2025 Commencement Speakers

Brandy became President of MCCA in December 2021. Prior to this role, she served in the Governor’s administration, first as Governor Whitmer's education policy advisor and then as a manager of the Office of Sixty by 30 within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. In 2010, she founded the Michigan College Access Network and served as its Executive Director until 2019. Brandy also served as policy fellow and college access coordinator under Governor Jennifer Granholm. She was appointed by Governor Whitmer to represent Michigan on the Midwest Higher Education Compact and served on Governor Snyder’s 21st Century Education Commission.

She has been recognized for her leadership and advocacy by the Michigan Association of School Administrators, National College Access Network, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, as well as by the Michigan College Access Network.

Brandy earned her B.A. in Political Science from Arizona State University and her M.A. in Public Policy from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.

Kelli Ellsworth Etchison serves as Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Diversity Officer at LAFCU, where she has dedicated nearly 40 years to advancing the organization’s marketing, branding, and community impact initiatives. She leads an award-winning team and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, fostering meaningful change within LAFCU and the broader community.

A committed advocate for education and opportunity, Kelli has spearheaded scholarship programs for students, women re-entering the workforce, and military service members, as well as overseeing LAFCU’s financial education initiatives and internship programs. Her leadership extends into the community through service on numerous boards, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, Governor Whitmer’s Black Leadership Advisory Council, and the Rotary Club of Lansing, among others.

Her contributions have been widely recognized, earning her honors such as Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leader in DEI and Marketing, the Lansing Legend Award, and the Top Chief Diversity Officer Award by COLOR Magazine. A proud LCC alum, Kelli also holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwood University and has completed executive education in mergers and acquisitions and diversity leadership.

A native of Pontiac, Michigan, Kelli remains a passionate advocate for the Greater Lansing community, dedicating her career to empowering others and fostering lasting change.