Carrie Leahy of Bodman PLC Named Joyce Ivy 2026 Leader of the Year
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Joyce Ivy Foundation announced today that it is honoring Carrie Leahy, Chair of Bodman PLC and one of Michigan’s most accomplished corporate attorneys, as its 2026 Leader of the Year. Ms. Leahy is recognized for her exceptional professional achievements, groundbreaking leadership as the first woman to chair Bodman in the firm’s history, and her steadfast commitment to advancing women in business and leadership.
The Joyce Ivy Leader of the Year award honors a woman whose professional excellence, integrity, and leadership serve as a powerful example for participants in the Foundation’s Summer Scholars program. Each year, the Joyce Ivy Summer Scholars program provides scholarships for high school women of exceptional promise from across the Midwest to attend pre-college academic programs at some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities.
“Joyce Ivy is proud to recognize Carrie Leahy for her remarkable career, visionary leadership, and dedication to opening doors for future generations of women leaders,” said Valerie J.M. Brader, President of the Joyce Ivy Foundation. “Carrie’s success in law, business, and civic leadership reflects the ambition and impact we encourage in our Summer Scholars. Her story demonstrates what is possible when talented young women are empowered to lead.”
Ms. Leahy joined Bodman in 2004 and has built an outstanding career in corporate and business law, advising both established and emerging companies on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital funding, corporate governance, and securities compliance. She has negotiated transactions exceeding $1 billion and has been widely recognized as one of Michigan’s leading business attorneys. Under her leadership, Bodman has continued to grow as one of the Midwest’s premier law firms while emphasizing collaboration, diversity, and innovation.
A graduate of the University of Michigan and Chicago-Kent College of Law, Ms. Leahy has consistently championed opportunities for women in leadership. In addition to her legal practice, she has served on numerous civic and professional boards, including Inforum, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone Local Development Finance Authority, and the United Way of Washtenaw County Campaign Cabinet. Her contributions have earned her recognition from Crain’s Detroit Business as one of Michigan’s 100 Most Influential Women and from DBusiness as one of Detroit’s 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders.
“The mission of the Joyce Ivy Foundation to empower exceptional young women through education and mentorship is deeply inspiring,” said Ms. Leahy. “I am honored to be named Leader of the Year and look forward to supporting these scholars as they pursue their ambitions and shape the future.”
“As a board member and past honoree, I’ve seen firsthand the impact this recognition has – both on the honoree and on the Scholars who look to these women as examples of what’s possible,” said Tina V. John, 2025 Leader of the Year and Joyce Ivy Foundation board member. “Carrie Leahy is an excellent choice.”
Carrie Leahy will be honored at the 21st Annual Summer Scholars Send Off in May 2026, where she will address the incoming class of Summer Scholars as they prepare to embark on transformative academic experiences. Joyce Ivy also looks forward to celebrating its growing network of alumnae and supporters as part of this annual event.
Past recipients of the Joyce Ivy Foundation Leader of the Year Award include Tina V. John of Unisys Corporation (2025), Kate Trumbull of Domino’s (2024), Dr. Jennifer Carlson of Arizona State University (2023), and numerous distinguished women leaders across business, academia, and public service.
You can purchase a ticket to attend the 21st Annual Send-Off Dinner here.
About The Joyce Ivy Foundation
The Joyce Ivy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and leadership development for talented young women from the Midwest. Through scholarships, mentorship, and access to transformative academic experiences, Joyce Ivy empowers the next generation of female leaders.
