An Evening with Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Join us for an evening with Governor Gretchen Whitmer in our Okemos event studio! This event is perfect for kids or teens who are looking to learn more about how they can make a difference in the world.

This event will include a conversation between Governor Whitmer and Shea Hicks-Whitfield, and will be followed by a Q&A.

Ticket Details:

• Tickets are required for this event. Space is limited, so get your tickets right away!
• All tickets are bundled, which means that when you purchase your ticket, you are purchasing a signed copy of True Gretch YA.
• If you or your family member has an accessibility need, please let us know in the space provided when purchasing your tickets so that we can plan to accommodate you.
• If you or your family member has a question that you would like to ask Governor Whitmer, please share your question in the space provided when purchasing your tickets. We cannot guarantee that your question will be included in the Q&A portion of the event, but we will try our best to include as many as possible!

Ticket Options:

• Admits: 1 Adult AND 1 Teen/Child (2 seats, 1 book)
  • When selecting this ticket, you are purchasing one copy of True Gretch YA. This ticket admits one adult (18+) AND one teen/child (ages 5 - 18)
• Admits: 1 Adult OR 1 Teen/Child (1 seat, 1 book)
  • When selecting this ticket, you are purchasing one copy of True Gretch YA. This ticket admits one adult (18+) OR one teen/child (ages 5-18)
• Please Note: Caregivers of disabled attendees and children aged 0 - 5 do not need a ticket

Plan Ahead:

• Seating is limited for this event. Attendees with accessibility needs will be guaranteed a seat, otherwise, seating is first-come-first-serve.
• Governor Whitmer will pre-sign all copies of True Gretch YA, so there will not be a signing line or meet & greet photo line.

About the Book:

The young adult edition of the unconventionally honest, deeply personal, and sharply funny account from Michigan governor and rising Democratic star Gretchen Whitmer is packed with remarkable insights for young people wishing to make a difference in the world.

When Gretchen Whitmer was growing up, her beloved grandmother Nino taught her that you can always find something good in other people. “Even the meanest person might have pretty eyes,” she would say, a piece of advice that Gretchen carries with her today in her role as the governor of Michigan. (And one that resonated more than another her grandmother offered: “never part your hair in the middle.”)

From navigating a kidnapping and assassination plot in which she herself was a target to facing monumental challenges during a global pandemic, Big Gretch (as she’s now known) shares the key pieces of wisdom that have shaped her trailblazing career and personal experiences in this often hilarious, always uplifting book. Along the way, she tells stories about growing up gutsy in the Midwest, the wild comments she’s encountered as a public figure, and how to neutralize high-profile bullies with a fearless sense of humor.

Told in her famously straightforward and slyly funny voice, this young adult edition of the governor’s story not only offers an intimate insight into the life of a politician with an astounding journey, but also affords extraordinary lessons for young people everywhere who wish to make a difference in the world.

Not able to join us? Order your copy here: https://www.schulerbooks.com/b...

About the Author:

Gretchen Whitmer is the governor of Michigan and a rising figure in US politics. Known for her bold and plainspoken style, Whitmer is a national voice on the rights of women, voters, and the LGBTQ+ community. She rose to national prominence for her leadership in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, when her efforts to save lives in the state earned her the nickname “That Woman from Michigan” from the president. Later that year, a domestic terrorist cell began planning to kidnap and kill her, a plot that was foiled by the FBI and state police. Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander who first ran for office at age twenty-nine, has served in both state houses, and has never lost an election. She is the proud mother of two daughters, a huge Detroit Lions fan, and the subject of the song “Big Gretch” by rapper GMac Cash.

About the Conversation Partner:

Shea Hicks-Whitfield is a seasoned Realtor who honed her expertise in Detroit. When the opportunity arose to star in HGTV's Bargain Block — alongside Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas — it was a no-brainer. When she's not working on a Bargain Block project, Shea spends time with her husband, Terry, her baby boy, Beau James. and her pup, Sofia. Through her business, Homes Sold by Shea, she also helps hopeful homeowners find the perfect place to live. Plus, fans constantly comment on Shea's super-cool style. She serves looks!