10-09-2025 1:27pm

10TH ANNUAL WOMEN OF INFLUENCE SUMMIT IN DETROIT WALKER-MILLER ENERGY SPONSOR 2026

Ypsilanti PressLLC Editor

United Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WALKER-MILLER ENERGY SERVICES NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR UNITED WAY’S 10TH ANNUAL WOMEN OF INFLUENCE SUMMIT IN DETROIT

Event Celebrates “A Decade of Impact,” Having Raised $2M+ for Children and Families

DETROIT – September 19, 2025 – United Way for Southeastern Michigan announced Walker-Miller Energy Services, a leading Detroit-based, minority-owned energy efficiency firm, as the Presenting Sponsor of the 10th Annual Women of Influence Summit, taking place on March 13, 2026, at Ford Field. The event, led by United Way’s Women United affinity group, will bring together business owners, executives, thought leaders, and community and corporate partners from across the region to honor a decade of impact.

From its beginnings, the Women of Influence Summit has raised more than $2 million for local children and families while empowering thousands of women through high-impact networking, inspiring keynote speakers, and opportunities to Give, Advocate, and Volunteer. The 2026 summit, themed “A Decade of Impact,” will spotlight influential women making a real difference in southeast Michigan and showcase the power of coming together to support women and families.

Why This Matters

· Walker-Miller Energy Services reinforces its commitment to people in the communities it serves as the event’s Presenting Sponsor.

· Ford Field, an iconic Detroit venue, underscores the event’s growing reach and prestige.

· In its 10th year, the summit will provide continued support at a time when the need is increasing among families across the region.

“We are thrilled to celebrate ten years of the Women of Influence Summit, an event dedicated to recognizing incredible women creating change across our region and the amazing impact we can have when we come together,” says Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Carla Walker-Miller has been instrumental in this journey; first as a passionate supporter and participant, and now in her third year as our Presenting Sponsor. A trailblazing business leader, Carla leads by example, and her vision and influence have expanded opportunities for countless others. Her leadership and the reputation of Walker-Miller Energy Services is magnetic, drawing high-profile attendees, sponsors, and partners. We are deeply grateful for her partnership, which ensures this year’s event will build on our tradition of celebrating the successes of women while driving the mission forward.”

“Throughout my career, I’ve faced challenges that many women know all too well—being underestimated, navigating male-dominated industries, and fighting for a seat at the table. Every barrier broken creates space for others to follow,” says Carla Walker-Miller, Founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services. “That’s why we are so proud to step up as presenting sponsor of this summit—because when women have a platform, resources, and unwavering support, we don’t just succeed, we redefine what’s possible. This event isn’t just a celebration; it’s an investment in the women who will lead the next decade of change."

Event Highlights:

· Keynote speeches from top-tier industry leaders

· Exclusive networking with influential professionals and change agents from across the region

· Recognition of outstanding women driving change in Southeast Michigan

Registration opens in October 2025. Visit the Women of Influence Summit page on our website. Sponsorship opportunities for the tenth annual event are still available. To learn more about sponsorships, contact Tina Kafantaris, tina.kafantaris@unitedwaysem.org.