Meet the Class of 2019 Fellows
Dadrien Barnes
Human Resources
Habitat for Humanity – Huron Valley
“Leadership, to me, is not only about caring for and developing your team as people, but it’s about empowering them to make a difference in the world, even in your absence.”
Alba Bautista Aguilar
Product Development, Ford of México
TECHO
“If I had $1 million I would start to create a new company that would make accessible and affordable to everyone a zero waste lifestyle, providing everyday items without a plastic wrap or package and with a refill mindset.”
Alexandra Brekke
Marketing, Sales and Service
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives
“Leadership, to me, is showing empathy for others, getting things done and never asking someone to do something you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself.”
Erin Rose Briggs
Product Development
Central Detroit Christian Community Development
“I believe in fairness and equality and am motivated and passionate to leverage my strengths to work to create a humanistic environment that will lead to big-picture, broad-impact, positive societal changes.”
Jabari Brooks
Information Technology
Central Detroit Christian Community Development
“More than just a car manufacturer, the influences of Ford are clearly visible across the map how the company has had positive impacts in areas and efforts that are not remotely related to the core business.”
Luree Brown
Manufacturing
LifeBUILDERS
“I think Ford is a great organization that is striving to be part of the next revolution of moving and connecting people.”
Keith Clark
Manufacturing
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation
“I get involved in community by: Volunteering at homeless shelters and mentoring the youth.”
Robert Collard
Mobility Solutions
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation
“I think Ford is a company and a family that will look after its employees through good times and bad. Ford has fed my family for more than two generations and I am grateful to be part of a company like this one.”
Rachel Cyranski
Purchasing
Habitat for Humanity – Huron Valley
“It’s important to be a part of the community because: It is our responsibility as human beings to help one another”
Reinald Deda
Quality
Habitat for Humanity – Huron Valley
“It’s important to be a part of the community because we are strongest when we work together. We become part of the community fabric, which offers a sense of belonging and support.”
Kristina Diduck
Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Canada
The Neighbourhood Organization
“Leadership, to me, is about people. It’s about having a positive attitude, listening to others with an open mind, and working to understand all involved. It is important to support a safe, encouraging environment to ensure all feel empowered and trusted.”
Nizar El Amrani
Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford of Canada
The Neighbourhood Organization
“Leadership, to me, is about being authentic and true to yourself. This is key to building trust and developing honest relationships. A great leader also shows passion and compassion in order to inspire people to be their best and deliver powerful results.”
Itzel Garrido Ambriz
Ford Credit, Ford of México
TECHO
“If I had $1 million, I would invest it on education. I believe education is a key point not only on the development of the cities but also a safer and healthier environment.”
Claire Gembrowski
Purchasing
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation
“Leadership, to me, is putting people first. The best leaders lead with kindness and empathy.”
John Hagermanfletcher
Engineering
LifeBUILDERS
“Whether we realize it or not, being part of a community is a basic human need. Being part of the community means helping those that are disenfranchised and disconnected reconnect with their neighbors and restore part of themselves.”
Faith Henderson
Information Technology
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives
“It’s important to be a part of the community because it gives individuals a sense of purpose and belonging by letting them know they are loved and cherished. That way everyone can build together to create a stronger future for all involved.”
Alexandra Hippen
Product Development
LifeBUILDERS
“Leadership, to me, is: Thinking of others before yourself and helping your team succeed"
Michael Jones
Product Development
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives
“Ford is a great place to work, and I really love the workplace culture. I have also seen in my few years at the company and in Thirty Under 30 that Ford is a force for good in the Detroit region.”
Elyssa Kopke
Engineering
Habitat for Humanity – Huron Valley
“It is part of our civic duty to understand what’s going on in our community so we can make informed decisions in our everyday lives that impact the people around us. Even beyond that, I think it helps us grow as individuals to be a part of our community. It removes our blinders.”
Brianna Krus
Human Resources
Central Detroit Christian Community Development
“Each and every person has a wealth of knowledge to contribute, and leadership is the ability to effectively support those members, and create an environment where they are not hesitant to share their knowledge and ideas!"
Julia Marcu
Finance, Ford of Canada
The Neighbourhood Organization
“It’s important to be a part of the community because: supporting one another is the only way to create positive change."
Cameron Merritt
Marketing, Sales and Service
Habitat for Humanity – Huron Valley
“Leadership, to me, is service to others. Leadership is also having a vision and the clear ability to communicate the vision in a way that motivates and inspires people.”
Ernesto Meza Medina
Product Development, Ford of México
TECHO
“Leonardo Da Vinci, inspires me to be my best self. He was one of the greatest minds in human history. What I admire the most is that he was able to think out of the box with the purpose to investigate even when some of the stuff he was doing was against the social norms.”
Sarah Miller
Product Development
Central Detroit Christian Community Development
“Leadership, to me, is investing yourself fully. A true leader is emotionally and physically invested in their team and their organization.”
Juan Navarro Ortiz
Product Development, Ford of México
TECHO
“If I had $1 million I would start my Mexican engineering company aimed to help, in the best way, my country with ecofriendly solutions and products that can make other people’s life better, especially with the ones that need it most.”
Lindsey Pakula
Global Data, Insight and Analytics
LifeBUILDERS
“It is easy to get comfortable with your immediate surroundings. Getting out into the community helps you better understand people who may have had a different experience, despite living in the same geographical area. This knowledge can shift your perspective of what is genuinely beneficial for the community.”
Renata Palomino Robles
Communications, Ford of México
TECHO
“Leadership is about inspiring but also is a combination of the ability to encourage a team to be the best on what they do, to be passionate and be conscious of the value of each member.”
Andrew Pozniak
Product Development
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation
“To me, leadership is not something you are appointed to, certified in, or ever a master of. Leadership is a much more personal embodiment of several unselfish, honest, and well-intentioned choices. I was always taught to lead by example and treat others the way you wish to be treated – that your character was defined by how you acted when nobody was looking.”
Mujadded Qureshi
Product Development
Central Detroit Christian Community Development
“I think Ford is a rare corporate company that is fully invested in philanthropy.”
Ashmita Randhawa
Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Canada
The Neighbourhood Organization
“I think Ford is more than a mobility solutions company. It is a partner to the communities and governments in designing future cities and improving the present ones.”
Roshini Venkatesh
Engineering
LifeBUILDERS
“I get involved in the community by being a part of it with a huge sense of belongingness, offering my time and commitment to a cause for betterment.”
Anthony Villano
Research and Advanced Engineering
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives
“It’s important to be a part of the community because community is at the core of who we are and why we do what we do.”
Maria Xenos
Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Canada
The Neighbourhood Organization
“It’s important to be a part of the community because change happens from within.”
KaiLi Xie
Finance
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation
“I get involved in community by attending community events and volunteering at local nonprofits.”
Marisa Zelip
Research and Advanced Engineering
Central Detroit Christian Community Development
“A community isn’t just a collection of buildings; it’s a collaboration of people that are proud of their history and future. I think it’s important to be a part of the community in order to maintain the culture. Becoming a storyteller strengthens partnerships and moves the people forward.”