Yesterday, Rathbun Insurance had the honor of participating in the Melanated Business Alliance's Business Youth Expo at the University Club of Michigan State University hosted by Alane Laws- Barker, MD, MBA, and MiChaela Barker, MBA, MPH, Founders of the Melanated Business Alliance. Our team, including COO Laura Stoken, Producer Darren Bardell, and Account Manager Kenwon Simpson, joined forces to inspire and empower over 100 high school students from across the Greater Lansing area.
The event, running from 9:30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m., was dedicated to equipping 9th–12th grade students with the tools and knowledge to pursue entrepreneurship and build businesses that can strengthen our community. Students participated in interactive sessions on business planning, financial literacy, marketing strategies, and leveraging digital tools for growth. These workshops were designed to make business concepts approachable and actionable.
Rathbun Insurance staff along with other local business professionals offered one-on-one guidance to students, helping them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while sparking fresh ideas. Students had the chance to connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, fostering collaborations and new friendships.
Successful entrepreneurs such as Lorin Cumerbatch, CEO of Skin Studio 211, Marcus Leslie, Founder & Owner of Mr. Leslie's Cheesecake, and Shelley Davis Boyd, President with Integrare
Collaborative and community leaders like, Miles Johnson, Ingham County Commissioner (District 5) and Program Coordinator with Mansion of Dreams, Tony Willis, Chief Equity Development Officer with the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Sheila Scott, Community Financial Education & Business Development Officer with LAFCU, Darryl Horton, Senior Business Consultant, CPA with the Small Business Development Center, Chaz Carillo, President of the Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber, and shared their journeys, motivating students to chase their dreams and overcome obstacles. The expo provided access to resources like grants, scholarships, and educational materials to turn entrepreneurial visions into reality. Through hands-on projects and group exercises, students were able to practice the skills they learned throughout the day.
At our booth, we connected with students by sharing our own professional journeys and the importance of entrepreneurship within the insurance industry. We also introduced them to the opportunities that exist within insurance, from sales to account management to marketing and communications, emphasizing the value of building meaningful client relationships.
To keep the energy high, we incorporated an insurance-themed game, offering a fun yet educational experience that resonated with the attendees. By showing the exciting and people-centered side of our industry, we encouraged students to consider careers they might not have previously imagined. Most importantly, we offered encouragement and support to every young person we spoke with, reminding them that their dreams are valid and achievable with hard work and the right guidance.
Our participation in the Business Youth Expo aligns with Rathbun Insurances' vision: “Being There Matters Most.” By investing in the next generation of leaders, we’re not just supporting our community—we’re helping to build a brighter future for all.
Thank you to the Melanated Business Alliance for hosting this transformative event and allowing us to be a part of empowering young entrepreneurs. We look forward to continuing our support of initiatives that inspire and uplift the next generation.
