Stefen Welch, a Molina Healthcare of

Michigan community outreach coordinator and

Welch

recited the Pledge of Allegiance in front of more than 2,000 people who

gathered to hear the President talk about the American Graduation

Initiative and health care reform.

“Michigan

is very diverse with people of different cultures and backgrounds,”

said Welch.  “I remember raising my hand with one finger when we said

“one nation” in unison.  That moment had to be the most memorable

during my brief stint on stage.  This was definitely a humbling

experience and I am still very proud to have been able to recite “The

Pledge of Allegiance” for the first African-American president of the

United States.”

As

the community outreach coordinator for Molina Healthcare of Michigan,

Welch establishes and maintains relationships with providers and

community-based organizations.  Before taking this position, he was at

Boll Family YMCA in Detroit.

He has a master’s degree in community

development from the University of Detroit Mercy and a bachelor’s

degree in communications from Oakland University.  As an advocate for

volunteerism and community service, Welch has sat on several advisory

boards for the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters as well

as other organizations. 

He is also an alumni ambassador for Oakland

University and a member of “Fusion”, a Detroit Regional Chamber group

dedicated to enriching the community and developing young professionals

into future leaders.  He is the former president of Oakland

University’s Association of Black Students and a recipient of the

Oakland University Center Student Activities Male Leadership Award.