Talene Sarkissian, the Next Cyber Security Sleuth
September 16, 2021 Students
Talene with her parents at our 2018 Awards Celebration Talene Sarkissian is a graduate of our Workforce Prep program at Warren Mott High School and current undergrad at Tiffin University where she is studying for a degree in cyber security with a minor in homeland security and terrorism. With… Read More
Durell Thomas, Jr., Sports Photographer in the Making
September 16, 2021 Students
When it comes to iconic sports photos, Detroiters often recall the pic of Kirk Gibson roaring and leaping after he belted a heroic dinger in the ’84 World Series. Or maybe it’s the pic of Ben Wallace, leaving defenders six feet below as he got major air and attacked the… Read More
Experience something that inspires you. Become a mentor!
August 2, 2021 Mentor
There’s nothing like a global pandemic to make one step back and rethink life. Am I living my purpose? Am I spending my time doing the right things? A forced pause on our busy lives has given us time to look within ourselves at how we are living life. While we may not have… Read More
Supporting Employee Volunteerism is a Win-Win-Win-Win Scenario
July 20, 2021 Mentor, News
Offering your employees the opportunity to mentor a Metro Detroit high school student in our Workforce Prep program is a win for all involved! It only takes a 30-minute virtual or in-person mentor recruitment presentation to get started. For more information contact Kris Marshall at Kris@WinningFutures.org or 248-709-4488. For employers, encouraging and supporting employee participation in community-based… Read More
2021 Corks & Forks, A Roaring Good Time!
July 7, 2021 EventWho doesn’t love a good party? Especially this year! Our 13th annual Corks & Forks event did not disappoint. It was held on Tuesday, June 22 at the stunning Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester. The theme for this year’s event was a 1920’s Garden Party and the backdrop of the sprawling estate, manicured gardens and the beautifully set tables under the large white tent set the stage for a memorable evening. The highlight of… Read More
Zahira Gonzalvo, SVP and Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer at Flagstar Bank, Joins Board of Directors
July 1, 2021 Announcements
We are excited to welcome Zahira (Zah) Gonzalvo, SVP, chief information security and privacy officer of Flagstar Bank to our Board of Directors. “I am looking forward to be part of the Winning Futures board. I would love to increase the pipeline of students interested in technology and cybersecurity” said… Read More
Growing Together. The Mentor/Mentee Relationship.
June 24, 2021 Mentor, Students
Mentorship is a two-way street and offers so much more to mentors than simply feeling good about helping others. In the best of cases mentors find in their students a kindred spirit whose values, self-worth and energy connect with their own. It’s not just about wisdom flowing from the… Read More
Celebrating our Awesome 2020-21 Students, Mentors, and Sponsors!
June 8, 2021 Event
Our annual Awards Celebration was live and in-person this year! While we still practiced Covid safety protocols, the energy and excitement of being together on a perfect summer evening was undeniable. Some of our students met their mentors face-to-face for the first time, and other students were simply happy to see their mentors outside… Read More
In-Kind Items Needed for Corks & Forks
March 22, 2021 News
We are seeking fun and interesting items that will be used as auction or raffle items at upcoming events. All proceeds support our 2021-22 Workforce Prep students. Suggested items include: TICKETS to a super cool show, game, or special event. GIFT CERTIFICATES for amazing restaurants, posh hotels, or other unique… Read More
Tony Tomczak and Brandon Leslie Appointed New Board Members
March 22, 2021 News
Left: Tony Tomczak, Vice President of Corporate Services and Chief Procurement Officer for DTE Energy Right: Brandon Leslie, Vice President - Industrial at Barton Malow We welcome Tony Tomczak, vice president of corporate services and chief procurement officer for DTE Energy, and Brandon Leslie, vice president - industrial at Barton… Read More
Another Very Special Night, Corks & Forks 2025
On March 8, 2025, the ballroom at The Townsend Hotel shimmered with elegance as we hosted our 17th annual Corks & Forks gala. This year’s event, chaired by Teresa Thiele, Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing Programs at Stellantis, brought together community leaders, business professionals, and passionate supporters to celebrate ... Read More »
From Medicine to Tech: Shanaz Munni’s Winning Futures Journey
When Shanaz Munni joined our Workforce Prep Mentoring Program at Warren Mott High School in 2018, she thought she had it all figured out—she was going to be a doctor, but she really didn’t know how to make that dream a reality. Now, at 22, she’s preparing to graduate from ... Read More »
Student Spotlight: Durell Thomas Jr. Makes it to the Big Leagues
When I last wrote about Durell Thomas Jr. he was going into 12th grade (Year 3 of our Workforce Prep program) at Harper Woods High School. He was dreaming about becoming a professional sports photographer and learning how to put together academic and career plans. Read 2021 blog about Durell. ... Read More »
Scott Rice transitions to Chair Emeritus of BOD, Matt Joshua elected Chair
A personal note from Kristina Marshall, President and CEO, Winning Futures: Fifteen years ago, Scott Rice, president and COO of Powerlink Healthcare Support Services, joined our Board of Directors after attending our golf outing and visiting a Workforce Prep mentoring session. Words cannot describe how grateful I am that he ... Read More »
Forvia Group Vice President of Supplier Diversity, Lawrence Williams II, Joins Our Board of Directors
We are very pleased to announce that Lawrence Williams II has been elected to our Board of Directors. Williams is a transformational leader with over 28 years of success in the automotive and commercial vehicle industries driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence. In his role at Forvia, Williams leads strategic ... Read More »
Winning Futures offers CMA students, mentors, opportunity to grow
Note: Below is an article written by Korey Colton for his high school paper, The Communicator. Korey attends Communication & Media Arts High School in Detroit and is in our Year 2 (11th grade) Workforce Prep program. With permission, we have re-published it here. Learn more about our seven-year Workforce ... Read More »
Our 2024 Golf Social at Topgolf was a “hole-in-one” kind of success!
We held our first ever Golf Social on September 25, 2024, at Topgolf in Auburn Hills. Replacing our traditional golf outing of years past, the Golf Social at Topgolf provided much more opportunities for guests of all golf skill levels to participate, have fun, and network with senior business executives. ... Read More »
Marcus Sumrall is in our Year 2 (11th grade) program and wants to be a real estate agent and home renovator.
Marcus Sumrall is looking down the road, preparing for what’s next, and getting his work done well and on time. Marcus participated in our Year 1 (10th grade, life skills development) Workforce Prep program last year at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. He was mentored by Joshua Friday, battery ... Read More »
The Career Mentor Experience
“It has been so fulfilling to me to be able to share my experiences and see that it matters and that students are taking the information I’ve shared with them and doing something positive with it. It has been a blessing and a wonderful experience.” This past year we had ... Read More »
Nazifa Kadir is in our Year 6 (continuing education) program and attending the University of Michigan, studying for a degree in pharmaceutical science.
If you knew Nazifa Kadir back when she was in high school, you might be surprised to see the person she is today. Nazifa is a junior at the University of Michigan studying for a degree in pharmaceutical science. She is more assertive, outgoing, and confident in who she is ... Read More »
Rei Struga is in our Year 4 (continuing education) program and on his way to Wayne State University where he will study computer science.
“High school is a confusing and stressful time. You need all the help you can get.” These are the words of Rei Struga. He just graduated from Warren Mott High School and is on his way to Wayne State University where he will study computer science. He has a vision, ... Read More »
30th Anniversary Awards Celebration: $30,000 in scholarships awarded to 16 students; Seven students celebrated for graduating from college; 16 volunteers honored for their five or ten-year career mentoring anniversary.
Our 30th Anniversary Awards Celebration was absolutely loaded with good news. Held at Club Venetian in Madison Heights on June 10, more than 200 people gathered to bear witness to the amazing accomplishments our students have achieved and the generous support we receive from our volunteer career mentors and annual ... Read More »