For Women and Minorities to Build Their Career in Economic Development
The Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship aims to expand opportunities for women and minorities in economic development by providing access to the education and training needed to strengthen their skills and abilities. In doing so, it supports MEDA’s overall mission to drive positive economic growth in Michigan, while empowering the next generation of economic development leaders.
About Birgit M. Klohs
Birgit Klohs first joined MEDA in 1977 when she worked for the Berrien County Economic Development Corporation and was one of MEDA’s first three female members. Birgit retired in early 2021 after 33 years of leadership at The Right Place, Inc., the premier economic development entity in West Michigan. An August 6 press release from The Right Place, Inc., says “During her 33 years with The Right Place, Inc. the organization collaborated with state and local leaders and business executives to create more than $5 billion in economic investment in the region and generate more than 46,000 jobs.”
She remained active on MEDA's 2021 Annual Meeting Committee and is the first female Lifetime Member.
After Receiving the Fellowship in 2025, Samatha shared:
I am deeply honored to be selected as this year's Birgit M. Klohs Fellow. This opportunity reflects not only my commitment to advancing economic development in Michigan, but also the importance of supporting women and minorities in leadership roles.
I applied for the fellowship because, as a life-long learner, I believe I always have room for growth and improvement. The process challenged me to reflect on my goals and aspirations while affirming my passion for equitable growth across Michigan communities.
I intend to use the fellowship funding to continue on the path to becoming a Certified Economic Developer. The CEcD certification is out of reach for many professionals due to its cost, which makes opportunities like this fellowship invaluable for investing in the future of economic development in Michigan. A well-trained and well-resourced leader can reap many rewards for their community, and I am committed to bringing those benefits home to mine.
Receiving this award is both humbling and energizing, and I am grateful to MEDA and the Klohs Fellowship Committee for this extraordinary honor.
Activities, Qualifications, and Award Amount
The fellowship can be utilized for training and professional development including, but not limited to:
- Education Programs: MEDA, International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Grow America, Regional Economic Development Organizations (EDO), MEDC/Redevelopment Ready Communities, Michigan Municipal League, and/or International Strategic Management Programs. College/university credit is acceptable. See additional information below.
- Professional Development: Planning, policy and governance, program development, communications and stakeholder engagement, conferences, networking, and peer learning, and/or research analytics.
- Networking Opportunities: MEDA, regional EDOs, expos/conferences related to economic development, and/or International Strategic Management Programs, etc.
Qualifications
The appropriate candidate will be a woman or minority who is looking to actively participate in economic development and needs assistance with the monetary aspect.
Highest consideration for candidates applying for the fellowship will be given to early-career economic development professionals, as demonstrated through review of the candidate's resume and professional letters of support.
College/University Reimbursement Criteria
- Applicants must identify a specific class, course, or professional program of study. General degree programs will not be accepted.
- The proposed course or program must demonstrate a clear and direct connection to economic development.
- Applicants must be emerging professionals who are currently active in the field of economic development practice.
Award Amount
The awardee will receive a monetary amount that the MEDA subcommittee deems fit in response to the awardee’s application, not to exceed $2,000. The awardee will receive the monetary award via expense reimbursement once the event/training/etc. is completed. The Fellowship subcommittee will require the awardee to send in receipts and any other documents they deem fit in order to reimburse the awardee.
Apply for the Fellowship
Please send a resume, cover letter, application, and letter(s) of support to Catie at catie@medaweb.org by the end of the day on May 15, 2026. Questions? Contact Meghan at meghan@medaweb.org.
Donate to the Fellowship
Fellowship Founders
Fellowship Founders are those who donate/pledge $5,000 or more.
For 40 years The Right Place has offered confidential, comprehensive business support services in Greater Grand Rapids. Our team has assisted thousands of companies to spur more than $6 billion in investments and 50,000 new jobs throughout the region.
Donors
- 42 North Partners
- Ann Arbor SPARK
- Birgit Klohs
- Carolyn Bennett
- Cornerstone Alliance
- Detroit Regional Partnership Foundation
- DTE Energy Foundation
- Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County
- Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce
- ITC
- JoAnn Crary
- Lakeshore Advantage
- Lansing Economic Area Partnership
- Middle Michigan Development Corporation
- Monroe County Business Development Corporation
- Southwest Michigan First
- Traverse Connect
Become a Founder or Donor Today
You or your organization can contribute to the Fellowship using this form.
A portion of the proceeds of MEDA's Annual Golf Outing support the Fellowship if you want to include some fun into your donation.
Contact Meghan at meghan@medaweb.org if you have any questions about donations.