How Detroit Homecoming is Turning the City’s Diaspora into Champions of its Comeback (Ep. 2 with Mary Kramer)

Detroit’s resurgence story is impossible to ignore. Following decades of economic decline, the city has seen major revitalization—most recently highlighted when the NFL Draft drew over 700,000 visitors downtown. The stakes are high: Detroit’s growth depends not only on investments from billionaires, but on reconnecting with former residents whose personal and professional contributions can drive lasting change. Research on urban development shows that “brain gain” from returning diaspora communities can accelerate recovery and innovation.So how does Detroit harness the talent, capital, and passion of its global diaspora to fuel a sustainable comeback?Welcome to DisruptED. In the final episode of this two-part series, host Ron J Stefanski sits down with Mary Kramer, retired director of Crain Communications, to explore the impact of Detroit Homecoming—an annual event that reconnects Detroit expats with their hometown. They discuss inspiring personal stories, the role of grassroots initiatives, and the intersection of business, philanthropy, and civic leadership in the city’s renewal.Key moments from the conversation:Heartwarming success stories, from Hall of Fame gymnast Wendy Hilliard returning to launch youth programs, to entrepreneurs opening businesses in Detroit after years abroad.How Detroit Homecoming creates lasting emotional connections that lead to investments, philanthropic projects, and even life changes—like families relocating to the city.The importance of balancing big-ticket donations with grassroots contributions that cultivate innovation and inclusivity.Mary Kramer is a veteran media executive with more than 30 years of leadership in business journalism and publishing at Crain Communications, where she served as editor and publisher of Crain’s Detroit Business and later as group publisher for the company’s city brands in Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, and New York. She spearheaded the creation of Detroit Homecoming in 2014, an initiative that has generated roughly $1 billion in outcomes by re-engaging successful Detroit “expats” as investors, philanthropists, and brand ambassadors. Beyond her journalism career, Kramer has led special projects, such as launching Crain Currency, and she continues to contribute to the city’s cultural life as vice chair of Detroit Opera.