Award Categories and Criteria
The Shining Light Awards recognize and profile individuals who, in one way or another, have taken a leadership role in encouraging people and communities to work cooperatively to improve southeast Michigan. The specific area of cooperation is not restricted and may involve working across jurisdictional and sector boundaries on social, economic, environmental, or quality of life concerns affecting the region.
- Award winners must reside within the seven counties of Southeast Michigan — Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne.
- Awards will be presented to people; organizations are not eligible.
- Award recipients must be able to commit to participating in the recognition ceremony as well as agree to be included in a video highlighting their accomplishments.
- Contact information for two people familiar with the nominee’s work as it relates to the Shining Light Awards must be provided. References may not include the nominator, nominee, or a nominee family member. References should be aware they may be contacted.
Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership
This award recognizes the lifetime achievement of an individual in the public spotlight who is having a regional impact and/or taking risks and demonstrating courage to improve regional cooperation, progress, and understanding. The following will be considered in selecting the Neal Shine Award winner and should be addressed in the Supporting Narrative submitted for a nomination:
- Has the individual had a relatively prominent and long-term public role in supporting regional cooperation, understanding, and progress?
- What public efforts has the individual taken to contribute to the betterment of Southeast Michigan, build bridges, or overcome divisions among people and communities in Southeast Michigan? What was the outcome of these efforts?
- Has the individual exercised courage or assumed risk by encouraging regional thinking or action?
Eleanor Josaitis “Unsung Hero” Award
This award recognizes an individual who may not have yet received the widespread recognition she or he deserves for longstanding efforts to further regional cooperation, progress, and understanding. The following will be considered in selecting the Eleanor Josaitis Award winner and should be addressed in the Supporting Narrative submitted for a nomination:
- Has the individual worked “behind the scenes” or generally outside of the broader public limelight in a way that has encouraged regional cooperation, progress, and understanding?
- What particular activities or projects has the individual helped lead that contributed to the betterment of Southeast Michigan or helped create a more positive image of the area? What was the outcome of these efforts?
- How effective have the individual’s efforts been in contributing to the well being of the area and in nurturing a sense of regional pride and cooperation?
Dave Bing Young Leader Award
This award recognizes a young adult who is involved with enhancing regional understanding, progress, and cooperation within our metropolitan community. The following will be considered in selecting the Dave Bing Award winner and should be addressed in the Supporting Narrative submitted for a nomination:
- Is the individual an emerging, regional leader? (Ideally candidates should be 35 years old or younger.)
- What has this person done to enhance the larger community and help build a spirit of regional cooperation and pride? What was the outcome of these efforts?
- How has the individual helped engage people in working on activities or projects that have a regional impact and contribute to a shared sense of community?
Nominate a deserving leader
Help nominate a leader for the 2025 Shining Light Award. Awards luncheon will be held on October 7th at Ford Field.