2025 ROSE Awards Program

VISIT DETROIT PRESENTS THE 29TH ANNUAL

CEREMONY THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025 MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL - SOUND BOARD

THE PROGRAM 6 p.m. Dinner 6:20 p.m. Champagne Toast 7 p.m. ROSE Awards Ceremony 9 p.m. Afterglow

ABOUT THE ROSE AWARDS For over two decades, the annual Visit Detroit ROSE Awards have been committed to honoring the true power and dedication of individuals in metro Detroit’s hospitality industry. They’re what make our region a great place to work, stay and play — and our community simply wouldn’t succeed without them.

It takes a lot of outstanding people to make our region shine, and the ROSE Awards honor the hard-working volunteers and employees at our restaurants, hotels, attractions, casinos and transportation service providers. No matter what they do, awardees represent the best that Detroit has to offer.

Join us in celebrating the people who make Detroit such a welcoming, vibrant community.

SHARE YOUR ROSE AWARDS MOMENTS ON INSTAGRAM! Join the celebration online by sharing your favorite memories from the ROSE Awards. Visit Detroit has launched a special Instagram “Add Yours” Story template — giving you a fun way to post your highlights and see how others are experiencing this incredible evening. The template will be live for 24 hours, so don’t miss your chance to add your story to the celebration!

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES CAROLYN CLIFFORD | ANCHOR | WXYZ CHANNEL 7 Carolyn Clifford is a 22-time Emmy Award-winning journalist who anchors the 4, 6, and 11 pm newscasts on WXYZ, Channel 7 right here in Metro Detroit.

She was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2024 and the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2021, and was awarded the 2021, 2022 AND 2023 Michigan Association of Broadcasters “Broadcast Excellence Award” for Best News Anchor.

Carolyn was born and raised on the northwest side of Detroit and is so very proud of the city’s revitalization and new development.

Carolyn is also a proud graduate of Michigan State University, earning a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She also learned mental toughness from spending time in MSU’s Army ROTC. Carolyn is married to Gregory F. Goss, and is mother to Airielle, James, Brooke, Alyssa and Gregory Junior.

In her spare time, Carolyn loves spending time with her family and volunteering in our community.

TONIGHT’S ENTERTAINMENT URBAN ART ORCHESTRA Urban Art Orchestra was founded in 2022 and is lead by Kresge Fellow, 3x NAACP Image Award winner and 3x Grammy nominated composer De’Sean Jones.

Urban Art Orchestra aka “Detroit’s Orchestra” brings people together in the celebration of all things pertaining to music, dance, visual art, and culture. With a full ensemble of more than 200 active members, UAO presents a unique musical celebration of our heroes from Quincy Jones, Jdilla, Pharrell, Charles Stepney (Earth Wind & Fire) and so many more. Urban Art Orchestra’s energy, vibe, and musical style proudly represents the 313.

In recent years, Urban Art Orchestra has curated notable collaborations with the likes of Slum Village, The Four Tops & Temptations, Amp Fiddler, T-PAIN, Big Sean and more. UAO has also published several albums including Urban Art Orchestra Live in Detroit Vol 1 & Vol 2 along with the 2024 Amazon Music digital release titled “Big Sean (Amazon Music Songline).”

Since its inception in 2022, Urban Art Orchestra has successfully cultivated arts curation partnerships with Ford, Michigan Central Station, Visit Detroit, NAACP, Amazon Music, Detroit Pistons, The Democratic National Convention, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Public Schools, and is a newly named 2025 recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award.

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RECOGNITION OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

TONIGHT’S ENTERTAINMENT (cont’d.)

DARIAN TASCHNER Darian Taschner is a dynamic vocalist, commercial performer/actor, and founder of Hourglass Music. After touring the world as a featured vocalist on luxury cruise lines, she built a Detroit-based career that blends elite performance with polished event production. Darian manages and performs with the acclaimed Simone Vitale Band and fronts Elektrik Dream—a high-energy pop/rock act with a 100% sellout record across Detroit. On camera, her commercial work showcases the same clarity, charisma, and ease audiences feel on stage. Tonight, she is honored to bring that artistry to the ROSE Awards in downtown Detroit, honoring the hospitality professionals whose service makes metro Detroit shine!

ANGELA DAVIS Angela Davis, a Detroit native, is one of the city’s most accomplished singers. She is also a proud special education teacher currently serving the Wayne Westland Community Schools District.

She is the 2015 WDIV Local 4 Super Singer winner. Since winning this competition, she has had the opportunity to share stages with various national acts including The Temptations, The Beach Boys, Alexander O’Neal, Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, Johnny Gill, Regina Belle, Angie Stone, Keith Washington, Babyface, Tyrese, Dwele and many more.

Angela has been the featured singer at various prestigious events including the Detroit Music Awards, Ford Fireworks, America’s Thanksgiving Parade and 2024 NFL Draft as well as the national anthem vocalist for the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings.

She was honored as “Entertainer of the Year” at the Detroit Black Music Awards in August 2024.

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TONIGHT’S ENTERTAINMENT (cont’d.)

FLORELLA STRINGS Florella Strings is Detroit’s premier string duo, bringing a distinctive blend of classical mastery and soulful artistry to every performance. Violinist Carla Rivers-Johnson and cellist Jasmine James — each with over 25 years of training and performance experience both locally and internationally—joined forces in 2022 to create an ensemble that transcends genres. Drawing on their extensive classical backgrounds, they infuse each piece with vibrant energy and heartfelt expression, delivering a sound that is as refined as it is captivating.

Since its debut, Florella Strings has collaborated with renowned names and organizations including Ford, The Detroit Pistons, Big Sean, Icewear Vezzo, Kash Doll, and more, solidifying their place as a dynamic and sought-after presence in Detroit’s music scene.

STEVE “HYPEMAN” COLEMAN Steve “Hypeman” Coleman has been entertaining and performing for audiences for nearly 20 years. Performing is his lifelong passion and in addition to getting audiences rocking on the dance floor, he also uses his musical talent to educate children and adults about drugs, violence and peer pressure awareness and prevention.

Coleman has served as THE HYPEMAN DJ for hundreds of private, public and corporate events. He has also been a tour manager, MC and announcer for the world famous Harlem Globetrotters and has worked with the Detroit Pistons for many years.

HOSTESS The hostess for the evening, Anisah Milton, is provided by 7 Stone Management.

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RECOGNITION OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

ACTIVATIONS GLAMBOT The Glambot at the ROSE Awards is your chance to capture a show-stopping moment on the red carpet. As you make your entrance, this high-tech camera will film you in stunning slow motion, turning your look into a cinematic masterpiece. Don’t just walk by — pause, strike a pose, and let the Glambot capture your star power. It’s your time to shine, so make the most of this red carpet treatment and create a memory you’ll never forget.

MAGAZINE PHOTO BOOTH Capture the elegance and excitement of the ROSE Awards with our exclusive magazine photo booth, where you can step into the spotlight and shine like aVogue cover star! Our photo booth is designed to make you feel like a celebrity, complete with professional lighting and a chic backdrop. Whether rocking the latest fashion or showing off your unique style, this is your moment to create a photo worthy of the front page. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture your ROSE Awards memories in style.

COLLETTE WILLIAMS INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Collette Williams is a distinguished Detroit businessman and the now-retired creator and former owner of Motown Portrait Photography, the largest African American full-service portrait studio in the U.S. Over his 35-year career, he photographed iconic figures including Aretha Franklin, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Rosa Parks and Bill Clinton, with his work featured in Ebony/Jet magazines, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

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MCLAUGHLIN AWARD NOMINEES The William F. McLaughlin Hospitality Award for Service Excellence celebrates best practices and innovation in customer service. This award is given to a Visit Detroit member for outstanding accomplishments in customer service.

The nominating company should demonstrate a history of accolades for outstanding achievement in delivering customer service excellence in the hospitality industry. With customer service expectations continually rising, the hospitality industry is aware of the value and role that customer service plays in achieving business success.

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RECOGNITION OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

ON BEHALF OF VISIT DETROIT THANK YOU FOR HELPING US HONOR THE 2025 ROSE AWARDS NOMINEES, FINALISTS AND WINNERS Roy Acho Motown Museum

Mary Beaurem Sodexo Live!

Luveart Clark Huntington Place

Darkeevia Adams Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown

Rose Bender-Goss Hampton Inn Southfield West Bloomfield

Emmah Cook ROOST Detroit at Book Tower

Ellaine Amador Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac

Robert Bennett MotorCity Casino

Cornelia Corlateanu-Bitere The Townsend Hotel

Ashley Ambati Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center

Leah Beverley National Trails

Amanda Coulter Holiday Inn & Suites Farmington Hills Detroit NW

Samuel Anthony Shinola Hotel Joanne Arnold Motown Museum Irene Arpasi-Borden Delta Air Lines Elham Ascie Holiday Inn Express - Wixom

Kevin Bradford The Townsend Hotel Melanie Brown Detroit Metro Airport Marriott Brian Burkart Huntington Place Dymond Burks Shinola Hotel

Joanne Austin Cambria Detroit

Laquiana Burnette Detroit RiverFront Conservancy

Justin Austin Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac

Cheyenne Butler Woodward’s

Shalonda Bailey Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel

Jacob Cafeo Huntington Place

Alisha Baldwin Slows Bar BQ

Klotilda Celaj Hampton Inn Southfield West Bloomfield

Hannah Demski Shinola Hotel Kadidja Diallo Woodward’s Suzana Dokja The Townsend Hotel Emma Mae Eberhart-Sims Michigan Science Center Suzanne Erbes Detroit Opera House/ Detroit Opera Tina Fields Detroit RiverFront Conservancy Justin Forbes Hyatt Place Detroit Auburn Hills

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Donya Ford Cornbread Jarryl Fordham Motown Museum Chris Furchak The Henry Ford Teshima Gaines Motown Museum Joy Gandreh Delta Air Lines Bailee Gierman The Townsend Hotel Marissa Glesen Hyatt Place - Detroit Utica Donald Goodall Motown Museum Katisha Gordon Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac Barbara Grant Detroit Marriott Southfield Will Green Shinola Hotel Ayress Gross Cornbread Marquis Hall Detroit Princess Riverboat

Darren Hawkins St. Andrew’s Hall, The Shelter & The Society Room Lashonda Hawkins Atheneum Suite Hotel & Conference Center Michael Hazley Hollywood Casino at Greektown - Hotel Shelby Healy - Drake Woodward’s Eric Henderson Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown Vanessa Henderson Shinola Hotel Kathy Hinchman Ford House Kimyana Hines Delta Air Lines Barbara Hobbs Detroit Metro Airport Marriott Jasmine Hollins Hyatt Place - Detroit Utica Caj Holt Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac

Steve Hannosh Holiday Inn Express - Wixom

Jenise Howell-Butler Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown

Shondel Harlan Detroit RiverFront Conservancy

Angeltia Husketh Holiday Inn Express & Suites Canton

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Sherri Jakob Detroit Metro Airport Marriott Darryle James The Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection Marc Jamison Delta Air Lines Eric Jones Atheneum Suite Hotel & Conference Center Jazmin Jones Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown Ash Karki Cambria Detroit Matthew Karr Fox Theatre Sharon Kelly Wayne County Airport Authority Batool Khan Home2 Suites by Hilton West Bloomfield Detroit Travis Klein Detroit Metro Airport Marriott Marie Komnenic The Henry Ford Christine Lawrence Cornbread Camille Lewis Sodexo Live!

RECOGNITION OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Maryetter Lindsey Detroit Hives

Keith Moore Detroit Opera House/ Detroit Opera

Keeneth Powell Atheneum Suite Hotel & Conference Center

Briana Oliver Cornbread

Shawn Prater The Henry Ford

Aaron Parrott Motown Museum

Timothy Reagan The Parade Company

Anthony Lucas The Henry Ford

Desiree Paul Woodward’s

Yvonne Reed The Parade Company

Katrina Lyons Huntington Place

Uolanda Payne Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown

Dylan Reilly Detroit History Tours

Mia Livingston Shinola Hotel Michelle Lopus Wayne County Airport Authority

Eddie Mallari Detroit Marriott Troy Rebecka Marotta St. Clair Inn Alexis Martinez Detroit Metro Airport Marriott Quin Mata The Townsend Hotel Xaviera McFadden QLINE Kimberly McLaurin Home2 Suites by Hilton West Bloomfield Detroit

Eric Perry Huntington Place Adrienne Perzyk Michigan Science Center LaTanya Phillips QLINE Darryl Pointer Atheneum Suite Hotel & Conference Center James Poling The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit

Cicilia Mendes Cornbread

Jason Potter Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center

William Menezes Wayne County Airport Authority

Daniel Powell MotorCity Casino

Domenic Roberto Michigan Science Center Avery Robinson Home2 Suites by Hilton West Bloomfield Detroit Kristen Rowland Hyatt Place Detroit Auburn Hills Edna Rubin Detroit Opera House/ Detroit Opera Greg Russell A Dream Limousine & Sedan Kujtim Sabaj Café Cortina Reagan Saint Pierre Michigan Science Center

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Ayanna Sanford Homewood Suites by Hilton Detroit Warren Reginald Segars The Townsend Hotel Desirea Showers MotorCity Casino Hotel Roxanne Simone Hyatt Place - Detroit Utica Krishawna Slay Hampton Inn Southfield West Bloomfield Casey Smith Hyatt Place - Detroit Utica Davonte Smith Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown Ken Smith Wayne County Airport Authority Monica Smyth The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit Amy Spence Delta Air Lines Steven Spencer The Parade Company Dianna Surowiec Wayne County Airport Authority

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Will Swartzendruber Cornbread Michael Tawfek Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac Jennifer Tedder The Parade Company Ashli Thomas Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Livonia Jessica Tidwell DTown Vinyl Shannon Tylutki Delta Air Lines Hope Vail Five Steakhouse Rainier Villas MotorCity Casino Linda Walter The Parade Company Tyra Ware Motown Museum Taylor Werling Detroit Metro Airport Marriott Kimberly Werth St. Clair Inn Alexis Wescott MotorCity Casino Hotel

Andre Williams Atheneum Suite Hotel & Conference Center Porcia Wilson Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac Deborah Wiltshire Wayne County Airport Authority Jalen Wimberly Delta Air Lines Abby Wohlgemuth Saint John’s Resort Greg Wright Detroit Marriott Southfield Joslyn Wright Holiday Inn Express & Suites Canton Pang Yang MotorCity Casino Jackie Zeiter Huntington Place

RECOGNITION OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities Full View Productions

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