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.
Role Model Celebration:
Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: The Henry Ford, Dearborn MI
To buy tickets: visit https://onecau.se/rmc2025
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.”
Cindy Eggleton
Cindy Eggleton is a changemaker dedicated to ensuring children and families have what they need to thrive. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Brilliant Detroit, she has transformed the lives of over 22,000 children and caregivers, partnering with 200+ organizations across Detroit.
Cindy's commitment to population-level change and her tireless work have earned her multiple accolades, including Crain’s 2018 Notable Women in Nonprofits. Her unwavering dedication to Detroit's future makes her an inspiring role model for all.
Telva McGruder
Telva McGruder leads the transformation of General Motors’ manufacturing toward automation and digitalization as Executive Director of Global Body Manufacturing Engineering. She has held key leadership roles within GM, including Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, advocating for a more inclusive culture.
A passionate supporter of STEM education for girls and women, Telva is deeply committed to empowering future leaders and continues to champion diversity and equity in every aspect of her work.
Genevieve Vang
Genevieve Vang’s story of resilience and generosity is nothing short of inspiring. A refugee from Laos, Genevieve co-founded Bangkok 96, Wayne County’s first Thai restaurant, and later opened Bangkok 96 Street Food in Detroit.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched initiatives like Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen for Good to provide meals to those in need. As a successful entrepreneur, she’s also the founder of Clean Planet Cuisine and Thai Feast, all while empowering her community and inspiring others through her culinary expertise and philanthropy.
To view all of AFG’s past Role Models, click here.