WINNINGFUTURES.ORG - Key Persons
Akia is a positive-life advocate who has a passion for helping others achieve the life they dream of. Joining our team in September 2022, Akia's goal is simple; to positively impact the lives of youth by assisting in cultivating a strong-minded, intelligent, and confident generation.
As a former youth counselor, Akia's passion for youth development and wellness is not a new journey. She served as a panelist at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Center for Excellence Behavioral Health Policy Academy, spearheaded a university-wide mental health awareness initiative at her alma mater, received certification in Mental Health First Aid, and currently coaches a girls' volleyball team.
As a match manager, Akia supports our program team by cultivating relationships with our 11th - 12th grade students and mentors and assists with the overall coordination of our one-on-one mentoring program.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity I have here at Winning Futures to continue inspiring and uplifting the youth," said Akia. "The work we do is so important. We're giving the next generation of leaders the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and make a difference in their communities. I'm glad to be a part of this mission."
Akia was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. After 18 years in the city, she attended Cheyney University, the nation's first historically Black college, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, played on their volleyball and tennis teams, and was a member of PSI-CHI, the International Honor Society of Psychology. She now lives in Sterling Heights where she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and giving back to her community by coaching and mentoring young athletes - making sure to never forget her roots.
Alexus has an immense passion for youth development and providing resources and opportunities to young people. She joined our team in June of 2022. As a program manager, Alexus will support high school students in our One-on-One Mentoring program as they work towards their dreams.
Alexus is a graduate of the University of Michigan where she discovered her passion for young people through on-campus mentoring. Most notably, she worked with Barton Malow's Bootcamp where she facilitated sessions on conflict navigation, financial literacy, time management, and other topics. Through her experiences, she has seen the importance of having guidance and support along any path taken.
"Development of the whole person is the goal. Focusing on professional development and overall wellness of students is imperative," said Alexus. "Winning Futures is doing just that, and I'm excited to work for an organization that recognizes the importance of positive student development."
Alexus is a native Detroiter and in her free time she enjoys travelling and trying new local restaurants. When she is not in a restaurant or on a beach, you can find her in the kitchen trying new recipes - she specializes in chocolate cake and banana pudding.
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Bryan joined our team in August, 2011. He believes in the power of leadership and has spent most of his career advocating for his country and community. As a program facilitator, he is passionate about delivering our in-class mentoring and life skill development curriculum.
Prior to joining Winning Futures, Bryan was the process excellence manager for the Detroit based facilities management company Powerlink. While at Powerlink he also served as the company's corporate trainer. In that role his responsibilities included developing alternative employee learning methods, peer coaching, e-learning, and curriculum development to support workforce development and organizational benchmarks.
Caitlynn is an instructional design professional with a passion for young adult learning. She joined our team in June of 2022 as a program manager and oversees our College Success Mentoring Program, a virtual mentoring for our alumni who are now in trade school or college. She brought with her several years of experience in workforce prep, college access, and retention.
Caitlynn began her career as an AmeriCorps college adviser with the Michigan State University College Advising Corps where she supplied personalized career and post-secondary coaching to rural students and families. She was nominated for the Peter and Laurie Grauer True North award for her focus on skilled trade pathways and incorporating gamification into the coaching curriculum and was selected to serve on the College Advising Corps CEO Advisory Council. Caitlynn helped launch the Summer Success Program with the Blue Water College Access Network to increase matriculation in St. Clair County and supported the development of virtual college preparatory enrichment and academic development programs at Wolverine Pathways with the University of Michigan. Most recently, Caitlynn counseled students and families as a financial aid officer at Wayne State University.
"We rise by lifting others," said Caitlynn. "I am here because of all the incredible mentors I have had in my life, and it is a privilege to provide the same opportunity for others."
Caitlynn is a Warren native and graduated from Warren Mott High School. She spent a year as a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholar in Germany and went on to receive her bachelor's from James Madison College at Michigan State University in social relations & policy in 2017. She earned her Master of Education in learning design & technology at Wayne State University in 2023. Caitlynn also enjoys teaching eco-friendly art workshops around Metro Detroit, hiking, and kickboxing.
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With passion for making an impactful difference for the people and organizations he serves, Chris joined our team in February, 2018. As the director of operations, Chris oversees our events, fundraising, marketing, and communications.
"It's important that my work means something," said Chris. "Winning Futures makes an impactful difference, empowering young people to succeed. Knowing that my work contributes to this mission, to help people become self-reliant, employable, and productive adults, that's what fuels my soul."
Chris brings to Winning Futures a comprehensive mix of skills and experience in the nonprofit sector. At Wayne State University he developed programs and services that encouraged holistic student development, then later managed and directed the WSU Alumni Association's membership program and events. At Henry Ford Health System, he served on the annual giving team, developing strategies for increasing stakeholder engagement and fundraising. Most recently he worked for the Arthritis Foundation at the local and national level, helping increase awareness, participation, and support for advocacy, research, and programs that empower the arthritis community to live healthier and happier lives.
Chris attended Michigan State University for his undergraduate degree and Wayne State University for his master's degree. He lives in the Grosse Pointe area and, when not spending time with his lovely wife, awesome son, and mischievous dog, he enjoys exploring ethnic cuisine, rooting the Tigers to another victory, and the tasty pleasures of ice cream.
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Improving the lives of others has always been a driving force in Daniela's career aspirations. She joined our team in August of 2019. As the donor relations manager, Daniela oversees grants, sponsor retention, and ensuring donors receive recognition for their contributions.
Daniela brings with her nearly 10 years of non-profit experience. She worked for non-profit organizations including Presbyterian Villages of Michigan and the YMCA, where she created and implemented wellness programs for a variety of populations, oversaw the growth and development of the wellness departments, and cultivated relationships with the residents and members she served. She has seen the importance of building relationships and making a positive impact on individuals, at any age, and it is one of the many reasons why Daniela was excited to join our team.
"Having someone in your corner, encouraging you to dream, to try, and to get back up again if you fail can make all the difference in the trajectory of your life. I know it has for me. I am proud to be a part of an organization that provides that kind of support."
In her spare time, you will find Daniela in the dance studio-either taking classes or rehearsing for her next performance with the professional modern dance company, Take Root Dance. Daniela lives in Detroit with her amazing husband Evan and her golden retriever Ludington. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a dual degree in psychology and dance performance, and although born and raised in Wisconsin, she is now a devoted University of Michigan fan.
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Florence is an ambitious, goal-focused, and dynamic individual who is passionate about all aspects of business. She joined our team in September 2023. As the data and process coordinator, Florence creates and updates our internal processes and helps manage our CRM database.
Florence has worn many different hats during her career. From a retail manger where she developed her love of customer experience, to working in the live events industry rubbing shoulders with celebrities and even getting a wave from Barack Obama. Her most challenging and bravest achievement was starting her first business in the retail sector at just 21 years old. Florence completely understands the passion, hard work, and motivation that comes with running your own business.
No matter where Florence has worked, she has always given 110 percent and prides herself on her ability to produce high quality work. She lives by the motto, ‘If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.'
Florence moved from the UK and relocated to West Bloomfield, MI. She enjoys spending weekends exploring Michigan with her family, overindulging in all the different tastes of America, and loves nothing more than burning off all the extra calories working out at the gym.
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Jeanne believes, "The key to happiness is helping other people" and can't think of anything more rewarding than helping kids achieve their dreams. She joined our team in July 2023.
As a program assistant, she helps plan and organize our in-class sessions while providing administrative support to our team. She also provides hands-on support to our students as they learn the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful.
Jeanne has worked as a freelance copyeditor and earned a Specialized Certificate in copyediting from University of California, San Diego. Prior to joining Winning Futures, she worked in digital marketing as a website content strategist and search engine optimization specialist. She's comfortable wearing many hats, which she credits for where she is today.
Jeanne is a former foster parent who enjoys making a difference where it matters most--locally, and she's proud to be part of our mission, helping empower young people in our community to achieve their dreams.
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Joi is a non-profit professional with a passion for youth advocacy and development. She joined our team in December 2022. As a development assistant, Joi oversees donor appreciation and fundraising event guest lists, and assists with creating proposals, grants, and reports.
Joi has more than 10 years of experience working in the non-profit sector. At her former employer, The Youth Connection, she was the program manager of a health and nutrition program. In this role she, along with a team of facilitators, educated elementary through middle school-aged children and their parents on the importance of incorporating healthy habits into their lifestyles. She also was the lead facilitator for the Youth Connection Career Academies' year-round and summer workforce development programs. Joi's interest expanded to fund development where she assisted with planning and solidifying sponsorships for all fundraising events.
"I am excited to learn and grow in fund development. It feels good to know that what I do matters and will have a lasting impact. I am thrilled to be a part of the Winning Futures Team!"
Joi grew up in Detroit and attended Central Michigan University (fire up chips!). She earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in broadcast and cinematic arts with a minor in marketing/advertising. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and The Ladies League of Detroit. Joi loves to travel, attend concerts, sing karaoke, and spend time with her family and friends in her spare time.
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