Success Stories

Laying a Foundation for a Career

Oct 01, 2026

For Charles F., hands-on workforce experience helped turn an interest into a path toward his future career.

Through Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT), Charles participated in Detroit Workforce Fund (DWF), where he gained exposure to the workforce and opportunities to develop skills outside of the classroom.

His experiences also gave him opportunities to take on leadership roles and make an impact in his community. Charles helped lead a neighborhood beautification project, contributing to community improvement efforts while strengthening his teamwork and project management skills.

Through Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) and other workforce development opportunities, Charles continued exploring career pathways....

Detroit Youth Turns Sheriff

Oct 01, 2026

For Joshua S., preparing for a career started before he ever graduated from high school.

As a junior and senior at Pershing High School, Joshua participated in Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG), where he gained access to career exploration, mentorship, and workforce development opportunities that helped prepare him for life after graduation.

Through JMG, Joshua was connected to Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) and Detroit Workforce of the Future (DWF), a job shadowing program that introduced him to careers within the construction industry. Through the program, he toured companies including Barton Malow, AJAX, Iafrates, and Levy, gaining firsthand exposure to....

Investing in Opportunity: How JPMorganChase and Detroit at Work Are Connecting Detroiters to Careers

Sep 22, 2026

JPMorganChase was driven by its commitment to invest in Detroit. In September 2022, the firm launched its pilot Virtual Call Center in the city and set out to hire local talent. As the initiative took shape, the need to partner with an experienced workforce development organization became essential. Consequently, JPMorganChase collaborated with Detroit at Work (DAW), which quickly proved to be the right partner to support its goals in Detroit and helped to strengthen its local talent pipeline.

As the City of Detroit’s workforce development agency, DAW was able to engage the mayor’s office early, helped to align key....

Local Auto Supplier Invests in Employees

Aug 24, 2026

For Sylvester Hester, President and CEO of LM Manufacturing, building a successful workforce means recognizing when employees need support beyond the workplace.

As a Tier 1 automotive supplier, LM Manufacturing has worked closely with Detroit at Work to identify workforce challenges and develop solutions that help employees remain successful on the job.

One of those challenges was transportation.

For some LM Manufacturing employees, a lack of reliable transportation created a barrier to getting to work and maintaining employment. Rather than lose employees because of circumstances outside of the workplace, Hester and LM Manufacturing looked for a way to help.

“Sometimes....

Removing Barriers to Success

Aug 18, 2026

For Appollos, building a better future for himself and his son meant staying committed to his apprenticeship with the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters (NMRCC).

But during the winter of 2025, an unexpected transportation challenge put that future at risk.

When his car broke down, Appollos couldn't afford to purchase another vehicle or rely on rideshare services to get where he needed to go. Without reliable transportation, getting to work and picking up his son from school became increasingly difficult.

“My son is my everything. He motivates me to want more and to be better,” Appollos said. “This winter....

National Hospitality Group debuts in Detroit

Jul 13, 2026

Union Square Hospitality Group’s (USHG) portfolio includes the full dining experience, from quick-service and fast-casual concepts to Michelin-starred and James Beard award-winning restaurants.

Between those spectrums is a variety of restaurants that each offer their own distinctive style and cuisine. While each location brings a unique identity, the thread that weaves them all together is a commitment to provide Enlightened Hospitality.  

At its core, Enlightened Hospitality is the belief that taking care of employees first will shape the way the company does business, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits all stakeholders. It is the company’s guiding principle behind each....

Empowering Youth for Success

Jun 22, 2026

Every journey starts somewhere.

For Destiny Sanders, it began with a simple goal: finding a summer job.

As a high school sophomore growing up in Detroit, Destiny knew she wanted to work. She wanted to stay productive during the summer and, even at a young age, knew she wanted to help people. What she didn’t know was how that desire would eventually shape her future.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to help people,” Destiny said. “I just didn’t know how.”

When her aunt encouraged her to apply for Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) in 2016, Destiny....

No Network, No Roadmap, Just Detroit at Work

Jun 18, 2026

Brittany Claybrooks is a Detroit native with deep roots on the Northend, east side, and Inkster. Although she currently works as a senior advisor for the jobs and economy team in the mayor's office, her story is one of triumph and perseverance.

She began as an at-risk youth expelled from the public school system and a foster care youth. After being admitted into Peterson-Warren Academy, she graduated as salutatorian.

“The older I [became], the more I realized that [the early stages of my life] taught me about not giving up and what it means to be from Detroit, having grit,”....

From GDYT Participant to Finding His Purpose

Feb 16, 2026

Born and raised in Detroit, Victor Mgbeafulu’s journey to workforce development began before he joined Detroit at Work’s Data Team.

As a high school student preparing for his senior year, Victor was looking for opportunities to gain experience beyond the classroom. While participating in Math Corps, a summer academic enrichment program, he learned about Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) through a school counselor who encouraged students to explore workforce opportunities.

At the time, Victor was beginning to think seriously about life after high school but had limited professional experience.

“It gave me kind of an idea of what it may....