2020 Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40: Honoring Black Excellence

Each year, the Michigan Chronicle – a weekly African American-owned newspaper based in Detroit – releases their 40 under 40 honorees, celebrating Michigan’s most influential professionals. The list comprises entrepreneurs, activists, business leaders and more who inspire and bring about positive change to their communities through vision, service and achievement. Big congratulations go out to our team members, Dan Ngoyi, Jazmine Williams McCoy, James Feagin and Ariel Ellis who were all honored on the 2020 Michigan Chronicle’s 40 under 40. Dan, Jazmine, James and Ariel are business trailblazers, making remarkable advancements for our organizations.

Dan Ngoyi, Vice President of Talent Acquisition for Rocket Companies, helped identify flaws in our hiring and recruitment process, leading his team to create strategic solutions to help build a more diverse and efficient workplace. 

Jazmine Williams McCoy, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Rock Ventures, was the mastermind behind the framework for the Team Member Resource Networks (TMRN), which have become safe spaces for thousands of our team members. She continues to foster an environment for learning and improving as we continue our diversity and inclusion efforts.

James Feagin, Director of Entrepreneurship for the Rocket Community Fund and advocate for economic justice, has been a driving force behind some of our most successful city-wide programs, including Motor City Match, Detroit Demo Day and more! James is redefining Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and influencing us all to recognize and combat wealth disparities in Detroit.

Ariel Ellis, Film Director for Woodward Original, is the talent behind some of the coolest commercials and social impact content for Rocket Mortgage and other well-known brands. She's creating stories celebrating Black life in Detroit and inspiring other young, Black girls to see themselves and tell their stories their way.

All four of these emerging leaders are leaving their marks on the city and in the FOC. They are leading the charge to systemic change in our workplace, and their tribute on the 40 under 40 is well-deserved.