Cafecito Caliente and Title Sponsor Lake Trust Credit Union are proud to announce Bj Salazar as the 2026 Rising Star of the Year. The award honors a young professional whose leadership, dedication, and commitment are already making a lasting impact in the Hispanic Latino community and beyond.
Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, BJ Salazar grew up surrounded by family and friends around the North Side of Lansing. From a young age, he developed a deep passion and love for the city of Lansing, the community that shaped him and continues to inspire his commitment to serving others. He is the son of Emma Montalvo Salazar and Billy Salazar and spent much of his childhood visiting his grandparents, Lupe and Quirino Salazar and Susana and Felix Montalvo, alongside his siblings, Isiah and Alexis Salazar. Many of his younger years were spent with cousins on Porter Street or riding bikes around Gier Park. Growing up in a large, close-knit family shaped BJ’s strong sense of community and his belief in always putting family first.
BJ attended Lansing Eastern High School, where he met his wife, Jessica. A dedicated student-athlete, he played baseball and received numerous awards for his accomplishments. His passion for the sport continued at Siena Heights University, where he played college baseball.
After graduation, BJ became a manager at Aim High Sports Complex. In that role, he helped establish a youth basketball league that grew to more than 185 teams across Michigan and partnered with Michigan State University and NBA athletes to host youth camps. From 2013 to 2015, he also served as an assistant baseball coach at Lansing Community College.
BJ began his career with General Motors in 2015 and has spent the past 11 years growing through a variety of roles, including management. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving on successful launch teams that helped bring the three products currently built at Lansing Delta Township Assembly to production. That work was recognized with GM Launch of the Year. BJ has also helped lead his team and plant to achieve the highest Global Manufacturing Systems score in GM North America, reflecting his commitment to operational excellence, teamwork, and developing people.
Beyond his professional achievements, BJ is deeply committed to serving his community. Through GM, he has volunteered with and supported organizations including Ronald McDonald House, Ele’s Place, Capital Area Humane Society, Toys for Tots, Old Newsboys, and Making Strides. He currently serves on the Board of the General Motors Latino Network and was a member of the Leadership Lansing 2026 cohort.
Outside of work, BJ enjoys spending time with his wife, Jessica, and their children, Arielle and Lennox. Many weekends are spent camping at Silver Lake Sand Dunes, while weeknights often bring the family to local ballparks, where BJ plays softball or 30-and-over city league baseball. He also volunteers as a baseball coach at area high schools.
BJ is honored to be a Lansing native and proud to contribute to the Latino community. His story reflects a lifelong commitment to family, leadership, mentorship, service, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Lake Trust Credit Union was a proud sponsor of the 2024 Cafecito Awards, the Title Sponsor in 2025 and Cafecito welcomes them back to have them as the Title Sponsor for the 2026 Awards!
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