he works to strengthen local capacity and connect rural communities with the resources they need to thrive. A proud Michigander, Seth and his husband support his family’s farm and farm market in Southwest Michigan, and he also supports revitalization and housing rehabilitation projects in his hometown of Marcellus. Seth holds a master’s’s in management, Strategy & Leadership from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree from Hope College.
Thomas Christian (R), Georgetown Township (Ottawa): Thomas is an Attorney at Dickinson Wright PLLC in the firm’s Grand Rapids office. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to joining Dickinson Wright, Thomas clerked for Judge Edward H. Meyers at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. and worked as an attorney at a prominent law firm in Washington, D.C. He also has several years of work experience within the U.S. Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense.
Kady Cox (D), Detroit (Wayne): Kady is currently the Constituency Organizing Manager for a U.S. Senate campaign, where she leads community outreach, grassroots mobilization, and voter engagement efforts across key constituencies. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Cox Consulting Agency, helping nonprofits, political and community organizations navigate 501(c)(3) formation, compliance, and build effective governance and advocacy strategies. Her previous roles include Organizing Director at The People’s Action, Regional Organizing Director for When We All Vote, a team manager in the Presidential Correspondence Office of the White House under President Barack Obama, and staff roles in the Michigan House of Representatives and the Lansing mayor’s office. A proud graduate of Michigan State University, she blends deep grassroots organizing, policy-savvy consultancy, and bold social impact — committed to empowering communities, expanding civic engagement, and driving lasting change across Michigan and beyond.
Dr. LaShaya Darisaw (D), Mt. Morris (Genesee): Dr. Darisaw is a city council member, entrepreneur, strategist, and philosopher who creates innovative theories that integrate emotional intelligence, government, business, and future tech. She builds systems, training and processes to elevate human potential and drive meaningful change. She received her Bachelor of Applied Science in Sociology, her Master’s of Public Administration and Doctorate of Metaphysics along with four other degrees from various colleges including the University of Michigan - Flint.
Josh Darnell (R), Flint (Genesee): Josh is currently the Deputy Director of Constituent Relations for Speaker of the House Matt Hall. A graduate of Michigan State University, he holds a degree in Political Science, with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. Before starting with the Michigan House of Representatives, Josh had previously worked on Congressman John James' successful 2022 campaign, and with a Lansing based political consulting firm. He is committed to crafting effective policy aimed at improving the state's infrastructure, bolstering public safety, and encouraging businesses to invest in Michigan.
Justin Flynn (D), Rochester Hills (Oakland): Justin is the Senior Associate for Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives at Business Leaders for Michigan. Previously, Justin served as a fellow in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he helped implement the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. He holds a Master’s of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, a Master’s of Science in Global Commerce from the University of Virginia, and a Master’s of Science in Global Strategic Management from ESADE Business School. He is also Chair of the Young Alumni Council at Boston University, where he earned a BSBA in Finance and Real Estate with a minor in Political Science.
Dennis Hennen (D), Berkley (Oakland): Dennis currently serves on Berkley City Council, where since 2017 he has focused on communication, infrastructure, and preserving residents' quality of life. He sits on the Board of Trustees of the Michigan Municipal League and is Past President of its Elected Officials Academy, where he has earned multiple honors through the program. Dennis represents Berkley at SEMCOG and holds a Master’s Citizen Planner certification from Michigan State University. Outside elected office, he is a senior software engineer at Mercury Banking. He earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from Lipscomb University and an M.S. in Computer Science from The Ohio State University and lives in Berkley with his wife and their two cats.
Alicia Lane (I), Okemos (Ingham): Alicia, a Lansing native, double MSU grad (go green!) and small business owner, brings a multidisciplinary approach to her work. An attorney for over 22 years, Alicia served 20 of those years as an assistant attorney general and assistant prosecuting attorney and discovered a passion for politics. Alicia encourages others to get involved and believes that if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
Jolie Lawrence (D), Howell (Livingston): Jolie is currently the legislative coordinator in the office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2023 with a Bachelors degree in political science pre-law and a minor in law, justice, and public policy. During her time at MSU she was a part of the Michigan Government Semester Program, where she began interning with State Senator Santana. Since then, she has also worked for Senators Singh, Geiss, and Shink. Jolie is interested in Mental Health and Education Policy.
Nathan Medina (D), Lansing (Ingham): Nathan is a legislative advocacy and political organizing professional, with deep experience in and a passion for local food systems & Farm to School. Working in various capacities for the Michigan House of Representatives for a decade, and in multi-state government affairs for another, he has a wide variety of experience and perspective from both the state and federal levels. Nathan is an alumnus of Michigan State University’s College of Arts and Letters and is currently serving as Regional Organizing Director for Michigan's 8th Congressional district with For Our Future. A Saginaw native with migrant worker roots, Nathan lives in Lansing with his wife and two daughters.
Monica Moser (D), Jackson (Jackson): Monica has been the President and CEO of the Jackson Community Foundation since March 2011. She has built a responsive philanthropic organization that consistently delivers results by developing new ways to connect people who care and leveraging resources to the causes that strengthen and build our community of Jackson County. She serves on multiple community collaboratives and as the Vice Chair of the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Board of Trustees. She attained an MBA from Spring Arbor University in 2009 and lives in Jackson with her husband Steven Trosin and their border collie Tipper.
Eric Roath (R), Haslett, (Ingham): Eric is currently the Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Pharmacists Association. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University in 2012, and his Master’s of Business Administration from Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 2017. Eric has been actively engaged in advocating for public health policy throughout his career at both the state and national levels. In addition to his role with the Michigan Pharmacists Association, Eric serves as adjunct instructor for pharmacy law at Ferris State University.
Creston Scheel (R), Petoskey (Emmet): Creston is a US Navy veteran and small business owner from Petoskey. He co-owns a land-use consulting business. He serves on the Emmet County Republican Party's Executive Committee and as delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention. He volunteers with local charitable organizations, including veterans’ groups. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in public administration.
Diop Shumake (D), Detroit (Wayne): Diop is a strategist with bipartisan experience in lobbying, political organizing, and international relations. He is the Co-Founder of Kairos Polis and Kairos Research, where he has led large-scale voter engagement operations reaching more than 500,000 households.
His political and policy experience includes roles with the JC Watts lobbying firm, the Rand Paul for President campaign, the Embassy of Botswana, the Organization of American States, the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago, and multiple state-level campaigns across Michigan. He serves on the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Junior Council and is a member of Leadership Detroit Class 46. Diop carries the distinction of being a Morehouse Man 2016, where he majored in International Relations.
Janessa Smit (R), Hudsonville (Ottawa): Janessa is currently a legislative director for Acuitas, LLC where she provides high-impact counsel on legislative strategy, public affairs, and stakeholder communications. In her executive roles with the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce and Hudsonville Education Foundation, Janessa led significant community, business and organizational growth efforts. She previously held key roles in government affairs and public policy, championing pro-business issues at the Grand Rapids Chamber and Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. Janessa earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Grand Valley State University and has advanced professional development and experience in nonprofit governance, organizational management, and civic engagement. She and her husband, Tim, reside in Hudsonville with their daughters and family dog.
Kirstie Staelens (I), Canton (Wayne): Kirstie is currently the Sr. Advisor, Community Engagement for the Great Lakes Region at Enbridge, serving as the primary liaison to local government and community leaders throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. With an MBA from Wayne State University and a BS from Ferris State University, she brings over a decade of experience in energy, automotive, and public facing leadership roles. Her work includes overseeing regional partnerships and community investments that support safety, reliability, and long-term infrastructure planning in a way that is equitable and community centered.
Joseph Stevenson (R), Clio (Genesee): Joseph is a Legislative Director at the Michigan House of Representatives where he assists his member office with chairing Michigan's House Regulatory Reform Committee. A first-generation college student, Joseph studied Economics at Northwood University before transferring to the University of Michigan-Flint for Political Science. He serves on the 8th Congressional Republican Committee and the Genesee County Republican Party Executive Committee. Joseph also operates Great Lakes Digital, LLC, a political consulting and digital strategy firm. In his free time, Joseph enjoys hiking, photography, reading, and spending time with family.
Morgynn Vallieres (R), Holland, (Ottawa): Morgynn serves as the Events Manager for Campaign Resource Group, where she supports strategic fundraising efforts, manages donor relations, and leads the planning and execution of large-scale fundraising events for conservative leaders across Michigan. She is a proud graduate of Hope College, earning a degree in Political Science with minors in Business and Organizational Leadership. Morgynn has experience in statewide campaigns, grassroots initiatives, marketing and communications, and fundraising throughout Michigan. She is actively involved in her community and committed to faith-based service.
Ava Vitale (R), Port Huron (St. Clair County): Ava is a proud graduate of Michigan State University and currently serves as the Legislative Aide to State Representative Curt VanderWall. Her experience spans both politics and media, including working as an on-air personality at 96.9 WBTI. She is also deeply involved with the City Rescue Mission of Lansing, where she supports homeless women and children. This work has given her a profound understanding of the challenges faced by at-risk communities, insight she hopes to carry forward as she pursues a law degree with the goal of becoming a state prosecutor.
Joseph Vitick (I), Grand Rapids (Kent): Joseph is the Director of Advocacy for Michigan Forward, where he leads advocacy strategy and builds coalitions with community, nonprofit, and government partners. He previously served as a Project Manager and Regional Director with Sandpiper Strategies, gaining two years of campaign management experience. A graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Political Science, Joe is pursuing a career in international affairs and diplomacy, with particular interest in the U.S. Foreign Service.
Phaedra Wainaina (D), Detroit (Wayne): Phaedra currently serves as a Fellow at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and as an adjunct faculty member with the Wayne County Community College District. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School. With over a decade of experience in public service, workforce development, and community strategy, Phaedra has led regional coalitions to expand access to energy careers and equitable education pathways.
Wesley Wilson (D), Grand Rapids (Kent): Wesley currently works for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters (MCLV) as the West Michigan Regional Manager. He received his Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit and Public Administration and Political Science from Grand Valley State University. Raised in West Michigan, Wesley Wilson has been involved in politics and serving his community from a young age. At 16 years old, he volunteered on a Legislative race that was decided by only 53 votes, and from that close race he has been hooked ever since.