We’re celebrating 30 years of empowering students and we’re ready for the next 30!
A message from President and CEO, Kristina Marshall, 1994-95 Winning Futures alum
It’s hard to believe, but the 2023-24 school year marks the 30th anniversary of our Workforce Prep program. The need for our program is higher than ever. We see this as a chance to learn more about what students need, create new activities and lessons to help them, and make an even bigger impact on those who need the program most. With support from our staff, mentors, teachers, business partners, and foundations, we have what it takes to help our students build the skills and confidence they need to live the life they dream of! Read more
Josh Hudson is on track to graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in electrical engineering.
Josh Hudson is a junior at the University of Michigan where he’s studying electrical engineering. After earning his degree, he hopes to work in the electrical engineering field, then one day give back by volunteering in an organization like ours. He has a vision for his future, which he clearly sees, and he’s developing the knowledge and skills needed for success. But it hasn’t always been easy for Josh to see a successful future. Pictured are Josh (right) with his career mentor, Matthus Joshua, owner of E-MAD, LLC, and former executive director of purchasing at General Motors. Read more
Angelica Tibbitts’ dream is coming true. She is the first in her family to graduate from high school and now she’s about to graduate from college.
For many people, breaking the cycle of poverty seems impossible. For Angelica Tibbitts, it’s her dream and it’s coming true. She’s graduating from Saginaw Valley State University and teaching at Pontiac Academy for Excellence. Pictured are Angelica (right) with her career mentor, Tracey Yacks, teaching and learning specialist at Ferndale Public Schools. Read more
Samer Alzuhairi has an electric future. He plans to attend college or trade school and study electrical engineering, then work as an electrician.
In five to ten years, Samer Alzuhairi will be the guy you call to rewire your house or fix that light switch that, no matter how many times you try, it won’t turn on! He has a vision and a plan, and with help from his career mentor, Jason Hurley, inside sales leader at McNaughton-McKay Electric Company, it will become reality. Pictured with Samer (right) is his career mentor, Jason. Read more
2022-23 was a year of significant growth for our high school and college students.
Our impact during the 2022-23 school year was impressive, despite continued struggles students are facing because of COVID and related fallout. 94 percent of our 10th graders improved their ability to work collaboratively on a team. 86 percent of our 11th-12th graders have a more positive view of their future. 90 percent of our college students improved their ability to persevere when faced with obstacles. Pictured are (L to R) career mentor Krystal Thompkin, senior supervisor at Delta Dental of Michigan, and Anastasiya Tymchyshyn, student at Warren Mott High School. Read more
We awarded $44,000 in scholarships to 18 students in our Workforce Prep program.
Our students are in the express lane to success. And to help them get there, we awarded $44,000 in scholarships to support their college, trade school, or other continuing education expenses. Special recognition goes to our President and CEO, Kristina Marsha and her husband Duane, for donating an additional $25,000 to our scholarship program in recognition of Kris’ 25th work anniversary at Winning Futures. Pictured are students at our recent Awards Celebration where they received their scholarships. Read more
“I got the job! And it was all because you showed me how to shake hands, look the manager in the eyes, and tell them why I would be a great employee. Thx!!”
Be a career mentor in our award-winning Workforce Prep program and you’ll get texts like this. Career mentors are Metro Detroit businesspeople who coach high school students through our program. Topics include career exploration, job readiness skills, and goal setting. We provide training and support. All sessions are held at the school with students, career mentors, staff, and teachers present. Participating schools include Cass Technical High School (Detroit), Communication & Media Arts High School (Detroit), Community High School (Sterling Heights), Harper Woods High School (Harper Woods), Pontiac Academy for Excellence (Pontiac), and Warren Mott High School (Warren). Learn more
Our most important ingredient: 176 local businesspeople who are volunteer career mentors.
When it comes to our Workforce Prep program, there’s no question about the most important ingredient – the local businesspeople who serve as career mentors. In the 2022-23 school year, we had 176 amazing career mentors in our program. And while they came from a variety of backgrounds and workplaces and have different reasons for getting involved, they all had one thing in common; a sincere desire to help local students find their passion and achieve their dreams. Read more
We are proud to have a committed Board of Directors that is dedicated to empowering our students.
Front (L to R):
Reggie Roland, President, District by Design
Brandon Leslie, V.P. of Industrial, Barton Malow
Tony Tomczak, V. P. of Electric Sales & Marketing, DTE Energy
Pete Hockey, Global Director – Supply Chain Operations, Ford
Middle (L to R):
Razzaaq McConner, V.P. of Purchasing & Supply Chain, Adient
Ellyn Davidson, CEO, Brogan & Partners
Kristina Marshall, President & CEO, Winning Futures
Matthus Joshua, Owner, E-MADD, LLC
Jennette Smith Kotila, Chief Marketing Officer, CRIMSON
Victor Edozien, President and CEO, BWD Technologies
Back (L to R):
Terry Bishop, President, BGM Electronic Services
Todd Kennedy, V.P. Global GM Seating, Lear Corporation
Scott Thiele, Senior V.P. of NA Portfolio Planning, Stellantis
Marcelo Conti, Executive Director, Purchasing, General Motors
Not pictured:
Jeff Hoover, Corporate Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLC
Ruomu Hu, V.P. and General Manager, Harman International
Tim Mailley, V.P. and Head of Global Ford Business Unit, Yazaki
Frank Orsini, EVP and President of Seating, Lear Corporation
Scott Rice, President and COO, POWERLINK
Sandy Shecter, Principal, Director of Solutions, Rehmann