The Vision – 2026 Impact Report
From Exploration to a Plan: Akeem Brown Learns How To Build His Future
When Akeem Brown (right) entered our Workforce Prep Mentoring Program in 10th grade, he was beginning to think about his future and trying to figure out how to turn his interests into a plan. One year later, with guidance from his Career Mentor, Tommy Bell (center), of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago-Detroit, Akeem has new strategies for overcoming challenges, a better understanding of the importance of professional connections, and a clearer picture of where his interests might take him. Now, as Akeem begins year 2 (11th grade) of our seven year program, he’s ready to take the next steps toward his future. Read Akeem’s story to see how mentorship is helping him turn exploration into a plan.
92% of our Year 1 (10th grade) students learned new study skills.
Christina Lacked Confidence. Today, She’s the First in her Family to Attend College
When Christina Miller (center) joined our Year 1 (10th grade) mentoring program, she had big dreams but struggled to believe she could achieve them. Over the last three years and with guidance from her Career Mentor, Laura Tiesler (left) of Rocket Mortgage, Christina gained the confidence, resilience, and life skills to overcome challenges, become the first person in her family to attend college, and earn our 2026 Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship. This Fall Christina will enter our Years 4-7 (Continuing Education) program and study neuroscience as she pursues her dream of becoming an anesthesiologist. Read Christina's inspiring story and discover how caring adults are helping students build brighter futures.
91% of our Year 2 (11th grade) students improved their job-readiness skills.
Lina Yousef Was Unsure About Her Future. Today She’s Studying For A Degree In Engineering, Winning Scholarships, And Securing Internships.
When Lina Yousef entered our Workforce Prep Mentoring Program, she was a high school senior trying to figure out what came next. Today, she's in our Years 4-7 (Continuing Education) program while studing at Oakland University, earning scholarships, pursuing a degree in engineering with a minor in artificial intelligence, and gaining real-world experience through an internship made possible by mentorship. Her journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when students have caring adults who believe in them and opportunities that help turn potential into achievement. Pictured is Lina (left) with her Career Mentor Carmen Gaines (right) of Turner Construction. Read Lina's inspiring story, then learn how our Workforce Prep Mentoring Program and volunteer Career Mentors are helping students build brighter futures every day.
82% of our Year 3 (12th grade) students improved their knowledge of budgeting and how to pay for continuing education.
From Uncertainty to Career Success: How a Student’s Drive and a Mentor’s Consistency Paid Off for Hussam Omairat
Hussam Omairat (right) is a first-generation college graduate and recently landed a job in his chosen career field. But it wasn’t easy. As an immigrant from Syria, he didn’t understand how college, internships, and career planning worked. He entered our Year 1 (10th grade) program and with help from his Career Mentor, Mike Malaga (left) of Fifth Third Bank, Hussam developed the confidence, accountability, and perseverance needed to overcome challenges, earn a degree, and launch his career. His seven-year journey in our program is a powerful example of what can happen when a student’s drive is matched with consistent mentorship and support. Read the full story to learn how Hussam turned uncertainty into success.
100% of our Years 4-7 (Continuing Education) students completed one or more steps toward their education or career goals.
The Impact is Real: Our Students are Learning, Growing, and Succeeding!
Our students aren’t simply thinking about their futures – they’re developing the skills, creating the plans, and taking the steps necessary to achieve them. In our 2025-26 program year, 91 percent of our Year 2 (11th grade) students improved their job-readiness skills, preparing them to succeed in internships, jobs, and future careers. As graduation approached, 90 percent of our Year 3 (12th grade) students gained a better understanding of what it will take to achieve their education goals, helping them turn their aspirations into realistic plans. And, among students in our Years 4-7 (Continuing Education) program, 100 percent completed one or more concrete steps toward their education or career goals. Pictured is Winning Futures alum Hiro Pleasant (left) with mentor Sarah Zigila (right) of Orbis Holding Group. Read more about our 2025-26 impact.
93% of our Year 1 (10th grade) students learned how to set SMART goals.
More Than a Celebration: How Mentorship Helped Students Earn $111,000 in Support and Reach Life-Changing Milestones
Every scholarship awarded, every graduate recognized, and every mentor honored represents a story of perseverance, growth, and the life-changing impact of one caring adult. At our 2026 Scholarship Celebration, we awarded $61,000 in scholarships, announced $50,000 in support funds to help students stay on track toward graduation, celebrated students earning degrees and credentials, and recognized the volunteer Career Mentors and educational partners who helped make those achievements possible. Read the full story to see how mentorship continues to empower tomorrow's workforce.
81% of our Year 2 (11th grade) students improved their emotional intelligence.
Our Student Support Fund Has Awarded More Than $242,000
Unexpected expenses like a car repair, medical bill, or remaining tuition balance can derail a student's education and future. Our Student Support Fund helps remove those barriers, allowing students in our Years 4-7 (Continuing Education) program to stay enrolled, earn their credentials, and launch meaningful careers. Since its establishment in 2021, we have awarded more than $242,000 to help our students overcome unexpected financial expenses and stay in school. Read how this vital fund is changing lives, why mentorship alone isn't always enough, and how donors are helping students overcome life's unexpected challenges.
90% of our Year 3 (12th grade) students better understand what it will take to achieve their education goals.
You Don't Have To Have All The Answers To Make A Difference: Juan Garcia-Hinojosa's Mentoring Story
When Juan Garcia-Hinojosa (second from right) became a volunteer Career Mentor, he wondered whether he would know how to connect with a teenager or say the right things. What he discovered was that making a difference doesn’t require having all the answers. By consistently showing up, listening, and encouraging his student, Carlos, Juan helped him find the confidence to advocate for himself and take greater ownership of his future. Along the way, Juan learned just how powerful a mentor’s presence can be. Read Juan’s story to see how a few conversations, a little encouragement, and one caring adult can make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.
98% of our Years 4-7 (Continuing Education) students developed portfolio materials that will help them achieve their career goals.
Thank You to Our Awesome Board of Directors and 100+ Business Partners
Governing Board
Board Chair: Matt Joshua, Owner – E-MAD LLC
Chair Emeritus: Scott Rice, President – Powerlink
Vice-Chair: Frank Orsini, EVP and President of Seating – Lear Corporation
Secretary: Jeff Hoover, Chief Legal Officer – Alta Equipment Group
Treasurer: Sandra Shecter, Firmwide Director – Rehmann
Marcelo Conti, Senior Vice President NA Purchasing & Supplier Quality – Stellantis
Kristina Marshall, President & CEO – Winning Futures
Board of Directors
Juan Barerra, Vice President Global Ford Business Unit – Yazaki North America
Terry Bishop, President – Trilogy
Josh Christman, Vice President – Walbridge
Victor Edozien, CEO – SET Duct Manufacturing
Megan Fisher, Senior Vice President of Sales – Autoliv
Pete Hocke, Global Director, Supply Chain Operations – Ford
Ruomu Hu, General Manager of Harman Embedded Audio – Harman International
Kimberley Huot, Executive Director, Chassis Body Structures, Global Purchasing, and Supply Chain – General Motors
Rashaan Josey, President, Automotive – Bose Corporation
Angela Henderson, Principal Advisor – Henderson Executive Advisors
Todd Kennedy, Vice President North American Seating – Lear Corporation
Drew Parikh, President, AH Group
Scott Thiele, Chief Supply Chain Officer – Stellantis
Tony Tomczak, Director of Commercial Energy – Emotiv Mobility
Cheryl Zula, Vice President Purchasing – Magna Electronics
Business Partners
Click here to see a complete list of Business Partners.
