Ana Navarro is a well-known Republican strategist, political analyst for CNN, CNN en Español, and Telemundo, and co-host of ABC’s The View. She is also a political contributor on ABC’s The View, where she appeared for years as a weekly guest and was named a permanent co-host in 2022. The Miami New Times named her a “Republican power-consultant,” and the Tampa Bay Times called her “a sought-after voice in Republican politics and an adviser for any presidential hopeful,” saying, “with confidants Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio she is poised to play a big role in the GOP response to immigration reform and Hispanic outreach.” Respected on both sides of the aisle for her straight shooting and candor, Navarro frequently appears in the media, sought after by Meet the Press, Bill Maher’s Real Time, Anderson Cooper 360, and The View, to name a few. “Ana speaks the truth, and she is willing to speak the truth to power without reservation…She has the ear of lots of elected officials,” said Republican consultant Brett O’Donnell. She is in touch with the political issues people are talking about, and in presentations, she discusses the latest hot button issues in politics, giving audiences an insider’s view of the upcoming elections and a roadmap for where the country is headed.

Political Expertise. Navarro most recently served as the national Hispanic co-chair for Governor Jon Huntsman’s 2012 campaign and the national co-chair of John McCain’s Hispanic Advisory Council in 2008, where she was also the national surrogate for the McCain 2008 campaign. She has played a role in several federal and state races in Florida. She served on Governor Jeb Bush’s transition team in 1998 and was his first director of immigration policy in the Executive Office of the Governor.

In 2001, she served as ambassador to the United Nation’s Human Rights Commission, devoting much of her energy to condemning human rights abuses in Cuba. In 1999, she worked in the private sector, representing private and public clients on federal issues, particularly related to immigration, trade, and policy affecting Central America. In 1997, she was a special advisor to the government of Nicaragua and was one of the primary advocates for NACARA (Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act).

Education and Immigration. Navarro is a graduate of the University of Miami. In 1993, she obtained her BA in Latin American studies and political science. She obtained a Juris Doctorate in 1997. She was born in Nicaragua, and in 1980, as a result of the Sandinista revolution, she and her family immigrated to the United States.

From West Texas, Keith has always had a deep passion for homes and entrepreneurial development. He started his first company at the age of 14 that went on to become a nationally recognized retail and manufacturing chain. After selling the business, Keith moved into home renovation and soon discovered a deep passion for bringing forgotten and abandoned homes back to life. While working in Colorado, Keith developed an interest in the Detroit revitalization and soon after purchased his first home in the city. His ability to create uniquely designed homes on very small budgets has helped launch the company onto a national stage. Keith brings a new perspective to the traditional flip model and his passion for the Detroit community has inspired a more sustainable and economical approach to renovations. 

Originally born in the mid-west, Evan received both his Bachelor degree and PhD in Physics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. After finishing graduate school, Evan moved to Detroit with Keith to start their own company buying, renovating, and selling real estate. His analytical and research experience gives them a fresh perspective in market and project analysis. Evan has used his extensive experience in process analysis to create efficiency and cost savings on home construction. He also is a skilled photographer. What started as a a need to capture Keith’s designs for home sales, quickly turned into a passion for interior and nature photography.
Although a transplant to the Detroit area, Evan has fallen in love with the city and contributing to the continued revitalization of Detroit.

Now the the pair lives and works on Detroit’s west side running their retail business Nine Design and Homes, a home decor and furniture shop. All while starring in multiple hit HGTV’s series like Rock the Block, Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge, along with their most recent announcement of season 4 of their show Bargain Block Detroit and a spin off series Bargain Block New Orleans. 

Tuesday, May 14th
3:30 - 4:30 PM

Climate justice begins with acknowledging that climate change can have disproportionately harmful economic, public health, and social impacts on disinvested communities; in fact, it can further exacerbate existing inequities. Join a discussion about why climate resilience is important, how not considering it can contribute to housing insecurity, and how incorporating mitigating features into housing not only better serves residents, but also the overall community resilience infrastructure. 

Speakers: 

• Michelle Diller
• Anika Goss
• Matthew Hollander
• Kim Trent

Thank you to our Plenary Sponsor:

Wednesday, May 15th
12:00 - 1:00 PM

All hands on deck to solve a crisis!  Michigan is building a connected and collaborative housing ecosystem. We have the plan – Michigan’s first Statewide Housing Plan.  The Michigan Statewide Housing Partnership was created to assist with implementing the Plan, and 15 Regional Housing Partnerships were formed to coalesce into the housing ecosystem. Hear from some of the additional emerging collaborations taking place.

Speakers:

• Christopher Germain
• Nicole Wilson
• Brooke Oosterman
• Sherita Smith