The Role Model Celebration, first held in 1989, is AFG’s biggest fundraising event of the year. This year's Role Model Celebration, hosted by honorary event chairs, Michael and Barbara Bickers, will take place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in recognition of International Women’s Day. This premier event in the Detroit area, celebrates the achievements of extraordinary women in our community and the accomplishments of the girls and young women we serve.
The Role Model Celebration features both live and silent auctions. It will be a memorable evening of impact and celebration. We are excited to share our 2025 Role Model Honorees in late November.
Role Model Celebration:
Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: The Henry Ford, Dearborn MI
For sponsorship information: 2025 Sponsorships
To donate an auction item: 2025 Auction
For more information, please contact Amenia Army at aarmy@alternativesforgirls.org.
Meet Our Co-Chairs: Barbara and Michael Bickers
AFG is honored that Michael and Barbara Bickers will be this year’s co-chairs for our annual Role Model Celebration.
Michael G. Bickers is executive vice president and regional president of PNC Bank, Detroit and Southeast Michigan. He served as Midwest territory manager for PNC’s Retail Bank, responsible for leading the branch network and partner teams throughout the region, prior to being named to his current role in March 2022.
Meet Our Emcee: FOX 2's Hilary Golston
Hilary Golston is the 2023 winner of the Associated Press’s best Reporter/Anchor in Michigan. She is also a six-time Emmy-winner, who returned to her hometown of Detroit after working in newsrooms across the country. She co-anchors FOX 2 News Weekend Evenings.
Hilary is so honored and thrilled to be back home in Detroit. She grew up in the city and is a graduate of Detroit Country Day High School. "I come from a family committed to Detroit and the magic we know is here.”
Duc Nguyen Abrahamson
Duc is the Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) providing specialized consultation on Asian hate crimes, DEI, strategic planning, fundraising, and other topics. She is also a member of several local and national committees and boards that are focused on being a visible and vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the global level.
Violet Gintsis
Violet is a first-generation immigrant who moved from Greece to Flint, Michigan when she was 10 years old. After spending nearly 40 years in the banking industry as one of the few female executives at her company, she became a Beyond Juicery + Eatery franchisee at the age of 60. Today, Violet is a partner with AFG’s Workforce Development program, where she employs AFG participants to work in her stores.
Dr. Marlo Rencher
Dr. Rencher is an entrepreneur, anthropologist, and educator with over two decades of experience in startup and small business development. Currently, she is the president of Detroit Means Business in addition to being a founding member of three tech startups. Dr. Rencher is also deeply invested in researching the funding gap for Black women tech founders.