ACG Detroit | Inspire & Ignite Luncheon

 

Join us as we come together to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of women in Detroit's M&A community. It’s an exciting time as we see more women making their mark in the middle market sector and we’re looking forward to celebrating these accomplishments with a champagne lunch. We’ll also be honoring our award winners & enjoying insights from our fantastic keynote speaker, Stephanie Bickel.

 

 

Alison is the Director of Platform at Plymouth Growth. In this role, she focuses on providing support and critical resources for Plymouth’s portfolio companies, focusing on resources, talent, and community building within Plymouth's portfolio of growth-stage tech businesses, as well as leading efforts across marketing and communications. Her role is pivotal in nurturing the companies, adding value, and driving revenue growth. Prior to Plymouth Growth, Alison worked as an Ecosystem Development Manager at Bamboo Detroit, creating founder-focused communities and events for technology and mobility entrepreneurs.

She was also the Managing Director at Cahoots, where she focused on building bridges between entrepreneurs and the greater technology community. Alison co-founded the Desai Accelerator at the University of Michigan, running the day-to-day programming and mentorship outreach for the startup teams selected to participate in the 13-week program with $50,000 in pre-seed funding.

Alison's leadership within the local investment community and dedication to community building and support for underrepresented groups in tech has not only inspired her peers but also laid the groundwork for the next generation of leaders. Through her initiatives, she has created platforms for mentorship, networking, and professional development, ensuring that emerging leaders have the resources and support needed to thrive. Alison's passion project is Shine & Rise, a support network for women in tech that she co-founded in 2019 alongside Kristina Oberly.

Inspiring Impact Award Winner - Carrie Schochet, Purple Squirrel Advisors

Carrie Schochet is the Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, a boutique executive search firm based in Troy, Michigan. With a passion for helping companies grow by building exceptional leadership teams, Carrie has spent the past 20+ years identifying senior-level talent for small to mid-size businesses, with a strong emphasis on Private Equity-backed companies. Her expertise spans connecting C-level and senior executives to leadership roles in finance, accounting, human resources, operations, sales, and marketing.

After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, Carrie began her career in Chicago, spending over a decade climbing the ranks at one of the nation’s leading recruitment and staffing firms. In 2012, she returned to her hometown of Rochester to be closer to family. By early 2015, she launched Purple Squirrel Advisors with the mission of creating a consultative, “white glove” recruitment process tailored to each client. Carrie’s team combines an expansive network with proactive direct sourcing to connect PE-backed, family-owned, and entrepreneurial companies with top-tier candidates, solving even the most challenging searches.

Beyond recruitment, Carrie’s compassion and values fuel her dedication to philanthropy and community leadership. She co-founded 100 Businesses Who Care, an organization uniting business leaders to create a significant impact across Southeast Michigan. In 2013, she launched CFO Next, a networking group designed to support transitioning or unemployed senior financial executives. Carrie also serves on several boards, including the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), where she chairs the Women’s Forum Committee, and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), where she is Learning Chair and President-Elect for the 2026/2027 program year.

When she’s not working, Carrie loves spending time outdoors with her husband Blake, their three children—Brendan, Nick, and Mia—and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Chloe. Whether hiking, skiing, or exploring new destinations, she brings her enthusiasm for life to everything she does. Carrie is also an avid traveler and hobbyist photographer, always seeking inspiration in the beauty of the world.

Keynote Speaker - Stephanie Bickel, Speak by Design