2019-2020 Students of the Year
July 21, 2020 Announcements
Though we were unable to have our annual Awards Celebration, the Winning Futures team still found a way to safely honor each Student of the Year by taking the event to them with a "drive-up" celebration. Demonstrating a commitment to the Workforce Prep program through their hard work, dedication, and… Read More
SET Enterprises Chairman/CEO, Victor C. Edozien, Joins Board of Directors
July 20, 2020 Announcements
We are excited to announce the appointment of Victor C. Edozien, chairman and CEO of SET Enterprises, to our Board of Directors. “There is a moral obligation to serve the community in which you live and work,” said Victor. “Winning Futures’ Workforce Prep program is the tool needed for the… Read More
Winning Futures Celebrations Go Virtual
June 17, 2020 NewsWhen Michigan schools abruptly shut down in March, ending our program was not an option. We knew that, in the midst of a pandemic, students need us now more than ever. So, over the course of the past three months, to continue engaging and supporting our students, we held 126… Read More
Winning Futures Condemns Inequities and Racism
June 1, 2020 NewsWe recognize what is happening in our community and recognize the feelings we (our team, students, mentors, educators, board, and volunteers) are having. We are sad for the events that are going on and the loss of lives that have occurred. We believe that every student deserves to have a… Read More
Winning Futures Alum Helps Battle COVID-19
April 30, 2020 Alumni Success Stories, News
Tamia Brooks (left) participated in our program at Harper Woods High School and was mentored by Ursula Douglas, Managing Partner, Sprout Consulting Group (center). Tamia Brooks never thought she’s be in the trenches fighting a worldwide pandemic. But that’s exactly where she is. Tamia attended our Workforce Prep program as… Read More
A Tribute to James E. Lee
April 27, 2020 News
James E. Lee with his Mumford High School mentees. It is with great sadness we share that we lost an amazing mentor and friend, James E. Lee, on April 19, 2020. James was a transformative servant in his community and positively influenced the lives of many young men through serving as a… Read More
At-Home Life Skills Activities for Teens
April 1, 2020 Activities
School’s out, but we’re not! Make the most of at-home time with your student with these life skills development activities. Based on our award-winning and evidence-based curriculum, these simple and fun activities will help your student develop important knowledge and skills they’ll need to be successful. Check back every Monday through April 2020 as we’ll continue to… Read More
Corks & Forks Raises $365,000
March 13, 2020 Announcements, Event, News
Scott Thiele, head of purchasing and supply chain for FCA – North America, addresses guests at the 12th annual Corks & Forks, February 29, 2020. It was a perfect night – the wine was fantastic, the food was delicious, and our guests had a great time. Even better, we raised… Read More
25 From 25: Rosa Majeed
December 13, 2019 25 From 25, Alumni Success Stories, Announcements, News
Rosa Majeed, Marketing Liaison, St. Mary's Rehabilitation, Winning Futures Class of 2012 As a young Arabic woman, Rosa endured judgmental comments and sneering looks from peers who didn’t know her or understand her culture. Her grades declined and she wasn’t sure she would graduate from high school. Her mentor, Carol… Read More
25 From 25: Jordan Manning
December 13, 2019 25 From 25, Alumni Success Stories, Announcements, News
Jordan Manning, Student, Grand Valley State University, Winning Futures Class of 2018 Jordan had many big ideas for his future while a student at Pontiac Academy for Excellence. His mentor, Jonathan Smet, automated driving validation engineer at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, helped him narrow down his interests and create a plan… 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 »