Que to C-Suite
The "Que to C-Suites" program is a transformative mentorship initiative dedicated to guiding Detroit's youth toward a future brimming with possibilities. The genesis of this program came in 2022 when Irvin Ashford, Jr., a distinguished excutive leader at Comerica Bank at the time, spoke to our students, sharing two powerful statements: "I quote Jay-Z in business meetings," and "I only report to the CEO."This "flex" resonated deeply, and our students saw themselves reflected in his journey. This initiative is not just about inspiration; it's about instilling a profound sense of empowerment by exposing our students to the stories and journeys of accomplished minority leaders.
We believe in the transformative power of representation. By showcasing the remarkable achievements of BIPOC leaders and illuminating the relentless effort behind their success, we aim to ignite a spark of ambition and resilience within our students. Our research at the Detroit Public Library revealed that while programs exist for college-aged students and HBCUs to connect with corporate leaders, none focus on connecting middle and high school students with successful BIPOC leaders from Fortune 5000 or global corporations. Our program is uniquely designed to fill this gap and has the potential to scale, reaching tens of thousands in Detroit and beyond.
Through this program, young minds immerse themselves in the corporate world, gaining insights into various roles within Fortune 5000 companies and discovering how they can carve their own paths. Equipped with a comprehensive set of skills, our students will emerge ready to take on the challenges of higher education, entrepreneurship, or their professional journeys, armed with a newfound understanding of the vast possibilities that await them.
Que to C-Suite: Program Pillars
Our annual program, "Que to C-Suite," is a year-long initiative that provides leadership, mentoring, entrepreneurial, and exposure opportunities. We take our students outside their daily routines, introducing them to leaders who succeeded while growing up in similar environments. Families of our students often cannot afford the training and travel they receive. We're developing an educational program designed to narrow the achievement gap for individuals aiming to reach the C-suite.
This program offers a distinctive approach to workforce development. While many programs focus on entry-level opportunities, we connect students to leaders from diverse backgrounds and pathways. Students hear from executives from multiple industries and are taken to the speaker's headquarters to see them in their professional environment. We're providing an overview of what executive-level leadership looks like and what representation means to our communities.
The opportunity gap is a significant factor in these career disparities. For example, as of 2024, there are only eight Black CEOs among the Fortune 500 companies, a near-record high. This stark underrepresentation highlights the need for programs that create new pathways and provide access to quality training and education for underserved communities. We are committed to closing this gap for talented individuals who lack traditional avenues to success.
Our initiatives span four key areas:
1. Career Center Development: Strengthening the link between educational opportunities, corporate culture, and community life.
2. STEAM Education and Technical Training: As pioneers in innovative STEAM programming, we equip students with the necessary skills for a 21st-century workforce.
3. Industry and Professional Study Tours: We expose students to a broad spectrum of knowledge through immersive experiences and training.
4. Training in Hard and Soft Skills: Our programming is designed to enhance both technical and vocational skills, along with critical soft skills like communication and higher-order thinking.
Our Featured Guests
Our program provides invaluable exposure to minority leaders who have broken barriers and achieved success at the highest levels.
Past Guests:
Marcus Reliford, Store Director, Meijer Rivertown Market
Carmen Branch, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Comerica Bank
Irvin Ashford,Managing Director, Head of Fair and Responsible Banking, Charles Schwab
Upcoming Guests:
Bruce Jackson, Associate General Counsel & Managing Director, Strategic Partnership/Office of the President, Microsoft
Michael Bickers, Regional President, Detroit and Southeast Michigan, PNC Bank
Darryl Riley, Chief Sustainability Officer, Hostess
Tracey Gibson, Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, Andersen Corporation
