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 saw it as an opportunity to gain work experience. Looking back, she now realizes it became the foundation for everything that followed.
Growing up wasn’t always easy. Destiny faced financial hardship, experienced domestic violence within her home and often found herself surrounded by distractions that made it difficult to stay focused on her long-term goals. She credits GDYT with giving her something different, a positive environment where she could grow, build confidence and begin seeing new possibilities for herself.
“I’d say GDYT helped me to build my ambition and my independence,” she said. “It gave me the grounds and the space and opportunity to grow.”
Through GDYT, Destiny was connected with Destined for Greatness, a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship and resources to young girls. What began as a summer opportunity became a lasting relationship. Destiny continued working with the organization through GDYT for eight consecutive years before being hired full time in 2023.
Throughout the program, Destiny gained much more than her first professional work experience. She learned workplace expectations, professionalism, networking, resume building and responsibility. More importantly, she developed relationships with mentors who encouraged her and introduced her to opportunities she may never have experienced otherwise.
“If I hadn’t had a job throughout the summer, I wouldn’t have met my mentor. If I hadn’t met my mentor, I wouldn’t have learned how to be professional in the workplace. If that wasn’t the case, then I wouldn’t have had a job. If I wouldn’t have had a job, I wouldn’t have been able to impact my community,” Destiny reflected.
Today, Destiny works full-time with Destined for Greatness and helping mentor young people, including incoming GDYT participants. She is also preparing to graduate from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Nearly a decade after first joining GDYT, Destiny experienced a full-circle moment when she was selected to serve as emcee for the 2026 Grow Detroit’s Young Talent Launch Event. Although surprised by the opportunity, she embraced the challenge and discovered a new level of confidence in herself.
“I’ve had opportunities to do things that were out of my comfort zone,” she said. “It’s boosting my confidence... I have a story. I can share my story and inspire other people.”
Looking ahead, Destiny hopes to earn her Ph.D. and become a university professor, continuing her passion for helping others through education.
For Destiny, the greatest impact of GDYT wasn’t simply helping her find a summer job.
It was helping her discover what she was capable of.
“It’s not necessarily about the summer job,” she said. “It’s about what the program has enabled me to do.”