En Garde! Detroit
En Garde! Detroit was my first social venture, founded in 2008 in Detroit, Michigan. I was in my twenties and knew nothing about starting a business or coaching. But, I knew I had to do something about the current situation facing Detroit Public Schools and the community.
During the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, Detroit became a prelude to the coming financial collapse. Facing bankruptcy and a school system with more challenges than answers. Detroit called on those who could contribute; I and many others answered during what I would later call the “Detroit Renaissance.”
Quest: Reach as many Detroit kids as possible - then send them to college on fencing scholarships.
Time: 2008-2014
Mastery Areas: Business Management, Grant Development/Management, Marketing, Sales, Coaching
Outcomes:
Served 10,000 youth annually - providing afterschool tutoring & supplemental education
Sent 8 to college on scholarships within two years
Sent three students to Junior Olympic Qualifiers from Detroit
Secured a US Olympic Fencing event for Detroit - Generating $4M in tax revenue over three days
Secured investment from Ascension Health to improve health outcomes in BIPOC communities
Awarded Governor’s Health & Fitness Champion
2x Spirit of Detroit Awards from City Council
Crain’s Detroit Business Top 20 in their 20s
Became one of the largest fencing programs in America, serving BIPOC
