Honoree Bios

Outstanding Educator Award: Kim Kocsis

Kim Kocsis serves as MiSTEM Region Director at Oakland Schools, where she leads regional efforts to expand access to authentic, community-connected STEM learning across Southeast Michigan. In this role, she works alongside school districts, higher education, businesses, museums, libraries, and community organizations to build partnerships that connect classroom learning with the world beyond school.

Over more than twenty years in education, Kim has served as a classroom teacher, alternative education administrator, educational consultant, and regional STEM leader. Throughout her career, she has partnered with educators to design meaningful learning experiences where students investigate authentic challenges, collaborate with community partners, and develop the transferable skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. She has worked alongside educators throughout Michigan to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences that connect students with their communities and the world beyond the classroom.

Outstanding Leader Award: Rhonda Walker

“Success is not just about what you accomplish in your life… it’s about what you inspire others to do.”
 
Rhonda Walker has spent her life doing exactly that—inspiring others to rise.
 
Many of us know her as the face that helps Detroit wake up every morning—bringing energy, excellence, and authenticity into our homes for over two decades. But what I admire most is not just what she does on camera… it’s who she is in the community.
 
She is an award-winning storyteller with compassion.

A community leader with purpose.

And a woman who has turned her platform into impact.

Through her work, she has interviewed national leaders, told the stories of families navigating real challenges, and remained a consistent, trusted voice in our city for 27 years. But beyond the newsroom, her legacy continues through service.

Rock Star Award: Amy Peterson

Amy Peterson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, a verified social enterprise and women-owned jewelry company that creates employment opportunities for women facing significant barriers to work. Under her leadership, Rebel Nell combines meaningful employment with financial literacy, business education, and wellness programming to help women transition from dependence to long-term self-sufficiency.

Living next to one of Detroit’s most well-known shelters, Amy built relationships with women whose stories of overcoming emotional, physical, and financial abuse inspired the creation of Rebel Nell. She founded the company with a clear mission: to provide sustainable employment and the tools necessary for women to regain confidence, independence, and control over their futures.

Amy is also a Co-Founder of The Congregation, a restored historic church transformed into a café, coffeehouse, and bar that serves as a year-round community hub. The space hosts public programming and a popular summer farmers market. Most recently, she co-founded the redevelopment of a former rectory into a neighborhood pizzeria, continuing her commitment to revitalizing community-centered spaces.