Hy Local Guides, 
Welcome to the latest edition of the Local Guides Couple Spotlight 
! This series celebrates the unique bond of couples who navigate the world together while making it a better place through Google Maps. After recently exploring the story of Zac Falguni, I am thrilled to introduce you to another incredible duo from Detroit : @keithlabeau & @Erna_LaBeau. Their journey is a beautiful blend of accessibility advocacy, historical passion and unwavering mutual support.
Photo of @Erna_LaBeau & @keithlabeau, taken by @TusharSuradkar at Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.
Erna is a Level 
Local Guide and a Guiding Star of 2021’s Community Builder who joined the community in 2017. She is an Accessibility Champion 
who always on the lookout for inclusive features in parks and local shops. Her commitment to the community is evident in her support for inclusive community, such as her stories documenting the City of Ferndale Pride 
Community. Recently, she celebrated a major milestone: being invited to Connect Live 2025 
in New York.
Keith, a Level 
Local Guide is the historian of the pair. While he is still “Exploring the vibrant world of Connect”, he is deeply passionate about historical landmarks and meeting fellow guides. He often jokes that he doesn’t want to compete with Erna ; instead, he takes pride in being her "partner in discovery”.
Photo of @Erna_LaBeau & @keithlabeau, taken by @TusharSuradkar on his recent visit to Detroit.
A highlight of their journey was meeting @TusharSuradkar in Detroit during his “Meet You Under the Kern’s Clock 
” meetup. The trio also teamed up for the Detroit Pride Parade 2025 , showcasing the power of friendship and community. They spent an inspiring day with @TusharSuradkar at the Belle Isle Aquarium, focusing on sustainability 
and the preservation of aquatic life 
. They love celebrating love and friendship with the community & recently shared a special moment celebrating 20 years of Google Maps together during an accessibility walk 
in Downtown Detroit.
Let’s hear what Erna & Keith have to share about their couple’s journey!
- Do you two have any favorite places you visit often?
@Erna_LaBeau & @keithlabeau at Manistee North Pier Lighthouse & White River Light Station.
Answer : They find joy in the simple beauty of nature, whether it’s waking up at dawn to catch a sunrise 
or sitting 
patiently for hours to watch the sunset. They are the type of couple who will drive out into the quiet of a snowy night, turning off the car lights to let the shimmering snow guide them through a safe area - always chasing that perfect, “beautiful illusion 
” of light and landscape.
- Detroit has a diverse community. How do you and your partner support small local businesses in your neighborhood?
Answer : Living in a diverse hub like Detroit has taught them the value of an open mind. They make it a point to visit “oma opa” restaurants - those small, family-oriented gems - to try their food and provide honest reviews. They believe that every small business adds a unique thread to the local community & they truly love watching these “mom & pop” shops sprout and grow.
- You both participated in the Detroit Pride Parade. How do you use Google Maps to help the LGBTQAI+ community find safe and welcoming spaces in Michigan?
Answer : Whenever they spot a sign explicitly welcoming the LGBTQAI+ community, they make it a priority to document it. By adding photos 
and detailed reviews 
, they aim to inform others which cities and businesses are truly friendly and welcoming, helping people find spaces where they can feel safe and accepted.
- You both focus on neighborhood parks, walking trails & local businesses in Michigan. What is it about the Michigan Local Guides community that makes it so special to represent as a couple?
Answer : Working as a team gives them a unique advantage when interacting with business owners. While one person explains their mission as Local Guides, the other can cover different angles. Erna and Keith find that “four eyes are better than two” - they constantly point out details the other might have missed, ensuring their contributions are as thorough as possible.
- Looking back, what is one specific moment or meetup you experienced together that truly defined what it means to be a “Local Guide Couple”?
Answer : For Erna, the defining factor is Keith’s unwavering support. He is the man “behind the curtain” - the driver for their meetups, the bag carrier during photo shoots & even a frequent model for her pictures . He has a remarkable memory for the community, often recognizing the voices of iconic guides like @RosyKohli, @KashifMisidia, @TravellerG & many others during virtual meetups. While he discovers hidden gems, he still gets excited to show Erna new accessibility features he discovers ; proving he is a Local Guide in spirit through & through.
- With the 10th anniversary of the Connect Community approaching, what are you most looking forward to achieving next in your journey as a Local Guide duo?
Answer : They are diving headfirst into Keith’s growing interest: Historical Markers. This new focus provides the perfect excuse to explore lighthouses, old churches & historic parks. They are eager to keep traveling and meeting new friends, both virtually and in person, as they continue their journey as a “four-legged” mapping team.
-
Rapid Questions
: Erna Vs Keith- Morning hike
or sunset dinner for a mapping date? - Morning hikes. - First thing you check in a restaurant? - We prioritize reviewing the menu for health-conscious options, and as an accessibility enthusiast, Erna always ensures the restroom
facilities are documented to help others with similar needs. - Who is the one saying “Wait, let me take one more photo!” before eating? - That is definitely Erna.
- Your favorite local women-owned business? - Their favourite local women owned business is Rati Decor. Having them build it from day one & Erna is constantly amazed by how our contributions can support small local businesses on Google Maps.
- Morning hike
-
What is your best piece of advice for other couples who want to start contributing to Google Maps as a team?
Answer : Their advice is simple: “DO IT". They believe that mapping together strengthens a relationship by fostering mutual respect and shared time. Their tip is to pick something you both love - you don’t need to have identical interests, but you can always find a way to collaborate and benefit the community together.
Erna and Keith remind us that being a Local Guide isn’t just about the points or the levels; it’s about the shared experiences and the quiet impact we have on our communities. Whether they are chasing the Michigan sunrise or advocating for more inclusive spaces , they do it hand-in-hand, proving that the best maps are the ones we build together.
Stay tuned for our next spotlight & in the meantime, keep exploring and celebrating the people who make your journey worthwhile!
#couple@localguides
. It is truly heartwarming to hear how much 
makes being a Local Guide even more rewarding. And Keith, it is so great to see you finding your own unique niche in the community - welcome to the spotlight. 
& for sharing these wonderful memories and photos. It is truly heartwarming to see how the Local Guides community brings people together across continents - from working online on Accessible Life in 2020 to finally meeting in person in New York and Italy in 2025.
..
.
. (In Indonesia, ‘Mbak’ is a respectful term for an older sister 
We also interact in the World Female WhatsApp group, which helps us all stay connected globally. 
We do the same for her, too! 
What I remember most is her passion for the accessibility inclusive community, which led to her becoming an Accessibility Champion. 
I hope to see you again soon, Mbak, and this time I’m also looking forward to meeting 
