DTE ’s REACH (Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage) energy group holds an award ceremony every year for their Trailblazers – employees recognized for their exceptional leadership and mentorship, who establish pathways of success for others to follow. This year, with the theme “Lifelong REACH from Ambition to Legacy,” REACH members and Trailblazers celebrated with the first awardees of the DTE Foundation REACH Skilled Trades & STEM Scholarship.
“The REACH Scholarship is a powerful way for our energy group to give back to the community and build a lasting legacy within the company,” says Denise Sampson, manager, Electric Field Operations and chair of the Scholarship Awardee Committee. “This inspiring initiative was driven by Cornelia Butler, our Scholarship Chair, and brought to life with the support of REACH members, the company, and the DTE Foundation.”
Denise says that the committee, including Maria Christian, Will Morris, Deonte Howell, and Andre Diaz, individually reviewed 74 completed applications and spent long hours calibrating to select the top 10 candidates for interviews. After the interviews, they recalibrated as a team to identify the top 5.
“Calling each student to share the news was an emotional highlight,” says Denise. “Their excitement and gratitude were overwhelming, and for me, personally, it brought tears to my eyes as I know how challenging it can be to worry about funding your education, and this scholarship is a meaningful step toward easing that burden.”
Congratulations to the scholarship recipients, including four graduating seniors and one college freshman, all pursuing STEM careers.
- Milton Jennings, a Cass Tech senior, will attend Stanford University in the fall majoring in Psychology with a steadfast plan to become a neurosurgeon.
- Antwan McMullan, a senior at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, will be attending Morehouse College this fall with a major in Computer Science.
- Madison Reeves, a senior at University Liggett School, is attending Alabama A&M University this fall with a major in Kinesiology or Sports Management.
- Madison Wilson is a senior at Cass Tech and will be attending Michigan State University in the fall with a major in Human Biology and Pre-Dental.
- Destiny Wright is a college freshman at Norfolk State University majoring in Chemistry, Pre-Med. Destiny graduated from Denby High School.
This year’s Trailblazers are Demetrio Dockery, Gas Operations supervisor; Yvette Johnson, vice president of Electric Sales & Marketing; and Trevor Lauer, vice chairman and group president, DTE Energy.
“The Gala exemplified excellence in a multitude of ways through Trailblazers and Scholarship Recipients,” says Denise. “I look forward to many more years of REACH continuing to uplift and invest in the communities in which we serve.”
