Cindy Pasky tells DEC Young Leaders never put up a barrier

July 18, 2014 by

There is great power in “AND” vs. “BUT,” Strategic Staffing Solutions CEO Cindy Pasky told the Detroit Economic Club’s Young Leaders during a speech at Eastern Market in Detroit. S³ interns were among the 50 or so in attendance.

S3 CEO CIndy Pasky speaks to DEC Young Leaders Series at Eastern Market

S3 CEO Cindy Pasky speaks to DEC Young Leaders Series at Eastern Market

“Never put a barrier up in front of you,” Pasky said. In order to win, she believes you must work hard and outwork your competition. She did just that when she started S³ 24 years ago with little to no resources and has grown the company to roughly a quarter billion dollars.

A keystone of her speech was that there are three life lessons to achieve success:

  • Who are you looking to serve?
  • Why are you providing that service?
  • What’s the best way to execute the service?

Pasky also spoke about her struggles growing up. She said Eastern Market was her refuge and that she able to buy large portions of food for a cheap price.

Khalil Naim showcases accessory company

Khalil Naim showcases accessory company

At the conclusion of the talk, those attending had the opportunity to check out some Eastern Market vendors. Eastern Market veteran Khalil Naim of Creator of Unique Designs was one of them. Khalil says he’s been in business for more than 15 years with his African-inspired accessory company. His continued mission is to inspire people through his accessories.

“I like designing things and I like what I do. I was once told, ‘find a job you like and you will not see it as work,'” he said.

L to R: S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi

L to R: S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi

Khalil credits his longevity to persevering over challenges and not giving up. Eastern Market is not only a place for vendors to sell products but a mecca for hope and an important hub of the Detroit community.

For more information on the DEC Young Leaders Series, click here. For more information about Easter Market, click here.

Since its inception in 2011, the DEC Young Leaders Series is held approximately every month at Eastern Market. The series has its DEC board members speak about their company and experiences and offer tips in moving forward in chosen career fields. The Young Leaders are business professionals under the age of 36.

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S3 interns attend After 5 program kickoff

July 16, 2014 by

This year’s After 5 program kicked off at the beautiful Campus Martius Park. Festivities included an ice cream social, ping pong games and a networking scavenger hunt.

L to R: S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi pose for a photo op

L to R: S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi pose for a photo op

Interns from various companies in the Downtown Detroit area attended the event.

Created four years ago, the After 5 Program was established to retain young talent in Detroit. The program puts together activities where interns participate in fun, engaging networking events where they can form relationships in hopes to create a future in Detroit.

James Maier, S3 intern, reconnects with his intern friends

James Maier, S3 intern, reconnects with his intern friends

Some of the events include a loft party, dinner with the executives of various companies, and a town hall meeting with Michigan’s Governor Snyder.

At this year’s kickoff, S3 interns met with other interns to discuss their experiences and future plans within the city.

“It is a great first event. I am able to relate to other interns my age and network,” said Max McCain from BillHighway, reflecting on the success of the event.

Interns play an intense game of ping pong

Interns play an intense game of ping pong

If you didn’t know, BillHighway is a cloud-based financial solutions company.

Asia Ross, intern at S3, enjoyed the experience.

“This (After 5) program integrates all interns in the Detroit surrounding area. It allows us to socialize and build relationships with people who we wouldn’t normally interact with. I also appreciate the fact that people are exposed to the beautiful culture of Detroit versus the negativity we are always shown on the news,” said Ross.

The After 5 Program kickoff solidified its kickoff as a success amongst interns. Check out other events and photos regarding the After 5 Program here.

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Detroit’s Mosaic Youth Theatre is dancing in the streets of Europe

July 9, 2014 by

mosaicworldchoirgamesAs you may or may not know, the talented student members of the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit are visiting Latvia, Lithuania, and the World Choir Games. It really is a case of Detroit vs. Everybody as there are more than 500 competing choirs.

However, along the way, there has been a lot of singing and dancing breaking out, and we just had to share it!

Check out the the video below sent back from Europe. It’s on the streets of Riga, the capitol city of Latvia. It’s exciting to see Detroit represented in such a great way by such gifted young people. Follow the action with the hashtag #MosaicWCG14 on social media and we’ll also be posting some updates here.

Post by Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit.
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S3 sponsors annual career day at Clippert Academy

June 14, 2014 by

Local radio and TV personalities and many others joined the S3 staff as they spoke to students at Clippert Academy about their chosen career fields.

Guy Gordon talking about being a reporter and anchor to 8th graders

Guy Gordon talking about being a reporter and anchor to 8th graders

Vickie Thomas rewards a 6th grader will a blow-up ball

Vickie Thomas rewards a 6th grader will a blow-up ball

Guest speakers included WDIV’s Guy Gordon, WWJ News Radio 950’s Vickie Thomas, and Elise Ramsey from the Michigan Humane Society, to name a few.

This event was an opportunity for students to be exposed to different careers while witnessing what was required for each professional to obtain their position.

Students took notes as they listened attentively to the skills and classes needed to pursue each career.

“Career Day gives these young people building blocks upon which they can start developing their own careers,” said Cindy Pasky, S³ president and CEO. “Our hope is the careers these children choose will become a passion, not just a paycheck. Having people share their passion for the work they do will help achieve that goal and give these young people a look into what the future might hold for them.”

In 2013, Clippert Academy was recognized as one of the top Detroit schools by Excellent Schools Detroit.  Located in Southwest Detroit, this multi-cultural school offers a college-preparatory curriculum for grades 5-8.

ester Bryant listens to students questions about his position at the Michigan Chronicle

ester Bryant listens to students questions about his position at the Michigan Chronicle

Here’s how it worked.

The speakers went from class room to class room talking to small groups of middle schoolers about their profession, what they do, how they got started and what they did to prepare for a career in their chosen field.

Liz Blondy accompanied by her two dogs, Bunny and Argon, were a student favorite

Liz Blondy accompanied by her two dogs, Bunny and Argon, were a student favorite

One of the speakers included Lester Bryant of the Michigan Chronicle. Speaking on behalf of the career day, he said, “I’ve been going [to Clippert Academy] for the last 4-5 years.  The kids are always interested in the money I make, how it’s made and the process I used to get to where I’m at now.  It’s a good program.”

A student favorite was Canine to Five’s owner Liz Blondy.

Liz opened Canine to Five in 2005, which is now considered Metro Detroit Area’s finest dog daycare, boarding and grooming facility, to help pet owners and their dogs live a more balanced life together.  She spoke to the students about her love for dogs and her commitment to supporting small businesses.

S3 believes academic excellence is the foundation for a thriving community. Its people donate their time and resources to cater to the future of Detroit, starting with the youth.

 

 

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S³ donates hundreds of books to Carver Elementary School

June 9, 2014 by

For more than 10 years, S³ has donated books for elementary school students to the Detroit Public Schools. This year Carl Bentley, executive vice president and Shalini Lawson, Detroit branch manager, were on-hand to deliver hundreds of these books to Carver Elementary School on Detroit’s west side.

arl Bentley and Shalini Lawson presented books to Carver students

arl Bentley and Shalini Lawson presented books to Carver students

The books were donated by guests attending the S³ annual holiday party last December.

It was ideal timing for the delivery as a group of fourth and fifth grade girls of the LitWorld literacy program happily greeted Bentley and Lawson. Flanked by Principal Sabrina Evans and other Carver Elementary staff, the young hostesses of the LitWorld program listened intently to Bentley and Lawson as they spoke about the importance of literacy and S³’s role in helping promote that mission.

Bentley believes that S³’s continued dedication to improving literacy in students will be beneficial to the city of Detroit as a whole.

“Our commitment to academic excellence in the classroom helps instill discipline in our young people which in turn makes for better leaders in the community,” he said.

Principal Sabrina Evans and Carl Bentley

Principal Sabrina Evans and Carl Bentley

Principal Evans welcomed S³ executives with opened arms. “We are excited for the opportunity to have more books added to our accelerated readers’ inventory,” she said. She also spoke highly of the LitWorld program, “Our girls love it. I want the program to be extended to boys so they can also grow a love for reading.”

Detroit Public Schools teamed up with LitWorld, an international non-profit literacy organization, to enhance literacy in metro Detroit. LitWorld has established programs that encourage self-confidence and leadership in students. There are eight LitClubs in the district at Carver, Davison, Detroit International Academy for Young Women, Earhart, Garvey, Gompers, MacKenzie, and Palmer Park Academy.

Shalini Lawson helps stack books with students

Shalini Lawson helps stack books with students

Lawson was hands-on with the students. She shuffled through stacks of books as the girls looked on with excitement.

“This is what community service is all about,” said Lawson. “I love that I work for a place that can create this much enthusiasm for reading.”The program has positively impacted the girls at Carver.

“It’s great for kids my age,” said Adriana Smith, a fifth grader who loves the program. It teaches you about literature.”

The girl’s LitWorld group at Carver also helps organize the other students in the lunch room and auditorium. Because of this program Adriana says she wants to help more people in the future.S³ is committed to its mission in furthering culture, helping children succeed and giving back to the communities in which it does business. The company fulfilled a bit of that mission at Carver Elementary School.  With the company’s unwavering dedication to charity and community work, the S³ team looks to continue donating books to schools in the metro Detroit area.

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S³ sponsors 5K race on Belle Isle Grand Prix track to raise money for downtown Detroit safety effort

May 12, 2014 by

On Saturday, May 24 runners and walkers participating in the Grand Prix Shakedown 5K Run and Family Fun Walk can take a spin around the 2.3 mile Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix race track. The Grand Prix cars can do it in about a minute. A fast runner can do it in about 16 minutes and you get to see some terrific scenery.

580417_166456936865761_1121691927_nThe run and fun walk is not just about enjoying the scenery, checking out the race track or getting the fastest time. It is about helping the community. That’s the reason Strategic Staffing Solutions (S³), the Downtown Runners and Walkers, the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix and Penske Corp. host the annual race.

Those participating in the event are also part of the ongoing efforts to improve safety and security in Detroit. All proceeds from the race go to the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Safety and Security Program, a private/public strategy and implementation plan that provides a sustainable, safe environment.

GPSThe Shakedown 5K Run and Family Fun Walk, now in its 21st year, has always been a community/charity event. Contributions from corporate sponsors and run fees have helped the Shakedown raise nearly $500,000 for charities and community efforts since it began.

“Safety in Detroit, above all else, is essential to our city’s continued transformation,” said Cindy Pasky, founder, president and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions.  “S³, like other Downtown businesses, is committed to making our Downtown and our neighborhoods safe and secure. The dollars raised by the Shakedown will help the Downtown Detroit Partnership provide residents, employees and visitors with that safe environment.  Our goal is make all of Detroit clean, safe, and inviting.”

The Grand Prix Shakedown 5K Run and Family Fun Walk is Saturday, May 24. The walk starts at 8:30 a.m. The run starts at 9:00 a.m. What a way to begin Memorial Day weekend. You can register and get more information as well as ongoing updates by clicking here. The cost is $25.

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S³ adopts all five horses in the Detroit Police Department’s Mounted Unit

May 9, 2014 by

Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) has adopted the Detroit Police Department’s Mounted Unit for one year.  S3 will pay for the general care of the Mounted Unit’s five horses for the entire year, including hay, feed, vitamins, medications, bedding, vaccinations and vet costs, and new shoes and trim every six weeks. Care for one horse per year costs $7,500.

Cindy Pasky checks out the horses

Cindy Pasky checks out the horses

“Detroit must be safe and secure to attract the businesses and talent it needs to grow and continue on with its transformation,” said Cindy Pasky, president and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions. “The Mounted Unit plays a key role in that attraction through crime prevention and detection as well as community engagement. S3 is glad to help support the men and women of that unit as they work every day to keep our city safe.”

The Mounted Unit rides 365 days a year unless weather does not permit (below 15 degrees, heavy rain, lighting or ice storms).

They maintain police presence through daily patrols around busy Downtown and Midtown areas.  At night, the unit patrols entertainment districts and the Detroit RiverWalk.  Officers and horses also patrol neighborhoods and parks as needed based on crime activities.

DPD_Mntd182The unit patrols major sporting events at all three sports venues downtown (Comerica Park, Ford Field and Joe Louis Arena) and is on site during any concerts held at these venues, as well.

Additionally, officers and horses attend hundreds of school and community events as requested, as well as career days and block parties.

“The Mounted Unit represents an important branch in Detroit’s Police Department, including Search and Rescue and crowd control,” said Mounted Unit Sergeant Erik Eide.  “We are beyond humbled by Strategic Staffing Solution’s generosity in helping us care for our horses.”  The Mounted Unit is comprised of Big Baby, Elmo, Ivan, Tiny and Vader.

Cindy and Sgt. Erik Eide

Cindy and Sgt. Erik Eide

Sgt. Eide first met representatives from S3 in December at the Detroit Public Safety Foundation’s Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony, resulting in S3’s interest to adopt the horses.

“The service provided by the Detroit Police Mounted Unit to our citizens is immeasurable,” said Chief James Craig. “The very generous donation and adoption of our horses by S3 is more than just a financial pledge – it is a strong commitment to the community in which we all serve.”

The adoption was made through the Detroit Public Safety Foundation.

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S³ general counsel helps future lawyers find their beginning

May 3, 2014 by

Growing up is hard to do. Growing up without anyone to guide you through the pitfalls of adolescence is even harder. Those pitfalls can adversely affect any youngster, but for a person of color or lower socioeconomic status, the smallest tangent, can reduce career opportunities.

Christine Seppala of S3 champions Just the Beginning Foundation

Christine Seppala of S3 champions Just the Beginning Foundation

Those kids have a mentor in Christine Seppala, general counsel for Strategic Staffing Solutions (S³), and other attorneys through the Just the Beginning – a pipeline organization (JTB-APO). The program began in 1992 to provide students who need or want help the guidance about real life and real life in the legal world. Seppala is working to recruit other attorneys to the cause and, at the same time, help diversify the law student pipeline.

“This is this best time to start considering that the number of students pursuing law degrees has dropped nearly in half in the last five years,” she said. “The disparity among minorities is even greater. A promising legal career simply appears out of reach to minority students.”

Sweat equity as Mark Dinglasan, director of marketing & development for JTB, calls it, is needed from the business community to develop education modules and year-round programs. Companies such as Strategic Staffing Solutions (S³), Yazaki and Ally Financial are at the helm of this development.

“Real change is never easy and is never quick,” said Lois Bingham, general counsel and secretary for Yazaki North America, Inc. “Doctor, teacher or lawyer, as kid from Detroit, those were the only jobs I knew about. I decided on law because I didn’t think teachers would make much money. I hadn’t met or ever talked to a lawyer at that point in my life. I was clueless. Because I share my experience, is why Yazaki understand the importance of diversity.”

JTB was founded as a not-for-profit organization of judges, lawyers, and other citizens dedicated to developing educational programs to inspire and foster careers in the law among students of color and from other underrepresented groups from middle school through law school. The program starts early and reaches out to students as young as sixth grade so they will know the legal profession is a possibility for them. To help students who are ready to begin college JTB partners with many of college programs and actively helps its students find the program that is most convenient and best suited for their needs. When they enter law school JTB assists in this final push by offering a national judicial externship/clerkship referral program for qualified students.

Ninotchka Wright with JTB particpant Kyla Wright

Ninotchka Wright with JTB particpant Kyla Wright

Students like Renaissance High School Student Kyla Wright have benefitted big time. She beamed about her JTB experience. “We practiced oral arguments and learned about the law. We also got to make connections and networked. If you’re only used to only one thing and one standard of life, you’ll never do anything, but what you’re doing now,” said Wright.

Students like Wright are what JTB is looking for this summer. Students can sign up for the 2014 summer program by visiting the Detroit JTB website. Professionals of any industry are also invited to help. Contact Mark Dinglasan, director of marketing & development for details. In the three years since the Judicial Resources Committee-Just the Beginning (JRC-JTB) Summer Judicial Internship Project began, nine former JRC-JTB interns have been offered post-graduate clerkships.

As we repair our economy for today we must also strengthen our communities and prepare our children for the future.  “It’s time we all pay it forward,” said Seppala.

Paying it forward has really paid off for Kyla Wright. “I really love JTB and can’t wait to do it again this summer. I will use the skills from the program for a lifetime,” said Wright.  “For me THIS IS just the beginning.”

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S³, DTE Energy raise nearly $36,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit

April 28, 2014 by

IMG_20140410_180412_592Strikes. Spares. Gutter balls. It was all good when Strategic Staffing Solutions and DTE Energy teamed up to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit during “Bowl for Kid’s Sake.” The event raised nearly $36,000 for the charity.

L-R: Regina Green, Yvette Anderson, Alma Butkanus

L-R: Regina Green, Yvette Anderson, Alma Butkanus

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters largest fundraising campaign of the year.  Money raised through the campaign enables the organization to match children in a professionally supported one-on-one relationship with a caring adult. The goal is to provide children facing adversity with safe, strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better. Executive Vice

EVP April Donaldson and Detroit Branch Manager Shalini Lawson show off some cool duds.

EVP April Donaldson and Detroit Branch Manager Shalini Lawson show off some cool duds.

President Allen Coleman has served on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit board of directors for the past 14 years.

Nearly 200 people participated in the event. Several got into the 1960s theme of night … complete with fringed vests, granny glasses and hippy head scarves.

“We are thrilled our annual Bowl for Kid’s Sake event with DTE has proven to not only be fun, but also very successful in raising much needed funds to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit,” said April Donaldson, S³ executive vice president and one of the leads for the event.

“It is an honor to partner with our customer DTE each year to raise money that will contribute to mentorship that will impact the lives of hundreds and thousands of youth in our region,” she said.

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S3 puts its head, heart, hands and health into 4-H program

April 7, 2014 by

Strategic Staffing Solutions is committed to helping the next generation prepare for success. So when one its customers asked for support for 4-H, S3 jumped at the chance.

Cindy Pasky

Cindy Pasky

S3 was one of the sponsors at the National 4-H Council’s 5th annual Legacy Awards Gala recently held at the Newseum in Washington, DC.

“S3 is all about helping set children on the right course to succeed in life,” said Cindy Pasky, president and CEO. “4-H works with them to shape that course, define their place in the in the world and learn to stand up for themselves, their community and those less fortunate. It is a perfect fit for S3. Like 4-H we want to make the best better and we have pledged our heads to clearer thinking, our hearts to greater loyalty, our hands larger service and our health to better living.”

Pasky and two other S3 executives, Allen Coleman, executive vice president, and Jeff Nelson, vice president, attended the event. In addition, the ambassadors from Latvia and Lithuania to the US Andris Razans and Zygmantas Pavilionis respectively attended the gala. S³ has branches in both those countries.

L-R; Andris Razans, ambassador to US from Latvia, Allen Coleman, Cindy Pasky, and Zygmantas Pavilionis, ambassador to the US from Lithuania

L-R; Andris Razans, ambassador to US from Latvia, Allen Coleman, Cindy Pasky, and Zygmantas Pavilionis, ambassador to the US from Lithuania

Funds from the 4-H Legacy Awards Gala are used by the National 4-H Council to increase access and the opportunity for more young people to grow through a 4-H experience.  This includes:

  • Increasing programming in both urban and rural areas in the US
  • Building global partnerships and connecting U.S. 4-H youth to 4-H’ers on other continents
  • Preparing youth for STEM-based jobs, creating a healthier world and ensuring a food secure planet

At an early age, participation in 4-H encourages a love of agriculture and helps children begin to develop leadership skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives.  Research  shows 4-Hers are nearly four times more likely than their peers to contribute to their communities, two times more likely to make healthy choices and two times more likely to participate in science programs outside of school. In addition, 4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.

pledgecloverThe National 4-H Council pledges to share 4-H programs broadly and to amplify the urgent need for investment in youth.  More than 6 million youth, ages 8-19, are currently engaged in 4-H projects in the areas of citizenship, science and healthy living under the guidance of more than half a million adult volunteers.

While most of us think of 4-H as a program for rural communities, that’s just not so. Youth in urban and suburban areas are also engaged in the positive 4-H experience. In fact, 4-H is one of the largest youth development organizations in the world. Its Facebook page has more than 500,000 followers.

Allen Coleman with celebrity chef Anne Burrell

Allen Coleman with celebrity chef Anne Burrell

“As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H helps grow remarkable young people into confident adults with purpose,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council.

The organization has some pretty spectacular alumni including Andrew Bosworth, vice president of ads and pages at Facebook and inventor of the social media site’s popular “news feed,” and Anne Burrell, celebrity chef, author and Food Network host.  They received Distinguished Alumni medallions at the gala.

“Every year, the 4-H Legacy Awards gives us an opportunity to shine a light on the dynamic alumni, young people, professionals, donors and public figures who make the 4-H experience one that is life-changing,” said Sirangelo.

Just for the record one of every 7 adult Americans is a former 4-Her. Other famous former 4-Hers include David Letterman, Julie Roberts, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Alan Shepherd, Roy Rogers, Johnny Carson, Al Gore, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Lamar Alexander, Herschel Walker, Reggie White, Orville Redenbacher and Roslyn and Jimmy Carter.

4-H programs are implemented by the 109 land-grant universities and cooperative extension in the US through more than 3,000 local offices serving every county and parish in the country. Outside the United States, 4-H programs operate through independent, country-led organizations in more than 50 countries.

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