LAHC (Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities) proudly hosted its 42nd Annual Awards Gala at The Henry Hotel, honoring extraordinary leaders and supporting the next generation of changemakers.
The evening celebrated Michigan State Senator Sarah Anthony and Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Chad Newton with the Excellence and Great Achievements Award, while also awarding $60,000 in scholarships to 20 outstanding high school seniors across Michigan.
Honoring Senator Sarah Anthony
Senator Sarah Anthony was recognized for her unwavering commitment to equity, public service, and groundbreaking leadership across the state of Michigan.
With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Senator Anthony has consistently broken barriers and championed initiatives that uplift underserved communities.
She made history as the first African American woman elected to represent mid-Michigan in both the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate.
In 2023, she achieved yet another milestone by becoming the first Black woman to chair the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.
“Senator Anthony embodies the spirit of transformative leadership,” said Wassim Mahfouz, LAHC Chief Executive Officer.
“Her work has created pathways to opportunity for countless Michiganders—especially our most vulnerable. From education and healthcare to criminal justice reform and workforce development, Senator Anthony’s impact is deeply felt and widely respected. We are honored to celebrate her achievements at this year’s gala.”
Throughout her career, Senator Anthony has been a pragmatic and effective policymaker, known for building bipartisan coalitions to pass meaningful legislation.
She has championed policies focused on college affordability, small business support, veterans’ services, and housing access.
Prior to her time in the state legislature, she served as the youngest Black woman on a County Commission in the U.S. and held leadership roles with the Michigan College Access Network, advocating for student support and economic mobility.
Her groundbreaking work has been featured in national publications such as The New York Times, Essence, The New Yorker, and Politico, and she has earned numerous “Legislator of the Year” honors from across sectors.
Honoring Chad Newton
Chad Newton’s decades-long career in public service, law enforcement, and airport leadership exemplifies the values of excellence, integrity, and transformative impact.
As CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority, Newton oversees operations at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport, managing a $430 million annual budget and driving strategic direction for one of the busiest airport systems in the United States.
With over 25 years of experience in airport operations and more than 31 years in law enforcement, Newton’s leadership has been pivotal in elevating Detroit Metropolitan Airport to national acclaim. Under his guidance, DTW has received numerous honors for service excellence, including the prestigious J.D. Power Award for Customer Satisfaction in 2023 and the Airports Council International’s Airport Service Quality Award multiple times.
“Chad Newton is a shining example of what it means to lead with vision, discipline, and compassion,” said Mahfouz.
“His unwavering commitment to public service, from his time in the U.S. Army to his transformative work at the Wayne County Airport Authority, has not only elevated our region’s global connectivity but also inspired countless professionals to pursue excellence in their fields. We are honored to recognize Chad’s outstanding contributions to both the industry and our community.”
Beyond his executive leadership, Newton is a dedicated educator and mentor, serving on the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents and teaching future leaders at institutions like Concordia University and Henry Ford College.
Newton joins an esteemed list of past recipients who embody the spirit of leadership and service.
Empowering the next generation
In addition to honoring distinguished leaders, LAHC awarded $60,000 in scholarships to 20 exceptional high school seniors across Michigan as part of its continued commitment to supporting education and youth empowerment.
This year, LAHC received over 100 scholarship applications from high-achieving, service-driven students throughout the region.
Due to financial constraints, only 20 recipients were selected, making this year’s awards among the most competitive in the program’s history.
Applicants were evaluated on academic performance, financial need, community involvement, and a deeply personal 500-word essay. The essay prompt asked students to share a mental health challenge they had faced, how they overcame it, and how they plan to raise awareness and reduce stigma within their communities—an especially timely topic given the rising rates of mental health issues among youth.
“These young leaders have not only excelled academically but have shown tremendous courage and compassion in addressing mental health challenges,” said Mahfouz. “They embody the resilience and leadership we strive to nurture through our programs.”
Since its inception, LAHC’s Scholarship Program has awarded over $2 million to deserving students across the state, helping to bridge financial gaps and create opportunities for future changemakers.
The LAHC Annual Awards Gala is one of southeast Michigan’s premier community events, celebrating local and national leaders whose work advances the well-being of individuals and families.
This year’s event took place on June 10 at the Henry Hotel.
Proceeds from the Gala support LAHC’s year-round programs focused on education, workforce development, health and wellness, and social services.
About LAHC
LAHC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities by advancing the educational, social, health, and economic well-being of southeast Michigan residents.
Serving over 60,000 individuals annually, LAHC provides programs that promote equity, opportunity, and community resilience.
Click Here more information about the LAHC Annual Awards Gala.