Manwell named outstanding 4-H alumnus
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EmailMonroe County 4-H alumnus Elizabeth “Lisa” Manwell, of Canton, was among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society at a ceremony on Oct. 3.
Monroe County 4-H alumnus Elizabeth “Lisa” Manwell, of Canton, is among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Manwell was recognized on Oct. 3 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation at the MSU University Club in Lansing.
The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership – extraordinary use of an individual’s head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better places in which to live. This recognition is provided by Michigan 4-H Youth Development with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
A respected automotive professional, Manwell has a long history with two Michigan motor giants: General Motors and Ford Motor Company. Over nearly three decades, she has led initiatives for both companies in product development, technology planning, manufacturing, global analysis and modeling. Currently, Manwell serves as vehicle planning lead for Ford's large SUV programs.
Manwell earned her bachelor’s from the University of Michigan in interdisciplinary engineering and obtained a second bachelor’s and an MBA from the University of Toledo. In 2005, the University of Toledo’s College of Business named Manwell its Young Alumni of the Year. She has also secured nine patents in machine learning and artificial intelligence, received a Society of Women Engineers Patent Recognition Award and was selected as one of GM’s 50 "pride builders" to help shape the company's culture following bankruptcy.
“[My 4-H experience] made a huge difference in how I think about and relate to the world around me,” said Manwell. “It made me believe that I could make a difference. My mantra is, ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’ I would not have this belief had it not been for my time in 4-H and the confidence I developed there.”
A Monroe County 4-H alumna, Manwell spent 12 years as a 4-H member, where she developed the leadership skills that later helped to guide her career. She represented Michigan at the National 4-H Conference, served on the state 4-H leadership committee, led youth leadership workshops at the former Kettunen Center and helped found the Monroe County Teen Ambassadors 4-H Club, which remains active today.
After completing her 4-H youth years, Manwell stepped right back in as an adult volunteer. For the past 37 years, she has dedicated her time to take on roles including club leader, fair superintendent, awards committee member, scholarship interviewer, State Awards judge and 4-H Shooting Sports Program instructor. Manwell has helped to mentor numerous 4-H members, while raising three of her own.
Beyond 4-H, Manwell has served on the Canton Township Board of Review, including several years as chair. She has also spent countless hours mentoring colleagues as a member of Ford’s Career Development Advisory Team, which supports employee advancement and development.
Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2026 were: Dalen W. Agnew, Williamston; Beverly K. Ferris Hain, Jenison; Benjamin J. LaCross, Lake Leelanau; State Rep. Gerald A. Neyer, Shepherd; Judith K. Paulsen, Hartland; Jackie A. Rider, Durand; Roxanne S. Turner, Fowlerville; and Emma J. Young, Detroit. Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society members are inducted every two years. The inaugural class of 62 members was inducted in 2002. For more information on the 4 H Emerald Clover Society and its members, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org/ecs.
Other honorees recognized at the 2026 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration included partners receiving the 2026 Michigan 4-H Citation Award, volunteers awarded the 2025 and 2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, volunteers awarded the 2025 and 2026 Michigan Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Awards, 50-year 4-H volunteers recognized in 2025 and 2026, winners of the 2025 and 2026 MSU 4-H Scholarship, and 4-H staff retiring since 2024. To make a donation in tribute of Manwell or another awardee, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/.
