Women, girls key to Michigan comeback, Snyder says

By Chad Selweski
The Macomb Daily




Michigan’s economic comeback must include female entrepreneurs, college women in high-tech fields, and high school girls who crack gender barriers by engaging in programs such as competitive robotics, Gov. Rick Snyder said Monday.

Speaking to an energetic, overflow crowd of about 80 people – mostly women – in Clinton Township, Snyder launched the first of four “Women Strengthening Michigan” forums by pledging that in a second term of office his administration would focus on putting females into position to become employers or well-paid employees.

“It’s important to recognize the role that women play in this great state. We all know this, but we need to highlight it. We … want our kids to be better than we are,” said the governor.

The event, held at the Omega Talent agency, featured a panel of four women who emphasized that internships, mentors and role models are key to success, but a helping hand from government is also important.

Espy Thomas, co-owner of the highly successful Sweet Potato Sensations in Detroit, said many women work out of their homes in a variety of fields but don’t know how to take the next step.

“They have business savvy but they need to learn techniques, they need access to programs (for start-up businesses) so they can take their business outside of their home to a brick-and-mortar location,” said Thomas, a second-generation business owner.

The self-proclaimed “one tough nerd,” Snyder said he hopes to increase the number of co-eds who major in STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and math – or seek a career-tech path in skilled trades or advanced manufacturing.

Kelsey Erne, 21, of Warren told the crowd she is enrolled in a new state program called Michigan Advanced Technical Training, or MAT2, that involves eight weeks in the classroom at Oakland Community College and eight weeks of on-the job training at a high-tech manufacturing plant. Ernie’s MAT2 work at the auto supplier Brose is modeled after apprenticeship programs in Germany.

“I am one of four women enrolled among the 32 people in the program,” she said.

Gail Alpert, president of FIRST Robotics, said participants in middle school and high school competitive robotics acquire technical skills and an appreciation for teamwork by “learning from the pros,” through partnerships with businesses and universities. The effort could pave the way for more girls pursuing STEM careers, Alpert said.

With teams now in place from the Detroit suburbs to the Upper Peninsula, last year Michigan added 80 additional teams, more than the increase in the other 49 states combined.

District Judge Linda Davis, who oversees cases from Clinton Township, Mount Clemens and Harrison Township, recalled that a high school counselor once told her that she should get married and have children rather than pursue a career. Beyond her lengthy legal career, Davis launched a nonprofit group, Families Against Narcotics, which focuses in particular on the disturbing rise in heroin use by teens.

What started as a “mom and pop” operation in Macomb County, Davis said, will have nearly 20 chapters across Michigan by the end of the year

“It’s all about passion, taking that passion and finding a way to make it work,” Davis told the women and girls in the audience.

One of the men in the audience was state Rep. Anthony Forlini, a Harrison Township Republican.

“What an articulate panel of women,” Forlini said at the conclusion. “They exude so much confidence. I’m just so impressed.”