Blast Detroit’s EV Automotive Mobility Program prepares Detroiters for an electrified future

Blast Detroit has launched an innovative program, the EV Automotive Mobility Program, that equips Detroiters with the skills necessary for jobs that will soon be in high demand. The program offers hands-on training in the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles, as well as education in internal combustion engine technology, in an effort to bridge the gap and address the racial disparity within the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Only roughly 2% of EV owners are Black, a statistic often attributed to vehicle costs and a notable lack of charging stations in predominantly Black neighborhoods, often referred to as “charging deserts.” The racial disparity within the EV industry is not just about car ownership; it extends to broader implications for public health and economic opportunities. RELATED: Students of The Blackbottom Group’s EV Automotive Mobility Program in Detroit learn how to repair and perform maintenance on electric vehicles. | Photo by One Detroit High asthma rates and air pollution have disproportionately affected Black Americans in zip codes where electric vehicle adoption has been slower due to a lack of infrastructure. Additionally, the lack of charging stations has hindered mobility and participation in the gig economy, especially in urban areas.  Ray Smith, the visionary behind the Deroit program, spoke with One Detroit Senior Producer Bill Kubota, to shed some light on the critical mission of the program and the skills students are being taught. Smith also talks about how he hopes the program will narrow the employment gap, improve health outcomes, and promote green job opportunities in communities of color.  Stay Connected Subscribe to Detroit PBS YouTube Channel & Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit PBS, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @amblackjournal. View Past Episodes > Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

Michigan’s higher education experts discuss college access, equity for communities of color

​A sobering reality persists for many students from communities of color trying to enter one of Michigan’s many higher education institutions. Often, they’re met with a myriad of challenges and barriers in the pursuit of higher education access and admission. From systemic inequities to financial constraints, these aspiring scholars often confront multifaceted hurdles that can hinder their dreams of post-secondary education.   

The Blackbottom Group’s EV Automotive Mobility Program prepares Detroiters for an electrified future

The Blackbottom Group has launched an innovative program, the EV Automotive Mobility Program, that equips Detroiters with the skills necessary for jobs that will soon be in high demand. The Program offers hands-on training in the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles, as well as education in internal combustion engine technology, in an effort to bridge the gap and address the racial disparity within the electric vehicle (EV) industry.  Only roughly 2% of EV owners are Black, a statistic often attributed to vehicle costs and a notable lack of charging stations in predominantly Black neighborhoods, often referred to as “charging deserts.” The racial disparity within the EV industry is not just about car ownership; it extends to broader implications for public health and economic opportunities.

The implications of Michigan’s population stagnation: A conversation with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Population stagnation is a challenge faced by many states and regions across the nation, and Michigan is no exception. It’s a predicament that, if left unaddressed, experts say could have significant and far-reaching consequences for the state’s economy, workforce and long-term prosperity. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has made addressing this issue a top priority and has established the “Growing Michigan Together Council” to propose solutions. The council’s findings and recommendations, anticipated in December, will play a pivotal role in determining the state’s trajectory.  

Navigating the Return to Office | Future of Work Series with Detroit Economic Club

[embedded content]How companies are navigating the return to office post-pandemic While companies wrestle with new ways of working, a range of solutions, and a range of employee reactions to those solutions, are emerging. The office offers places to build important relationships and work collaboratively toward business objectives. So why has a return to the office been so challenging — and what can business leaders do to transform their space to support people and earn the commute? RELATED: Join One Detroit and the Detroit Economic Club for a conversation with Steelcase Inc. President and CEO Sara Armbruster and Rocket Companies President and COO Bill Emerson to hear how they’re managing this new reality and why they still believe work is better when people are together. About the Speakers: [et_pb_accordion_item title=”Sara Armbruster, President/CEO, Steelcase Inc.” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Sara Armbruster is the President and CEO of Steelcase Inc., the company trusted by organizations around the world to create inspiring, productive, adaptable, and safe workplaces. In addition to her role on the company’s board of directors, Sara brings executive experience from several positions to the office of CEO, which she assumed in October 2021. Most recently, she served as executive vice president of Steelcase and, before that, as vice president, strategy, research and digital transformation. As leader of this group, Sara was responsible for advancing digital technologies and digital transformation at Steelcase, as well as leadership of the IT organization. Sara also has had responsibility for a range of innovation activities including global design research, the design and implementation of new business models, and the development of external growth opportunities, including acquisitions and partnerships. ln addition, in past roles Sara has had oversight for the company’s Applied Research + Consulting practice, Steelcase Health, Steelcase Education and the PolyVision subsidiary, which Steelcase divested in 2019. Before joining Steelcase, Sara served as vice president of business development at Banta Corporation, a publicly traded global printing and supply chain services company based in Menasha, Wisconsin. ln that role, she led strategy development and managed all merger and acquisition activity. Sara also worked for McKinsey & Company in Boston, Massachusetts and Andersen Consulting in New York, New York. Her consulting experience spanned industries and included work in North America, Europe and Asia. Sara currently serves on the board of directors of Winnebago Industries and Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose. She also sits on the boards of Business Leaders for Michigan, The Right Place and BIFMA, and she is a trustee of the Steelcase Foundation. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in Slavic languages and literatures from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut; a master’s degree in international relations from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C.; and an MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. [et_pb_accordion_item title=”Bill Emerson, President/COO, Rocket Companies” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Bill Emerson is President and Chief Operating Officer of Rocket Companies. Since August 2020, he has also served as Vice Chairman of Bedrock. In this role, he is responsible for leadership, growth and development of culture. From 2002 to 2017, Bill was Chief Executive Officer of Rocket Mortgage, the Company’s flagship business, a position he held for 15 years. Bill is a member of the Board of Directors of Xenith, Inc., a football helmet company dedicated to advancing safety through innovation and education; the United Way of Southeast Michigan; Detroit Economic Club; Detroit Sports Organizing Committee; Housing Policy Council; Mortgage Bankers Association; National Football Foundation; Rocket Giving Fund; The Parade Company; the Detroit Children’s Fund and the Skillman Foundation. Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Penn State University. Bill’s extensive leadership roles in our key businesses for many years gives him a unique understanding of our business, culture and history through many economic cycles, which is particularly critical given recent executive transitions and the current macroeconomic challenges. His senior leadership experience also will provide our Board with valuable perspective in significant areas of oversight such as long-term strategy, budgeting, risk management, human capital management and succession planning. Stay Connected Subscribe to One Detroit’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss One Detroit Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter @DPTVOneDetroit, and Instagram @One.Detroit View Past Episodes > Watch One Detroit every Monday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Detroit Public TV on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

By |2025-02-05T20:53:49+00:00October 24th, 2023|Detroit Economic Club, Future of Work, Workforce Trends|

Navigating the Return to Office | Future of Work Town Hall

[embedded content] How companies are navigating the return to office post-pandemic While companies wrestle with new ways of working, a range of solutions, and a range of employee reactions to those solutions, are emerging. The office offers places to build important relationships and work collaboratively toward business objectives. So why has a return to the office been so challenging — and what can business leaders do to transform their space to support people and earn the commute? RELATED: Join One Detroit and the Detroit Economic Club for a conversation with Steelcase Inc. President and CEO Sara Armbruster and Rocket Companies President and COO Bill Emerson to hear how they’re managing this new reality and why they still believe work is better when people are together. About the Speakers: Sara Armbruster, President/CEO, Steelcase Inc. Sara Armbruster is the President and CEO of Steelcase Inc., the company trusted by organizations around the world to create inspiring, productive, adaptable, and safe workplaces. In addition to her role on the company’s board of directors, Sara brings executive experience from several positions to the office of CEO, which she assumed in October 2021. Most recently, she served as executive vice president of Steelcase and, before that, as vice president, strategy, research and digital transformation. As leader of this group, Sara was responsible for advancing digital technologies and digital transformation at Steelcase, as well as leadership of the IT organization. Sara also has had responsibility for a range of innovation activities including global design research, the design and implementation of new business models, and the development of external growth opportunities, including acquisitions and partnerships. ln addition, in past roles Sara has had oversight for the company’s Applied Research + Consulting practice, Steelcase Health, Steelcase Education and the PolyVision subsidiary, which Steelcase divested in 2019. Before joining Steelcase, Sara served as vice president of business development at Banta Corporation, a publicly traded global printing and supply chain services company based in Menasha, Wisconsin. ln that role, she led strategy development and managed all merger and acquisition activity. Sara also worked for McKinsey & Company in Boston, Massachusetts and Andersen Consulting in New York, New York. Her consulting experience spanned industries and included work in North America, Europe and Asia. Sara currently serves on the board of directors of Winnebago Industries and Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose. She also sits on the boards of Business Leaders for Michigan, The Right Place and BIFMA, and she is a trustee of the Steelcase Foundation. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in Slavic languages and literatures from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut; a master’s degree in international relations from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C.; and an MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. Bill Emerson, President/COO, Rocket Companies Bill Emerson is President and Chief Operating Officer of Rocket Companies. Since August 2020, he has also served as Vice Chairman of Bedrock. In this role, he is responsible for leadership, growth and development of culture. From 2002 to 2017, Bill was Chief Executive Officer of Rocket Mortgage, the Company’s flagship business, a position he held for 15 years. Bill is a member of the Board of Directors of Xenith, Inc., a football helmet company dedicated to advancing safety through innovation and education; the United Way of Southeast Michigan; Detroit Economic Club; Detroit Sports Organizing Committee; Housing Policy Council; Mortgage Bankers Association; National Football Foundation; Rocket Giving Fund; The Parade Company; the Detroit Children’s Fund and the Skillman Foundation. Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Penn State University. Bill’s extensive leadership roles in our key businesses for many years gives him a unique understanding of our business, culture and history through many economic cycles, which is particularly critical given recent executive transitions and the current macroeconomic challenges. His senior leadership experience also will provide our Board with valuable perspective in significant areas of oversight such as long-term strategy, budgeting, risk management, human capital management and succession planning. Stay Connected:  Subscribe to One Detroit’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss One Detroit Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter @DPTVOneDetroit, and Instagram @One.Detroit View Past Episodes > Watch One Detroit every Monday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Detroit Public TV on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

By |2024-01-31T19:15:08+00:00October 23rd, 2023|Detroit Economic Club, Future of Work, Workforce Trends|

Michigan Muslim, Arab Americans’ share their population growth strategies with the Growing Michigan Together Council

Amidst a broader backdrop of population stagnation in Michigan, an American Muslims Town Hall at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, organized by the Growing Michigan Together Council (GMTC) and the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), brought together council workgroup members, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to delve into the critical issues shaping Michigan’s future. Led by Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, GMTC council and workgroup members were there to gather ideas and develop recommendations for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on how to grow Michigan’s population.

Michigan’s higher education experts discuss college access, equity for communities of color

​A sobering reality persists for many students from communities of color trying to enter one of Michigan’s many higher education institutions. Often, they’re met with a myriad of challenges and barriers in the pursuit of college access and admission. From systemic inequities to financial constraints, these aspiring scholars often confront multifaceted hurdles that can hinder their dreams of post-secondary education.    In a high-impact panel discussion led by host Stephen Henderson, some of the state’s top experts in higher education diversity, equity, and inclusion including Fatima Salman, President of the National Association of Social Workers-MI; Kimberly Faison, Director of Community and Economic Development at Detroit Future City; and Onjila Odeneal, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), came together to address the issues of college access and achievement for students of color in Michigan’s higher education system.   The panelists talk about how Michigan can improve outcomes for young students of color and what Michigan’s institutions of higher education must do to diversify their admissions and ensure first-generation students have the support they need.   Stay Connected:  Subscribe to Detroit Public Television’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @amblackjournal. View Past Episodes > Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

Pasa la Palabra: Latin-X-Tech event celebrates Detroit’s Hispanic, Latino Americans in the tech industry

Hispanic and Latino American workers make up 17% of total employment across the nation, but just 8% of all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers, a 2021 PEW Research study found. Despite their small share, they still make large contributions to their industries, as evidenced by the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation’s Pasa la Palabra: Latin-X-Tech event.  RELATED: Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation fundraises to support hurricane fiona relief in Puerto Rico The event, held in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, brought together a diverse group of Hispanic and Latino American technology professionals, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts for a day of connection and celebration. Attendees were treated to a lineup of conversations from industry experts who focused on the importance of Hispanic and Latino American representation in technology, as well as panel discussions with small business owners from Detroit.  Members of Detroit’s Hispanic and Latino American communities talk about their involvement in robotics and engineering at the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation’s Pasa la Palabra: Latin-X Tech event. | Photo by One Detroit The event was more than just a place for networking and learning, however. It was a platform for Detroit’s Hispanic and Latino American communities to showcase their achievements, share their stories and address the challenges they face in the tech industry. It also celebrated Hispanic and Latino American culture through its food, music and local artisan offerings.   One Detroit contributor Bryce Huffman visited the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation’s Pasa la Palabra: Latin-X-Tech event to learn how Detroit’s Hispanic and Latino American communities continue to carve out their place in the tech world. He talks with Anita Zavala, the entrepreneurship and wealth-building director at Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; Jessie Feliz, the founder and lead educator of Spanish S.W.A.G.; Eye Breathe Design Founder Eddi Gonzales; and Mikey’s Cocina Founder Miguel Mendez Roman, who is also the building manager at the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation. Stay Connected Subscribe to One Detroit’s YouTube Channel and don’t miss One Detroit on Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit PBS, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter @DPTVOneDetroit, and Instagram @One.Detroit View Past Episodes > Watch One Detroit  Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. ET on Detroit Public TV on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.

Pasa la Palabra: Latin-X-Tech event celebrates Detroit’s Hispanic, Latino American tech industry

Hispanic and Latino American workers make up 17% of total employment across the nation, but just 8% of all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers, a 2021 PEW Research study found. Despite their small share, they still make large contributions to their industries, as evidenced by the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation’s Pasa la Palabra: Latin-X-Tech event.  

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